Oberhut

High (lit. Over) Guard

Stand in an orthodox left lead grip with the left foot forward in a regular longsword style stance. Hold the base of the staff at the breast with the point either straight up or canted slightly back. This is the high guard from which strikes are made. You can move the staff across to the right shoulder/breast as well. If the right foot is forward we can move into a left lead position instead, if desired.

Make sure the feet aren’t too far apart, so you can easily gather forward with the lead leg at any time.

Thrusting High Guard

[Non canonical name]

This on-point high guard is used throughout the polearms but only truly named in the section on the pike. Stand with the left forward and the butt of the staff before the head, lead hand extended out roughly like the ochs with the longsword.

This is a high thrusting position, but is also used as a strike like a sturzhauw (especially effective with the rear hook of the halberd).