Are you left-handed in a world of right-handed sword fighters? Or perhaps, like Maisie Williams (Arya Stark on Game of Thrones), you’re right-handed but cast to play a left-handed character. Should your stage combat training include ambidexterity?
Williams learned all her sword training left-handed for her role, calling it “the hardest thing” she’d done. It required significant determination to master what came naturally to her dominant hand.
Stage Combat vs. Real Martial Arts
In true martial arts, your opponent’s handedness affects the fight significantly. Angles change, timing shifts, and techniques that work against a right-hander may fail against a left-hander.
Stage combat operates differently. Most blade interactions - beats, binds, and parries - function identically regardless of which hand holds the weapon. The choreography is planned, the movements rehearsed, and both partners know exactly what’s coming.
The exception is close-quarters fighting (corps-a-corps), where crossing swords creates positioning challenges depending on handedness. But even these situations can be choreographed to work either way.
My Recommendation
If the script doesn’t specify handedness, train with your dominant hand. Right-handed actors should learn right-handed; left-handed actors should learn left-handed.
This leads to faster mastery and less frustration in performance. You’ll develop muscle memory more quickly and perform with greater confidence.
Only learn off-handed if the role specifically requires it - and give yourself extra time to prepare.
The Importance of Your Off-Hand
Even when you’re not holding a weapon in your non-dominant hand, it matters tremendously. Your off-hand affects balance, character portrayal, and positioning.
This becomes especially critical for two-weapon styles. At the intermediate level of Fight Directors Canada certification, one required class is rapier and dagger, where you defend yourself with a dagger in your off-hand. If you’ve never developed left-hand awareness, you’ll struggle.
Developing Ambidexterity
In Academie Duello’s Mastery Program, students are expected to change hands whenever one arm gets tired so training can continue uninterrupted. This develops ambidexterity naturally while both arms grow in strength and coordination.
Start early with off-hand awareness. Occasionally practice with your non-dominant side. When the time comes to learn rapier-and-dagger or broadsword-and-shield, you’ll be ready.
A Note on Parry Numbers
Don’t think of parry numbers as “left-side” or “right-side.” Think of them as inside or outside lines. Prime, for example, is a parry for the inside low line - the side opposite your sword hand. This way, your attacks and defenses will match your partner’s expectations regardless of which hand holds the sword.
About the Author
David McCormick
Head of Stage Combat
David serves as Head of Stage Combat at Academie Duello and holds Fight Directors Canada certification. He specializes in theatrical sword fighting and period-accurate combat choreography.
