Tail guard

[CalebChow]

For those that have read up a bit more on Fiore, what is the function of the tail (I think nebenhut in German?) guard and how is it supposed to be applied?

[Keith Culbertson]

think of it as something you move through and any techniques that are shown from it are all the possibilities once you get there, depending on which direction you are moving through it---of course that tis the general rule for all the guards.
some people think it helps to 'hide' the blade so the opponent cannot see your attack originate...but I disagree ajnd again do not recommend lingering in any guard for long.

[s_taillebois]

"think of it as something you move through and any techniques that are shown from it are all the possibilities once you get there"

Yes, as M. Culburtson noted it can be used to move to other strikes or guards. Also because of its position it can work as a deception guard similar to the Fools Guard. Tricking an overconfident opponent into closing too quickly or not watching distance and timing.

Some who are not all that familiar with the tricks will assume that any time a blade is held low, its no longer a issue. Probably something to do with the "Kingdom of Heaven" movies scenes no doubt...

[Jaron Bernstein]

For those that have read up a bit more on Fiore, what is the function of the tail (I think nebenhut in German?) guard and how is it supposed to be applied?

Tail is not one of Dobringer's 4 main guards. That said, he does have his drei hewe (three cuts) which are 1. up from the right, 2. up from the left and then 3. straight down. Starting from tail is a natural way to start that sequence. You can also cut a powerful fendante (overhead) cut from there. One way to look it is the same as any other ward. It is just a position you transition through. Even the "stable" guards aren't meant to be held for any length of time.

[Jonathan Newhall]

I've found that the tail guard and equivalent similar guards are best used as some kind of combination between high guard (vom tag in german, not sure about italian) and the low guard (alber in german, again not sure about the name in italian).

It's deceptive due to its position, but contains a lot of power because the sword is so far back with lots of room to accelerate.