[Jeremy V. Krause]

Hello everyone,
I have been wondering. . . I am left-handed- Do you guys think that if I were to be alive in the 12th, 13th, or 14th century that I would have been taught to weild the sword in the right hand? I am very interested for authenticity's sake but that would be quite annoying to have to change sword arms as my right is weaker. Any thoughts? Jeremy Krause

[Sean Flynt]

At least one 17th c. text provides specific instruction for fighting left-handed opponents, and I infer from this that at least by that time people trained and fought with whichever hand they favored. So, there is an historical precedent for sticking to your left hand. Whether that was true in the period you're interested in, I don't know. Have you looked at historical artwork of the period?

[Geoff Wood]

I think with sword and shield, you would have been a little open to your opponent if you stayed left handed, but then so would he have been to you (assuming he was a dexter). Would have made for short fights I suppose.
Thinking of a different weapon, but it would have made a tilt yard interesting if you'd both gone down the same side. Again, short fight.
Dunno.
Geoff

[Patrick Kelly]

From what little I've read on the subject, I'd say that they were probably trained to use the right hand. It seems that things such as left handedness were looked upon with religious suspision in the early middle ages. Remember, the left hand was referred to as the "sinister".

Authenticity is a great thing to strive for, but anything can be taken to extremes.

[Jeremy V. Krause]

Thanks everyone, Yes I thought that an individual would have been trained with the right hand. In any case, I will remain left-handed and word on my right arm as a side progect in case I ever want to atire myself in the most authentic manner.