Art of The Sword - ''High Guard''

By Crusader1307

One of the more easily recognized Blade stances, The High Guard was a Offensive position, which involved the raising of the blade up and over the head, placing the blade at a 20-degree angle for a downward strike or blow. The elbows of the Swordsman are slightly bent rearward. Leg placement required the Leg spread almost equally apart with the shoulders. This allowed for the application of (3) attacks. The first, would be the Forward Blow – which would provide the maximum amount of damage (to include traumatic amputation of an Enemies limb). The second and third attacks were either Left or Right downward “Cleaves” which were brought down in a 45-degree cut (or cleave). Unlike what one would see in Films, The High Guard was not a “Running” tactic. No effective control could be maintained when a Swordsman was “running” with a 8 to 10-pound Sword “over” his head!