Then again, getting stunned everytime a 2hander or a polearm holds an attack is to me a bigger disadvantage than not running as fast as the other ninjas
lol
Anyway.. Well, you can't just backwaddle and outrange spam any shielder with a katana. You can't break his shield in reasonable time, so your only chance is to trick him so you get behind him and slash him in the back. (or chamber, or kick, ok ok)
If you are low on athletics and in heavy armor you cannot even do that, and are left with chamber or kick. Which is not really options because they mean your certain death.
Learn to block anything, and learn to duel facehug style. Most duelers practice range management, and get's thrown off if u facehug with a 2h.