Comparing I.33's Fifth Ward and Fiore's Long Tail Guard

When studying sources for historical fencing, we often come across similar techniques between two separate sources. For example, Meyer’s cross has overlapping cuts with Henry Angelo’s sabre cut diagram. These comparisons can be useful when learning and interpreting techniques because many techniques of the sword are grounded in the simple application of the weapon and its limitations.

While it is obvious that my favorite source to study is I.33, I also have a enthusiasm towards Fiore and his system. So today, we will be exploring the similarities and differences that can be found between Fiore’s Long Tail Guard and I.33’s fifth ward. Through this exploration, I hope to better contextualize fifth ward and its use in sword and buckler combat. However, first, there is a disclaimer we must cover.

While similar techniques can be helpful when interpreting other techniques from other systems, it must also be done with a healthy dose of skepticism. Comparing techniques that are not quite the same can lead to misinterpretations of techniques. Furthermore, culture and context can also dramatically impact the use of a specific technique. All of these factors must be considered when comparing techniques of different sources.

That being said, I.33 states that “all combatants, or all men holding a sword in hand, even if they are ignorant of the art of combat, use these seven wards…” The manuscript does not make a distinction between sword and buckler and, instead, chooses to state that all fencers use the seven wards. With this general statement being made, to better understand I.33, we can analyze other sources’ guards to see which ward it fits into in I.33’s descriptions. 

Visual Comparison of the Two Positions

When visually inspecting the two sword positions, there are a number of differences largely brought on by the type of swords being used. For example, because Fiore uses a longsword, he has both hands on the sword. This is not something I.33 has to worry about, which also opens up the shoulders of the fencer so they are not as pulled to the sword side as Fiore shows. This leads to Fiore’s long tail guard to be shown with the left shoulder leading more than I.33’s fifth ward shows. Finally, I.33’s sword position is slightly angled, while Fiore’s sword extends straight from the wrist.
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There are some similarities in the art. For example, both appear to have their left leg forward with their sword low to the right side. Both fencers are also shown on the balls of their feet, particularly their right foot, which is kept back with the sword. However, while the images are not perfectly similar, the manuscripts’ texts show a large overlap between these positions and the techniques they perform.

Comparing the Techniques of the Two Positions

In Fiore’s Getty manuscript, he introduces the Tail Guard and its applications. In the manuscript, he states, “This is the Long Tail Guard that extends behind you down to the ground. She can attack with a thrust, and can also move forwards to cover and strike. And if she passes forward while striking downwards she can easily enter the Narrow Game. This is a good guard to wait in, because you can quickly transition from it into other guards.”

In the first pages of I.33, the text describes fifth ward as “give the fifth to the right side” while showing the sword positioned back. Unfortunately, due to damage to the manuscript, the introduction image of fifth ward has largely been lost but later images of the ward are shown in the manuscript. In a later section of the manuscript, the actions from fifth are expanded on when the text states that “the one standing in the guard has only two things to do: first, he can deliver a thrust; second, he can deliver a blow, dividing the shield and sword.”
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From these descriptions, it appears that both I.33 and Fiore agree that this position where the sword is back and to the right both can deliver a thrust. Furthermore, the strike to separate the sword and shield in I.33 is also a downward strike similar to the cut Fiore describes. If we generalize Fiore’s concepts of covers to be positions the sword can be moved to in order to cover lines of attack, then being able to move into sieges from the fifth ward also aligns with the techniques Fiore uses from long tail guard.

Based on the similarities defined by the manuscripts, it seems reasonable to assume that the author of I.33 would consider the long tail guard a form of a fifth ward. Both positions keep the word low on the dominant-hand side of the fencer. Both positions thrust or deliver high cuts, and both positions can cover lines of attack to secure openings to exploit while sword fighting. 

Closing Thoughts

By performing an analysis like this, we can better understand the technique I.33 is trying to communicate in its two-dimensional art style. While comparing the images of Fiore’s Getty manuscript and I.33 can give us a vague resemblance of the two sword positions being similar, the text certainly links the two positions. 
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Is analysis like this always clean? No, and it certainly can come with some risks of misinterpretations. However, using similarities and identifying differences, we can move closer to fully understanding I.33 and its sword and buckler system.