The Principal Guards in Joachim Meyer’s Longsword (1570)
In his Gründtliche Beschreibung der Kunst des Fechtens (1570), Joachim Meyer designates four principal guards (Hauptlehren or Haupthuten) as the core postures from which secondary guards and techniques derive. These are vom Tag, Ochs, Pflug, and Alber. Meyer introduces them early in the longsword section as foundational positions that address the four openings of the body.
Primary source descriptions below are drawn directly from standard English translations of Meyer’s text, particularly the ongoing draft by Rebecca Garber (2022) available on Wiktenauer and in the full draft translation PDF.
Additional interpretive details align with plate captions and common renderings in the original woodcuts (viewable on Wiktenauer plate gallery).
Below you will find a detailed outline of the four principal guards, illustrations of Academy of Historical Fencing students performing the positions, and finally a list of useful YouTube videos covering the same content.
Vom Tag (From the Roof Guard)
Meyer describes this as the first principal guard, positioned high for initiating strong descending cuts.
How to stand: “Stand with one foot forward and hold your sword with crossed hands upon the right or left shoulder, the point directed upward or backward.” The arms are extended but relaxed, hilt at shoulder height, allowing free movement for Oberhau (high cuts). The guard can also be performed with above the head, making it easier to launch cuts on either side.
Ochs (The Ox Guard)
Meyer describes this as a high guard resembling ox horns, emphasising head protection and forward threat.
How to stand: “Hold your sword with crossed hands beside the head on the right or left side, the point directed forward toward the opponent’s face.” The crossguard is roughly horizontal, arms raised with elbows out, point extended to control the center. The crossguard can orientate close to vertical (left image) depending on the previous actions, such as launching an unterhau up into ochs.
Pflug (The Plow Guard)
Meyer describes this as a balanced middle-to-low guard for thrusts and changes, it is also a useful position to initiate various displacement actions.
How to stand: “Hold your sword with crossed hands near the right or left hip, the point directed forward toward the opponent’s face or chest.” The rear foot supports weight distribution, arms extended downward with the hilt close to the hip for stability.
Alber (The Fool Guard)
Meyer describes this as a low, provocative guard that invites attacks for counters.
How to stand: “Hold your sword with crossed hands and outstretched arms in front, the point directed toward the ground.” The posture is central (no strong left/right variant), arms extended downward to appear open while enabling rapid transitions.
Glossary of Terms Used
- Guard/Hut (Huten) – Posture of readiness for attack, defense, or transition.
- Principal guards (Hauptlehren/Haupthuten) – The four core postures (vom Tag, Ochs, Pflug, Alber) foundational to Meyer’s system.
- Crossed hands (verschränkten Händen) – Standard longsword grip with palms facing opposite directions (one up, one down) for leverage and control; hands are close together on the handle.
- Openings – The four target quadrants (upper left, upper right, lower left, lower right) that guards threaten or protect.
Useful YouTube Videos
Here are a series of recommended videos covering the content described in this section. Please like and subscribe to those you find useful: