The stances (or guards) in fencing aren’t meant to be held for long. They exist mainly to help you understand how to respond when you're preparing to strike. When you lift your sword for a High Cut, you reach a position called the Day—the highest point in your sword’s path. If your opponent attacks you while you're lifting your sword, you should immediately redirect your sword from that high point to counter them. If they don’t attack, you can go ahead and finish your High Cu