Merge edit

I don't know how commonly the term "ward" is used, maybe it would be better to move this to guard (fencing). dab () 09:52, 29 September 2006 (UTC)Reply

The ward, if I remember correctly, differs from a guard in technical application, being an active, not static block. I'll look into it and make an edit today if that's true. If not, I agree. And even if it is, we may still have a merge to occur in the future as a ward is commonly thought of as a type of guard, guard being simply a defensive posture or action. -- Xiliquiern 14:04, 29 September 2006 (UTC)Reply

hm, no, it is no block, neither active nor static. it is a position assumed in the zufechten, i.e. before any blade contact is made. dab () 15:25, 29 September 2006 (UTC)Reply
Well, I meant it as a position that can be used to block a blade, as most of the guards do, except perhaps langort (though even it in some cases), but also a position that is in the zufechten yes, like ochs or pflug. I was also thinking ward may have been used to discuss an absetzen or versetzen, or the position resulting from such a movement. I looked through a few sources this morning (mostly Ringneck interpretations) and the ARMA website and have not been able to find a discernible difference between the two. Sometimes guard is used, sometimes ward, but I have yet to find a specific citation of how ward is different than guard - something tells me there is a usage of it that is in someway definably different, but that could be addressed within the article. For now, I am in favor of your suggested move to guard (fencing).

"is a defensive position in the German school of swordsmanship" edit

No, it is not a defensive position! It is a basic position (around 12 positions) from where you start all the movements with the sword. It has both characteristics, defensive and offensive! The Japanese system is quite similar but German system is especially designated for endless combos, always from one ward to another. Roland the German — Preceding unsigned comment added by 62.153.238.117 (talk) 14:21, 23 October 2017 (UTC)Reply