Throwing Guard

This is the first of six guards. Each guard is distinct from the others, with its own purpose and method. The first guard's particular function is to throw the sword at the opponent. It is characterised by being ready to throw on a large passing step. The other five guards will each demonstrate their own specific virtues and techniques.

We are six guards, and none resembles another. I am the first to speak my purpose clearly: My nature is to throw my sword with power. The other guards who follow after me will tell their virtues, as I do believe. For throwing, I am well prepared. On one great passing step, I'll make my trade.

This guard represents a desperate or tactical option: throwing the sword at an opponent, likely when closing distance is impossible or when surprise is needed. The large passing step suggests this is meant to generate significant power and reach. The throwing of one's sword is a high-risk commitment that exchanges one's weapon for a potential decisive strike.

• ✦ This guard serves as an introduction to Fiore's system of six distinct sword guards, each with specific tactical purposes
• ✦ The throwing technique requires a large passing step (grande passar) to generate power and distance
• ✦ Practice the throwing motion from this guard position, focusing on the coordination of the passing step with the release
• ✦ The 'bargain' or 'trade' metaphor suggests this is an all-or-nothing commitment; you exchange your weapon for a strike
• ✦ This guard likely appears early in the sequence because throwing represents an extreme tactical option
• ✦ Modern practitioners should understand this as a historical technique rather than a primary fighting method