I am with Animal on this one. I usually hold my sword more in front of me for the same reason. Shortest distance to the target. Speed is your friend.

I also use a center boss shield and this has begun to move towards the target lately as well ... kind of like the goalie coming out of the net. It covers you more, eliminates opportunities for you opponent.

So many stances, all of which are applicable to SCA combat to a greater or lesser degree. Boxing, Horse, bow and arrow, steel, on and on.... Just remeber, like weapon forms, there is no superior STANCE, just superior warriors.

Whatever you use, make sure you are comfortable, practice the stance diligently, and understand it's strengths and weaknesses.

One of the best people I trained, as far as footwork and stance goes, played TENNIS.

I'm told I use a number of different stances, depnding on what my opponent is doing. I've practice (and continue to practice) them all, to the point I really don't think about it.

"I've been looking for Steel Stance online and can't find an example of it."

Hmmm... had a link to a better pic at one time but can't find it now. This one looks good enough:

www.hungkuen.cz/images/hun...ungkuen.gif

The bottom row, center guy and the one to his right. You are basically crossing your legs, both knees bent and almost touching, but feet apart so it is still stable. Forward foot flat, back foot on the ball. If you start with a horse stance or something similar, you will end up in this if you twist your waist but keep your feet in place, or if you do a wide cross leg stepping. The advantage to this stance, is that is very stable if you transition through it, and you can change direction very easily.

For spear, consider it as something to twist into when thrusting, rather than leaning into a lunge. You can get much of the extra distance without going off balance.

Puppy
www.NYCMongol.com