the word "claymore"

[David White]

Two more good links:
Hope on smallsword-http://www.sirwilliamhope.org/Library/Hope/VadeMecum/
Page on Highland broad/backsword & targe-http://www.sirwilliamhope.org/Library/Page/

[AllenJ]

Do'h! How did I miss two of the best!? Thanks David. And yes, that link to the ARMA site is probably one of the best recources I have seen on the web for info on swords and their use.

[David White]

Hi Alan, have you started to study Page? I've just started to dabble and study Pages system. I wish someone would have posted pictures of the guards and footwork as a reference.

[AllenJ]

I've read it and stepped through some of the stuff but haven't made a serious study of it yet. The guards are pretty simple once you actually see them. I'll see if I can get some photos taken over the next day or so. Then I'll just have to figure out how to post them here

But just for discussions sake they are... (this is as a right hand fencer)
The Outside Guard- sword held with the basket out to the right side of your body with the blade angled up to the left.

The Inside Guard- reverse of Outside Guard with the basket held to the left side of your body with the blade angled up and to the right

The Hanging Guard- this is usually the most effective and commonly used guard- same as Silvers True Guardant. It is held with the basket up above your head, slightly to the right, with the blade angled down. Page teaches to keep the tip trained on your opponents chest, others teach to have it angled towards your left knee.

The St. George Guard- (I hardly EVER use this and find it not very effective) It is done by standing square to your opponent your sword held above your head, parallel to your shoulders. Page says, "is only used occasionally to stop a right down Blow aim'd at the Head of Shoulders". Personally, I'd rather take the blow in Hanging, let is deflect off to the side and counter traverse to the right rather than try and stop it completley. The Hanging guard is more in tune with older styles and theories.

[David White]

Thanks Allen, whenever you get the chance!