Low Line Guards and Progression with Sidesword

Names & Progression: Here you'll become versed in our naming scheme for the guards. Our journey continues with Marozzo’s progression—a series of guards (including low and high) shown in his 1535 book which we practice as a cutting and position exercise.

Larga Guards: We first look at the guards where the sword’s point is down or held behind you. We'll make our attacks from each position, and assess its suitability for defense.

Stretta Guards: Our focus turns to sidesword guards where the point is oriented toward the opponent. From a point-on position we can control and constrain the opponent through threat (we may stab them) and our sword position against theirs. In these lessons we’ll look at how we arrive in the mid (stretta) guard positions and from these positions how to exploit the advantages and continue the offensive based on how the opponent responds.