The positioning of the limbs with the intent to use them as covers.

Inflected Form(s):

Guarding (adjective), Guards (plural), Guarded (past tense)

Comments:

Guard is almost always used to refer to the positioning of multiple limbs simultaneously.

Guard can be used to describe the positioning of just the upper limbs, just the lower limbs, or any combination of the limbs - but is most commonly used to refer to the positioning of the upper limbs as a whole (the arms with the hands).

Guards can be classified into the following types:

Upper Limbs:

a.Boxer's

b.Passive

c.Neutral

d.Reverse Neutral

e.Natural / Unguarded

Lower Limbs:

a.Natural / Unguarded

b.Ready (stance)

Guard is used to protect an entire posture - and limb positioning can vary greatly depending upon the specific needs of that posture.

Guard refers to positioning of the limbs and isn't used to describe any form of block or active motion.

Guard does not refer to the specific positioning of the limbs, but rather the intent of that positioning.

Guard differs from cover, in that guard typically is used to describe the defensive positioning of multiple limbs to protect an entire posture, rather than a single limb used to protect a specific area.

Example(s):

Getting into a Fighting Stance prior to sparring, would demonstrate putting up one's guard.

A.K.A.:

Guarded Position

Synonym(s):

Position of Readiness, Ready Position

Opposite(s):

Natural, Unguarded Position

Related Definition(s):

Anticipate, Available, Block, Check, Cover, Defense, Neutralize, Nullify, Obscure, Position, Posture, Stance

Related Term(s):

Angle of Entry, Angle of Protection, Area Cover, Availability of Target, Changing of the Guard, Close the Gate, Close the Line, Collapsible Deflection, Fighting Position, Fighting Stance, Line of Defense, Line of Entry, Method of Defense, Neutralized Hands, Open the Gate, Open the Line, Path of Defense, Positioned Cover, Postural Position, Protective Measure, Target Area, Target Availability, Zone of Protection