Royal Infantry Combatives Manual/Two-Handed Arm Techniques

<h4 data-rte-spaces-before="1" data-rte-spaces-after="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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