left or right

[Nanook]

I don't know about Victorian buttons, but even in Japanese culture the men cross clothing left over right (kimono, gi, etc.), and women right over left, just as in Western culture. I don't know why, it's just the way it is.

I refer the interested reader to the 8th century Taihô-Yoro code. The code demanded that all robes, following the Chinese custom, should be crossed left over right. The custom of some robes being worn right over left, I think, is no earlier than the Meiji era and in direct influence of an internalization (a Japanese trait) of European style.

[Andrew Breecher]

Thanks for that tidbit, Nanook. I didn't know that.

Andrew.

[Caradoc]

Yes I know being left handed is an automatic(sp?) death sentance, back in the 1500's.

Nope. Myth. Many of the period manuals included instructions for lefties.

[davedove]

Nope. Myth. Many of the period manuals included instructions for lefties.

In theory, a left handed fighter would have an advantage over a right handed one. Because many more people were right handed, RH folks would be most accustomed to fighting other RH and LH would have unexpected moves. The LH would have practiced mostly against RH.

Of course, the best swordsmen would be able to face any opponent.

[Caradoc]

Of course, the best swordsmen would be able to face any opponent.

(From one of the best-choreographed sword combat scenes ever filmed...)

Inigo: Begin. You are using Bonetti's defense against me, uh?

Dread Pirate Roberts: I thought it fitting, considering the rocky terrain.

Inigo: Naturally, you must expect me to attack with Capo Ferro.

Dread Pirate Roberts: Naturally, but I find that Thibault cancels Capo Ferro, don't you?

Inigo: Unless the enemy hasn't studied his Agrippa, which I have!

[pause]

Inigo: You are wonderful!

Dread Pirate Roberts: Thank you. I've worked hard to become so.

Inigo: I admit it, you are better than I am.

Dread Pirate Roberts: Then why are you smiling?

Inigo: Because I know something you don't know.

Dread Pirate Roberts: And what is that?

Inigo: I am not left-handed.

Dread Pirate Roberts: You're amazing!

Inigo: I ought to be after twenty years.

Dread Pirate Roberts: There is something I ought to tell you.

Inigo: Tell me.

Dread Pirate Roberts: I'm not left-handed either.

[cavscout]

And a very good movie as a whole hmmmmmmm, Andre the Giant in a kilt

[Nick]

In theory, a left handed fighter would have an advantage over a right handed one. Because many more people were right handed, RH folks would be most accustomed to fighting other RH and LH would have unexpected moves. The LH would have practiced mostly against RH.

Of course, the best swordsmen would be able to face any opponent.

When I was fencing (foil), there was one lefty in the group, who also had more experiance than anyone else. I touched more in every bout I had with her. I doubt it had anything to do with my own skill, it seemed like she had a more accessible target area than if I had been bouting with another righty. Sidestep to the left away from her thrust and lunge. Simple as that.

[arrogcow]

(From one of the best-choreographed sword combat scenes ever filmed...)

It's the second best sword fight ever filmed (to that point). It says so in the script.

Adam

[Warlock]

When I fought with the SCA, I was the only one That could fight Otto {a lefty} and hold my own' When he asked me how I was able to hold my own against him, I told him, "I'm watching your weapon and body movements. It makes no never mind to me which hand that weapon is in." I trained under a left handed Knight in the goup Knights of Olde. I think that was an advantage in my training. I still have the scar on my foot where the broadsword went through the top of my left foot. But I won my Knighthood! No pain, no gain!