Vom Tag / From the Roof
Vom Tag
One of the four basic guards of historical German fencing, in which the sword is raised high above the head or shoulder.
Quick Facts
Definition
Vom Tag (from the roof) is a guard from historical German longsword fencing in which the fencer holds the weapon raised above the head or resting on the shoulder, with the point aimed upward. From this position, exceptionally strong and fast vertical or diagonal cuts can be delivered, using gravity and the length of the blade's path to maximize the strike's power. The guard appears in the sources in two variants – high (above the head) and middle (at the shoulder) – both serving the same offensive function. Together with Ochs, Pflug, and Alber, Vom Tag makes up the four basic guards of the Liechtenauer tradition and is considered one of the most aggressive starting stances. Because of its versatility, this guard is often the first one new students of historical fencing learn.
Related Terms
One of the four basic defensive guards (leger) in historical German longsword fencing.
Pflug / PlowPflugOne of the four basic guards (Vier Leger) in historical German longsword fencing, resembling the position of holding a plow.
Alber / Fool's GuardAlberOne of the four basic guards of historical German fencing, in which the sword points downward toward the ground.
Vor / Nach / Indes (Before, After, Instantly)Vor / Nach / IndesA trio of key timing principles in historical German fencing describing initiative, reaction, and simultaneity of action.