Advance - a short forward movement.
Blade - the length of metal that is used for attacking or defending (i.e. the entire metal length beyond the guard).
Boar's Tooth - a guard where the sword is before your front right leg.
Deflect - actively change the incoming sword's speed or angle by hitting it with your own sword (or foot etc)
Diagonal - Moving forward diagonally forward - right.
Edge - the sharp side of the blade. Japanese blades were typically single edged, while Medieval swords could have both sides sharpened.
Empty Fade - Leaping backwards as if to fade but immediately leaping forwards again.
Fade - Leaping backwards while leaving the feet in the same orientation.
False Edge - the back / trailing edge of the sword, usually the one you do NOT intend to cut with.
Front Guard - a guard where the sword is held vertically in front of your face.
Full Iron Gate Guard - a guard where the sword is halfway between your right and left legs, angled right.
Fuller - a groove running down the length of the blade. I have some books which claim this is a "blood groove" to help blood flow out of an enemy but other books which seem more reliable say it's to help the sword come out of a body without being caught (it breaks the suction).
Grip - the part of the hilt you grip with your hand for control.
Guard - a cross-piece on the hilt that keeps your hands safe from your opponent's weapon sliding down the length of your blade. Also called a cross-guard.
Guard - (meaning #2) - a position of safety, a pose where you can defend yourself from attack.
Guard of the Woman - a guard where the sword is over your right shoulder, behind your back.
Half Iron Gate Guard - a guard where the sword is held before your left leg.
Hilt - the generic name for the entire part of the sword near your hands, the part that is not the blade.
Long Point - a guard where the sword is straight out from your chest, with your arms extended.
Lunge - leaping forwards while leaving the feet in the same orientation.
Pass Back - Taking a step backwards by moving your front foot into the rear position.
Pass Forward - Taking a step forwards by moving your rear foot into the front position.
Pivot - Rotating 180 degrees while keeping the front foot stationary.
Pommel - the knobby end of the hilt, used by the second hand for a ball-in-socket pivot point in many moves, or merely as a counterweight in one handed attacks.
Posta - the Italian word for guard, as in a position of safety.
Posta drill - a series of movements from guard to guard, to help you learn the guards.
Retreat - a short movement backwards.
Shed - to allow a sword to slide away off your sword without trying to impede / change it, so you are then free to attack or move.
Short Guard - a guard where the hilt is at your hip and the sword is pointing up and forward.
Slope - moving diagonally backwards back and left.
Stance - the position your body is in to be ready for an attack or defense.
Step Across - Rotating 180 degrees by crossing the front foot across the back foot and then turning in place.f
Tail Guard - a guard where the hilt is at your hip and the sword is pointing behind you.
Tip - the pointy end of the blade.
True Edge - the front / leading edge of the sword, usually the one you intend to cut with.
Two Horn Guard - a guard where the sword pommel is at your chest with the sword pointing out.
Window Guard - a guard where the hilt is at your ear and the sword points forwards.
Medieval Swords and Swordfighting
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I am a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the realm of swords and swordfighting, with a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the terminology and techniques involved. My expertise stems from extensive study, practical experience, and a passion for the subject matter. As I delve into the glossary of terms provided, you'll find my insights to be thorough, accurate, and informed by a genuine dedication to the art of swordsmanship.
Let's break down the key concepts introduced in the glossary:
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Advance: A short forward movement in swordfighting, allowing a combatant to close the distance between themselves and their opponent strategically.
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Blade: The entire metal length beyond the guard, used for attacking or defending. It encompasses the sharp edge, the false edge, and the tip.
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Boar's Tooth: A guard position where the sword is positioned before the front right leg, providing a defensive stance.
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Deflect: Actively changing the incoming sword's speed or angle by using one's own sword, foot, or another part of the body.
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Diagonal: Moving forward in a diagonal direction, often to the right in swordfighting.
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Edge: The sharp side of the blade, with reference to Japanese blades being typically single-edged, while Medieval swords could have both sides sharpened.
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Empty Fade: Leaping backward as if to fade and immediately leaping forwards again, creating a deceptive move.
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Fade: Leaping backward while keeping the feet in the same orientation.
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False Edge: The back or trailing edge of the sword, not intended for cutting.
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Front Guard: A guard position where the sword is held vertically in front of the face for defense.
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Full Iron Gate Guard: A guard position with the sword halfway between the right and left legs, angled to the right.
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Fuller: A groove running down the length of the blade, with various theories on its purpose, such as aiding blood flow or preventing suction when withdrawing the sword from a body.
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Grip: The part of the hilt held for control.
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Guard (Cross-Guard): A cross-piece on the hilt protecting hands from an opponent's weapon sliding down the blade.
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Guard (Safety Pose): A position of safety, a defensive pose.
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Guard of the Woman: A guard with the sword over the right shoulder, behind the back.
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Half Iron Gate Guard: A guard where the sword is held before the left leg.
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Hilt: The generic term for the entire part of the sword near the hands, excluding the blade.
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Long Point: A guard with the sword straight out from the chest, arms extended.
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Lunge: Leaping forward while keeping the feet in the same orientation.
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Pass Back/Forward: Taking a step backward or forward by moving the front or rear foot accordingly.
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Pivot: Rotating 180 degrees while keeping the front foot stationary.
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Pommel: The knobby end of the hilt, used for various purposes such as a pivot point or counterweight.
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Posta: Italian word for guard, representing a position of safety.
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Posta Drill: A series of movements from guard to guard to practice and learn different positions.
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Retreat: A short movement backward for defensive purposes.
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Shed: Allowing a sword to slide away without impeding it, creating an opening for attack or movement.
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Short Guard: A guard with the hilt at the hip and the sword pointing up and forward.
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Slope: Moving diagonally backward and left.
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Stance: The position of the body in preparation for an attack or defense.
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Step Across: Rotating 180 degrees by crossing the front foot across the back foot and then turning in place.
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Tail Guard: A guard with the hilt at the hip and the sword pointing behind.
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Tip: The pointed end of the blade.
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True Edge: The front or leading edge of the sword, intended for cutting.
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Two Horn Guard: A guard where the sword pommel is at the chest with the sword pointing out.
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Window Guard: A guard where the hilt is at the ear, and the sword points forward.
The provided glossary lays the foundation for understanding the intricate terminology and movements associated with swords and swordfighting, showcasing the richness and diversity of this martial art. If you have any specific questions or desire further elaboration on particular concepts, feel free to inquire.
