Day 5 [LM] Pincers and Tails

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"So...are you going to sit here and let you enemy just have their way with you?" Suteichi shook his head. You are better this. Show me and show them."

[Matsu Kogo]

Something about his words stirred her, like wind over dull coals, bringing them to life. Her eyes blazed. "I had not seen it that way. But you are right. For Akodo says, A general who made his enemy doubt what he fought for had already won." She takes a deep breath. "Fear is my greatest weakness. I let it rule me too often. It is the whip that drives me. I must break it.
"Suteichi-san...It seems I find myself deeper in your debt each time we speak. One day, I hope I will be able to repay all that you have done for me."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"Repay me by stop pitying yourself. Pity is not a virtue. Have some courage to fulfill your duty. Be determined and have the will to see yourself succeed."

[Matsu Kogo]

His harsh words are like a lash to her. Her back straightens. "Indeed Bayushi-san. I will not forget." How can he be so kind and so cruel, all in the same breath? She takes a brief moment to stretch and then picks up the shinai. "Let us return to our plan. I would not wish for those courting you to see anything at fault in your new skills."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"Fair enough." Suteichi stood and returned to the mat. "What's next?!"

[Matsu Kogo]

She begins walking through the motions, demonstrating the other positions to him. "Each of the positions has a purpose and you must flow between them. First, we will have you sketch the movements on your own, with me coaching. Then, I will shadow you, like a mirror. We will do each part in symmetry together, and then switch, so that it becomes more natural and you can begin to get used to the concept of an opponent who will also be moving in your space."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

The footwork was extremely awkward for him. It was like learning to dance for the first time. It frustrated him to a point.

"I see why bushi learn this at a younger age." he stated.

[Matsu Kogo]

She nods. " it is easier when one learns it young. The body has less preconceived notions. It takes new forms like clay. " she suggests an adjustment to his feet and then continues. "The flow will come. For now, just acquaint your body with these forms."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"Fine." he said in a huff. "Did not realize combat had so many dancing moves."

[Matsu Kogo]

She brightens. "That is an excellent way to think of it Suteichi-san. Imagine that these are beginning dance moves. Once you learn the sequences, you can move them in any way you wish. But you must accustom your feet to the basics." She looks at him and picks up her shinai, mirroring. "Watch me, and mirror me." She begins a sequence of changing stances, moving from low to high, left to right.

[Bayushi Suteichi]

He followed her movements slowly, making sure he understood each move.

[Matsu Kogo]

She continued the movements, keeping them slow and steady, watching to see his progress. As she watches him progress, she increases the speed slightly, but not very much, not wishing to cause his frustration to mount. "Excellent Suteichi-san. You are doing quite well. Continue."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

He continues the movements on his own. He felt better about it. Not comfortable, just better.

[Matsu Kogo]

She continues the movements, adding the tiniest of steps to the side to cause the Bayushi to have to move and allow his body to relax and flow. The steps are incremental but will become noticable in a few sets. "Breathe in and out Suteichi-san. This is practice, not a test. Continue as you are."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"Hmmm... True words. I hope that my sensei will apply it to herself." he said with his usual faint smile, continuing his lessons.