Some quibbles on "Transitional" Guards.
"...other sources and fencing masters, particularly later ones, do mention quite a few other secondary guards for longsword. There are some variations and discrepancies between authors of course, as well as different interpretations among contemporary researchers. Many, if not most of these are considered only transitional guards, so just particular positions while in motion from one to another primary guard or end point of a strike, cut or thrust." Enjoyed reading this article: http://mindhost.tumblr.com/post/151381536147/secondary-german-longsword-guards I would disagree with the article in that I think the idea that "secondary" guards are transitional, i.e. point of movement, as this strikes me as received wisdom that has not seriously been thought about by most people. When you think about it Day, Fool, Plough and Oxs are all highly transitional . Why is this? Think about it: they are absolutely rubbish positions to hold. If you stand in these positions