The command in fencing that signals fencers to assume their ready position before a bout begins. It also refers to the defensive stance itself, with weapon raised and body positioned for attack or defense.
From French 'en garde,' literally meaning 'on guard.' This military command entered fencing terminology as the sport formalized in the 17th century, maintaining the martial heritage of sword fighting.
The en garde position represents thousands of years of sword fighting evolution distilled into one optimal stance—perfectly balanced between offense and defense, with the body angled to minimize target area while maximizing mobility. Every martial art has discovered similar principles independently!
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