Basic Longsword Guards 

@Djemps I recently found myself interested in the German longsword and was looking for sources on the guards and how they were used since most only show the guards themselves; I come across this and find them, as well as the transitions. It was more than I was hoping for.

It's from the Liechtenauer tradition, which means that it is also from Talhoffer. ;-) By the way, thanks for the kind words.

@ChishioAme Thanks for the positive words! I'm glad to know people are still watching this and getting something out of it.

The best I've seen. Clearly demonstrates each guard as well as simple cuts from them.

very neat video. couple of suggestions. 1. explore having your left hand off the pommel and letting the pommel "swing" (doebringer's advice, especially useful with the hanweis IMHO). 2. Use more forward weighting - front leg bent, back leg almost straight, and push off your left foot when you pass forward. this helps minimise telegraphing. At the moment your stance is not dynamic - not ready to move! OTOH, showing some good form. what are your sources? CHeers!

awesome video , thank you!

Training with the off hand is not talked about in the original sources. It's complicated enough just understanding the differences in fighting from the Left and Right sides. A weapon like a Pollaxe or staff is more likely to cause situations where the grip is reversed, but not so much with the Longsword.

Actualy there is a local sword vendor in my city called The Steel Source. They have a website, but carry much of the same stuff as other sword vendors. Anyhow, I had them order the sword and I picked it up at the store. I think I payed $120 after tax? Can't remember exactly, but it was a decent price.

I find it very interesting how simular longsword is to japanese swordsmanship, yet, for some reason, alot of people are hellbent on arguing one to be better than the other. Good video.

This video is excellent! Really great instruction. I don’t have a sword so instead I use my hanbo. You must be a master’s master by this time!😀

"Fighting with the German Longsword" by Christian Tobler is a great resource. Its' becoming harder to find these days but I think you can still snag one from Amazon.

For those who still watch this video and use it as reference: Langenort: Be careful not to lock your arms. When throwing cuts, your foot should land as your sword hits langenort, not as was shown with the unterhau. Vom Tag: The hands should be held higher at about shoulder level, to minimize motion before throwing the cut. And in general, keep your legs bent. You do a great job with keeping good posture and I'm not even sure if you're still fencing, but keep up the good work.

that was quite an impressive display. you looked very succinct and efficient.

Thanks for this, excellent format, made it easy to see what you're were talking about.

I just attended my first class on the German longsword, and was looking for a refresher on the different guards. This was absolutely perfect. Thanks!

Thanks for the clear examples. The repeated motion and slow mo effects are most helpful.

damn. 2009? ur basically OG in my book.

@tmsods Wow. Thanks for the kind words.

This has helped me alot. Thank you so much.

the best online demonstration/explanation I've seen

Hanwei practical hand and a half blunt.

This is one of the most informative videos for the basic guards I have found. Great job!

I wish there ere more of us in Northeast Ohio!

BTW, real awesome video!! Good for training!!!

great video, it was incredibly useful for me. I was looking for vids like this to use for animation reference and it's kind of rare to find videos like this that shows a sideview of the whole body. I also liked a lot your videos on "peasant weapons" and flails

Is this from Liechtenauer? Talhoffer?

great video! very informative and concise!! :)

Thank you!

Is there a better video you can point us to?