Left shoulder

Left shoulder is a term used to describe a type of high guard or ward in historical swordfighting.

Arming Sword and Buckler

The term is applied to the ward relating to the 3rd Ward of the Royal Armouries MS I.33 although the term itself is not used in the manuscript.

The 3rd ward is taken up by standing right foot forward, buckler held out facing the opponent. The sword is held in the right hand, hilt just above the left shoulder with the long edge facing out (second position) and the point down and towards the rear.

Counters

The counters most appropriate to adopt against this ward are:

• Left cover
• Half shield
• Extended Langort
• Priest's special langort