En Garde!

[Jared L. Cass]

Scholars, we should all have something to say reguarding this question:

What is your prefered long-sword en garde (ready posture prior to attacking/defending) guard? Is it: pflug (middle), ox (well, ox is ox), alber (low), vom dach (high), or coda longa (tail/back)? Why? How does this guard compliment your favorite tactics? <img src="/forum/images/icons/confused.gif" alt="" />

While it may be hard to do, let's try to keep this simple and not throw in too many variables! I'll get things started:

Generally speaking, pflug is my favorite. Pflug allows me to attack and defend, from the left and from the right, and from high and from below. All on equal terms.

From pflug, it's also very easy to spring forward or backwards. One of my favorite tactics is to quickly close with an opponent, get inside his/her space, and "go to work" from there. To me, pflug seems to be the most efficient guard to carry out this tactic.

A very close second personal favorite would be alber. Alber does much of the above. It's often deceptive in the speed in which it takes to close with an opponent. The one draw-back, personally, is the added movenent and time required to defend. Because of this, more movement is detectible on my opponents end (i.e.: it's generally easier for my opponent to tell what my likely response would be).

Jared L. Cass, ARMA Associate, Wisconsin

p.s.: WARNING, for those of you who will be attending the International event...I'm taking notes! <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Stuart McDermid]

Hi Jared,

I prefer the open fight with the hands above the head and fight according to Silver's instructions. From here I can make a very strong attack, can drop into a hanging ward and defend on a pass forward and left, or I can slip back a little and cut at him as he gains me the place by his coming in.
Cheers,
Stu.

[Scott Anderson]

I find myself using all the guards rather than any one, if I had to list one or two i tend to use more than others they'd have to be von dach, tail and nebenhut. otherwise i vary depending on what my oponent is using.

SPA

[Guest]

Well, I'd like to say that I don't have a "favorite" guard, and that I use whatever seems appropriate to the moment, and respond to what my opponent does. In reality however, I find myself free fighting most often from Pflug. It is a kind of neutral and protective position and can defend the lower openings easily. From Pflug you can quickly transition to Ochs and defend the upper openings. And of course, you can make quick thrusts to both upper and lower openings from Pflug or Ochs. I also find that from Pflug, in response to a blow directed to the upper openings, I can easily cover myself with a transition through Hengen as I step off-line and cut around to the opposite side or close to grapple. I guess the number of techniques I feel confident doing isn't really very big so I tend to stick to what I know I can do well. I'm trying to expand the range of things I can do, and sometimes force myself to use guards and techniques I'm not really comfortable with, but when the heat is on, I usually fall back into what feels safe and reliable.

[Jake_Norwood]

I think they all have their place. Pflug, for me, is the defensive default--it's where I go when I'm tired or intimidated by my opponent. Vom Tag is probably my favorite outside of that, however--over the shoulder if I'm feeling aggressive, over the head if I'm feeling neutral. Tail is my resting position before I really get tired (because if you're too tired then tail is a long way to go for any action); I use iron door when I'm feeling fancy. I save ochs for reactions, mostly, although occasionally I'll begin there, usually when I want to try something new.

Jake

[Jared L. Cass]

Real nice so far! Matt, I think you really got to the heart of the question. There's much to be said about practicing, practicing, practicing basic techniques which are comfortable to each individual swordsman. Like you said Matt, "I guess the number of techniques I feel confident doing isn't really very big so I tend to stick to what I know I can do well". When under pressure, a swordsman must be able to keep fighting. It really does come down to the basics, doesn't it? Getting comfortable with the basics, until they become instinctual, is what lets us stay safe and destroy our opponents.

Hopefully I'll soon get to that "instinctive" response...but as always, much work is needed. Matt, you really got to the root of the question!

Jake, it was real great to read about how your guards often reflect your attitude. I believe that this is what's meant by being able to "read an opponent". Even in a non violent situation, how a person carries him/herself can tell alot about how they feel about themselves and there place in society. Of course, here's where we can also create a false impression and lure our opponents into a trap. Great stuff!

Jared L. Cass, ARMA Associate, Wisconsin

[Mike Cartier]

Zornhut
Love the guard or wrath