Royal Infantry Combatives Manual/Two-Handed Arm Techniques

<h3 data-rte-spaces-before="1" data-rte-spaces-after="1"> The Guards </h3>
<p data-rte-fromparser="true">There are three types of guards, or the ready position, for these two handed weapons.  Ideally there is no difference in the three, other than the obvious relationship of weapon placement. However, the guard determines the flow of movement of the weapon, so understanding of these basic guards not only aids in your own attack, it also will give someone insight into how their opponent may be attacking. The Three Guards are listed below: 
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<h4 data-rte-spaces-before="1" data-rte-spaces-after="1" data-rte-empty-lines-before="1"> The Low Guard: </h4>
<p data-rte-fromparser="true">Also known as the <b>Fools Guard</b> is achieved by lowering the tip of the weapon with the hands. In this guard either leg may lead. The weapon is held head down, usually between the legs rather than outside of or next to them. The position is deceptively open and allows for quick counter strikes.
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<h4 data-rte-spaces-before="1" data-rte-spaces-after="1" data-rte-empty-lines-before="1"> The Middle Guard: </h4>
<p data-rte-fromparser="true">Also known as the <b>Plow</b> is achieved by lowering the weapon to the middle. Either passing or making a single small step of the foot in transition is useful here. The point should aim at the opponent's chest or throat and the hilt should be held more off to the side in front of the hip joint rather than dead center between the legs. Note that depending on which leg leads in the Plow Guard, the hip the pommel is in front changes.
</p><p data-rte-fromparser="true" data-rte-empty-lines-before="1">There are a few variations of this position such as pulling the hilt further back near or even past the hip. Some fighters say that on the right side, the stance is held with the long edge down but that on the left side it is held long edge up. This "long Plow" (for lack of a term) permits a quick attack from behind as well as allowing better downward thrusts. To achieve this the left hand should simply keep a looser grip to allow it turn while the right maintains normal grip pressure. The long edge down position permits quick slices and upward thrusts. Overall the plow protects and covers very well while permitting all attacks.
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<h4 data-rte-spaces-before="1" data-rte-spaces-after="1" data-rte-empty-lines-before="1"> The High Guard: </h4>
<p data-rte-fromparser="true">Also known as the <b>Guard of the Hawk</b> is achieved by raising the weapon up with the shoulders (held at roughly 45-degrees, not horizontal). Passing the foot is useful in transitioning here. The position is both threatening and warding. It easily lowers to any other stance or guard. 
</p><p data-rte-fromparser="true" data-rte-empty-lines-before="1">The Guard of the Hawk may also be placed over the (generally right side) shoulder rather than over the head. The hilt can be above or in front of the collar, but not down in front of the chest. Note the weapon is neither angled behind the head, nor held horizontal, nor resting on the shoulder. Some armors prevent holding the weapon above the head, hence the side version. More stable than held above the head, the position still permits a variety of threats and counters. This position easily turns around into the Ox or drops down to the Plow.
</p><p data-rte-fromparser="true" data-rte-empty-lines-before="1">When held over the shoulder strikes are quicker and more deceptive but have somewhat less range and strength. Note that depending upon the angle and prior action, the stance can appear as if the weapon is held behind the head or neck, when in fact, this is just an illusion created by a turn of the waist.
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<h4 data-rte-spaces-before="1" data-rte-spaces-after="1" data-rte-empty-lines-before="1"> The Guard of the Ox: </h4>
<p data-rte-fromparser="true">A fourth guard to mention, specifically, for the two handed sword, is the Ox. The <b>Guard of the Ox</b> is essentially assumed by drawing the weapon up and to the outside. The point may aim somewhat downward or upward but typically aimed at the opponent's face or throat.
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Note the blade alignment by observing the angle of the cross guard, the blade is neither vertical nor horizontal but slightly diagonal, in fact, the natural position achieved by cutting upward. In this position, note the short (back) edge aims not upward or downward but toward the fighter, while the thumb is under the blade, not on top of it. The hilt is held just in front of beside or the head at temple level, but may be also held just above it. The Ox position, although not as stable as others, protects well, allowing a direct threat with its straight thrust, turn to cut diagonally downward, or pull back to cut from underneath.<div class="placeholder placeholder-double-brackets" data-rte-instance="1944697-7687462136005bb20e00c0" data-rte-meta="%7B%22type%22%3A%22double-brackets%22%2C%22wikitext%22%3A%22%7B%7BTfrdivider1%7D%7D%22%2C%22lineStart%22%3A%22%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Tfrdivider1%22%2C%22placeholder%22%3A1%7D" contenteditable="false" data-rte-empty-lines-before="1">&#x200b;
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