Ladies Guard (Posta di Donna)
Guards 5/6 - Verse 6
High guard on right shoulder, sword forward grip
Translation
The Guard of the Lady (Posta di Donna) is the fifth of six sword guards. It is a high guard held on the right shoulder, distinct from the four low guards preceding it. While the sixth guard also bears the name Guard of the Lady, this fifth guard differs because the sword is held in a normal grip, not reversed like a poleaxe. From this position, the guard defends against both cuts and thrusts in all directions. The name 'Guard of the Lady' (or 'Lady's Stance') refers to its noble and elevated position.
Fiore's Words
I am called the Guard and Stance of the Lady, and I stand apart from those other sword grips displayed. Though one is not the same as another, you see, the guard opposing me looks much like my own, except his sword is reversed, axe-fashion, he's shown, while mine is held true in nobility. This noble stance is the Queen's own guard: Defending from cuts and thrusts in every way, however hard.
Combat Context
A versatile defensive guard from the high line, suitable for responding to attacks from multiple angles. The elevated position on the shoulder provides both protection and readiness to counter incoming cuts and thrusts. Despite sharing a name with the reversed-sword guard that follows, this is a distinct ready position using a conventional sword grip.
Training Notes
- ✦ Hold the sword high on your right shoulder with the point extending forward and upward
- ✦ Maintain normal grip (not reversed) - your hands should be in standard sword-holding position
- ✦ This is an elevated guard position, contrasting with the four low guards that precede it
- ✦ From this height, you can defend against attacks from all directions - both cuts and thrusts
- ✦ The elevated position provides range and leverage for defensive actions
- ✦ Do not confuse this with the sixth guard, which also bears the name 'Guard of the Lady' but uses a reversed grip like a poleaxe
This is card FL06 from the Fiore dei Liberi Sword In Two Hands deck.
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[22v-c] ΒΆ Guardia e posta di donna son chiamata per che cum queste altre prese de spada e son divisada, che una non e tal presa che l'altra, ben che questa che m'e contra mi pare la mia guardia. Se non fosse forma de Azza che la spada si intrada.
I am named the Guard or Post of the Lady, and[6] I am different from the four[7] sword guards[8] that came before me, even though they are themselves different from each other.[9] And although the next guard that opposes me seems to be my guard also, you will note that I am not using my sword reversed as a poleaxe, whereas that is how he is using his.[10]
[17b-e] Questa presa e posta de dona l'altera De tagli e punte se deffende per ogni mainera[11]
This grip is the noble Stance of the Queen: She defends against cutting and thrusting in every way.