Extended guard

This guard position is designed to extend long thrusts. The grip on the sword is adjusted to maximise reach. This stance is particularly effective when both combatants are armoured, as it allows for quick thrusts to the front that are difficult to evade. The forward positioning enables powerful stepping attacks with extended range.

I am the guard for throwing the longest thrust. My grip extends the sword's reach; you can trust. Against armour I stand ready and true, my short point forward will not fail to strike through. To strike farther and step with greater might, against armoured foes, I hold this fight.

Armoured combat, where reach advantage and the ability to initiate thrusts before the opponent can close distance are critical. The extended grip sacrifices some leverage and control but gains crucial inches of reach. Most effective when both fighters are armoured, and cuts are less viable, making precise thrusts to gaps in armour the primary tactical goal.

• ✦ Experiment with placing the grip farther back on the handle to maximise the point's forward reach.
• ✦ The forward point position should be maintained at the centre or slightly offline to threaten while remaining protected.
• ✦ Practice the passing step with this guard to deliver maximum power through the extended thrust.
• ✦ Against armoured opponents, focus on precision targeting of gaps rather than power alone - the extended reach allows earlier initiation of attacks.
• ✦ The 'short point forward' positioning means keeping the point relatively close to your centerline and forward of your body, creating a constant threat.