Art of The Sword - ''Ox Guard''

By Crusader1307

Also called “Ochs”, this position is used as both Attack and Lunge. It is not commonly used as a Guard. The Swordsman positions his Legs with the Right Forward and Left Rear or Canted slightly rearward. The positioning of The Blade is as such as it is held  high and angled outwards as straight as possible. The extreme height of the Blade is countered by one’s ability to control the blade’s steadiness through Hand Grip and Arm placement. To accomplish this and maintain control, The Swordsman maintains a strong Grip on the Front Handle, angling his Right arm at a slight but perceivable 45-degree angle. The Left Arm and Hand control The Pommel, with the Arm extending rearward at a slight 20-degree angle. In appearance “uncomfortable”, The Swordsman can best control his Blade and maintain his forward vision of his Target. The Blade position is flattened, but can be adjusted in such a way as to cleave downwards. The Ox Guard is administered from both The Left and Right position (or repositioning of The Swordsman’s Arms).