before the blade [Gintsuki Training - Dojo][P]

[neko (◍•ᴗ•◍)]

Rokkingu Kaze (Rocking Wind)
Rank: C
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The user takes a half step backwards and rolls away from a strike, then takes a step forward and strikes with the main hand.
Special: --
Drawback: This technique requires an acute sense of balance.
Description: The user takes a half-step backwards with their off-foot, rocking their center of gravity down and backwards in a circular motion, allowing a strike to barely miss them. They then complete the motion and take a full step forward with their main-foot, rushing upwards towards the opponent and delivering a strong straight-punch with their main-hand to the solar plexus or stomach. The user then resumes the stance.
Limit: Must learn from a Gintsuki no Seikou Mai Master. Must know Shikkyaku Yuki (Falling Snow).

[00 || 30]

Body low, legs and feet falling neatly in line with my shoulders, primary foot forward—toes to my enemy—back foot at an angle behind my main one, torso somewhere in the middle. My dominant hand in a fist, raised slightly higher than my non-dominant fist. Eye always on my enemy—in this case, a punching bag two times my size but no matter.

As if the punching bag had thrown a hearty punch, my upper body falls back in time with a half-step back, semi-circular in motion. Following through with the momentum, I step forward with a straight punch, bare knuckles thudding deftly on the punching bag. The hinges rattle as I step back into stance. I complete the motion again as if another steady punch has just barely grazed me. Another punch with my main hand has my knuckles sore.

"Good," Sensei says, walking slowly around me. I've not yet grown fatigued, my breathing steady through my nose, so I do it once more. Half-step back in a circular motion, torso dropping just in time under an unseen punch. A cane at the back of my knees, not hard but sudden, urging my legs to bend. "Remember to keep your knees bent, Kotori."

"Yessir," I mutter obediently, lowering my body. I can feel my weight in my knees as I step back now, below an invisible attack, knuckles on leather and the punching bag rocks slightly. It is repetitive but necessary, I remind myself. I resume the Hyouuruuu Yuki stance - knees bent - and crescent-shape dodge a non-existent punch. I strike the punching bag hard, though I could never hope to put a dent in it with my frail figure. Sweat beads at my temples and I exhale hard.

"Good," Sensei says but I do not believe him.

[neko (◍•ᴗ•◍)]

[?? || 30]

Per instructions, I've for now wrapped my knuckles in a white bandage to avoid distasteful blistering. It's worked to keep the taut skin over my knuckles from reddening, but the joints throb without ache as I throw another surprise punch upon my 'opponent' who sways in the air before me from its chain. I've taken to sparing those few seconds of transitioning from the end of the technique to the starting stance, now only taking a quick step back with my main foot before following through once more. If it is wrong, Sensei's expression does not hint to it. I continue.

"You're improving quickly," he says and I nod, too focused on the momentum to offer anything verbally but a "Hup—" now and then with the force of a punch. Air drags from my lungs with each violent jerk of my body; quick step back and head back, quick step forward, fist snap forward. I'm too focused to notice a shortness of breath. In all reality, I'm at a complete calm. Nothing here but me and the punching bag, my opponent. Sensei, master of this style, coaxing me from somewhere. He is distant but somehow prominent and in the room. A cane at the center of my back pulls me to the surface of thought. "Straighten out, Kotori."

Another muttered "Yessir," and my back is straight, perfectly aligned with the width of my feet. Before his cane touches my calves, I remember to bend my knees before falling back through the motions with little hesitance. Tedious tedious, I rock back and around, shoot back forward and punch the hanging opponent. The chain it hangs upon creaks as it swings back a little. I step away from it, front toes still pointed to it however. A white knuckled fist of mine, wrapped in barely protective cloth, collides with it again and then again on quick succession as though I hadn't missed a beat.

"Very good," Sensei says.

[neko (◍•ᴗ•◍)]

[?? || 30]

"Why not put it into action?"

I nod wordlessly, facing him in the Hyouuryuu Yuki stance as he assumes a position before me. He faces me with his feet shoulder width apart, knees bent so his raised hands are at my level. First in a semi-slow motion, he throws a pathetic punch and I dodge with my half-step back and a rotation at my torso. I can feel his slow punch graze the tip of my ear, reminding me I am without my mask. When I step forward again I throw an expected strike with my dominant fist to his solar plexus. He absorbs the blow easily with his hand, a dull smack sounding off of the contact.

"Good," he says for the umpteenth time as I fall into the Hyouuryuu Yuki stance. I don't miss a second as he throws a quicker punch over my shoulder, half step back or it would have landed hard on my petite frame. My fist connects with his hand, defensively placed over the core of his torso, my main foot hitting the training mat in time with the sound of fist on palm. He nods, satisfied, before throwing Nother punch before I've even resumed the stance. Reflexively, my back foot slides away in another half-step, Sensei's fist missing me by an inch, my main fist coming forward in a hard blow to his block once more.

We go on like this for what seems like ages, his feet moving in time with mine as I take half-steps back and fu steps forward– punch punch, one time getting him in the sternum with a solid this. It was intoxicatingly satisfying to hear him grunt and see him stagger back briefly, fingers touched to his chest as if in shock.

"Well done!" He exclaims.

[Deleted]

learned

[neko (◍•ᴗ•◍)]

Uchikomi Kousetsu (Driving Snowfall)
Rank: C
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: Following a successful Rokkingu Kaze, the user completes a half-round kick with their off foot and then strikes with their off-elbow.
Special: --
Drawback: This technique leaves the user very close to the foe.
Description: The user, after a successful Rokkingu Kaze, focuses their weight unto their main-foot and brings their off-foot up in a powerful round-house kick, striking the opponent in the neck or head. Rather than allow the momentum to carry the kick further, however, after the strike the user drops their foot, delivering a powerful elbow strike with their off-arm to the chin. The user then resumes the stance.
Limit: Must learn from a Gintsuki no Seikou Mai Master. Must know Rokkingu Kaze (Rocking Wind).

[00 || 30]

Because the Uchikomi Kousetsu follows Rokkingu Kaze so closely, Sensei has me face him instead of the punching bag. We also have to go through the last technique once before each practice of this one, so it feels as repetitive as ever. I do not mind, however, as it makes it all the more easier in the long run. Half-steps back, rotate away from a punch and step forward and punch the palm over the solar plexus. I have to watch Sensei as he demonstrates upon me delicately, careful of my tiny stature. Off-foot up in a halted round-house kick, end with elbow to chin.

Slowly, he puts the entirety of his weight on his dominant foot, the other swinging around to meet my wrist that I have against my head. He pivots and slams the active foot down, elbow moving up in the same instant, catching the air just below my chin. My heart pounds as he resumes the Hyouuryuu Yuki.

"See? Really quite simple."

"Sure," I murmur. Either he does not hear me or lets it slide, his knees bent as he beckons me forwards. I oblige, doing the Rokkingu Kaze swiftly so that I may mirror Sensei perfectly. I wobble on my main foot, all my weight barely balanced as I deliver a kick to his upright forearm hiding his head. As my foot comes down, my elbow meets his opposite arm that blocks his chin. He utters a few things that I do not hear, going from a quick stance back to the beginning of Uchikomi Kousetsu. Sensei catches each blow but nods enthusiastically with my progress.

Everytime I begin the Uchikomi, I feel the weight of my balance grow easier to maintain. I do the Rokkingu Kaze a few times to use the momentum it allows for the followup technique I currently work towards.

[neko (◍•ᴗ•◍)]

[?? || 30]

Training the technique became a dance between Sensei and I and it continues as flawless as ever. When I don't think I could improve, I do. When I think Sensei may reprimand me, he does not. He waits until I fall away momentarily, chest heaving with deep breaths. His chest is that of a steady heartbeat and I think maybe I can hear his over my own, my senses tingling. He blinks slowly at me.

"You are a capable student."

I want to be able to say I know, but I feel as though I have yet to prove my potential fully. Instead I roll my shoulders, taking up my stance. He mirrors my readiness and I fall back into training. I focus on my breathing now more than the motions I'm following. Half-step; breathe– Dodge, punch to the center; breathe–foot down, elbow up; breathe. I fall into a rhythm, the dance between Sensei and I expanding to include each of my senses. I listen to him now as he utters encouragements and suggestions. "...Straighten up...As if we are fighting for real...Good..."

I focus on my heartbeat, counting the seconds by them. I feel as though I could do this with my eyes shut. I test the theory, eyelids closing heavily and I follow the reflexive motions. I hear the wind off my raised leg glide through the air, halted by the sound of a defensive block. I move to bring up my elbow—

"Open your eyes," and I do in time to see his fist coming, coming- and stop short of my nose. I blink feverishly at his fist as he chuckles and stands back. "Never close your eyes, Kotori."

[neko (◍•ᴗ•◍)]

[?? | 30]

Sensei allows me a short break. I take a swig of water from an offered canteen, run a towel through my hair and down my face to collect sweat. While my short break still lasts, I stand in front of the punching bag and do the Uchikomi Kousetsu slowly.

Because Sensei is not sparring with me now, I am free to close my eyes and follow through with the motions by blinded senses. It is slow at first and here or there my eyelids flutter open to catch a glimpse of what I'm doing. I can hear the wind whisk around my fist and feel the gravity on my chest as I half-step back. It urges me into an entire circulation but I fight the momentum to round-house kick instead, throw my elbow up. Even with my eyes closed, I can see where the punching bag swings through sound alone. Like a bat, I sense the object by listening for my returned breath.

I had not realized, but Sensei watches from the margarine. I work up another short sweat as I do the Rokkingu through Uchikomi—put all steps into one swift action. With Sensei's eyes on me it's hard to keep my eyes closed, to focus on the space between the punching bag and myself. I look to him expectantly as he approaches with a white bandage, the same my fists are wrapped in, draped over his extended hands. I shut my knowingly as he ties it around the back of my head. I feel the tips of his calloused fingertips adjust the bandage over my nose. "Since you are so keen on trying it blind," he's saying, "I will not interfere. Though you should never try it eyes closed in a real fight."

"Of course, Sensei," my tone is inflected with excitement. I truly appreciating that he's humored me.

I can taste my breath, laced with the scent of beaten leather, bounce off of my opponent. I take a short step back to correct the distance between the punching bag and me, my eyes parting but to no avail. Screwing my eyes shut and steadying my breath I remember to rely on my senses.

Just my senses, all but sight, and the punching bag and me. I slip back, swivel around an invisible punch. I take the full step forward, my main foot directly below me, carrying my weight as I first throw a punch. Immediately I fall into a round-house kick, however short. I barely feel the vibration of a satisfying kick over the noise of it. I slam my little weight into my main foot as my elbow comes up in the same movement. The leather grazes my skin and I beam, stepping back. When I thumb the bandage over my eyes, Sensei's hands are clasped. "Beautiful!"

[Deleted]

learned

[neko (◍•ᴗ•◍)]

Norikaze (Riding Wind)
Rank: C
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The user dips low and steps forward to evade, then rises in a powerful strike with their off-knee.
Special: --
Drawback: The user completes this technique close to their foe.
Description: The user steps forward with their main-foot, straightening their main-leg and dipping low to allow a strike to ghost over the top of them. The user than rises, bringing their off-knee forward and up in a powerful knee strike that hits the foe in the stomach or groin. The user than resumes the stance.
Limit: Must learn from a Gintsuki no Seikou Mai Master. Must know Hyouuryuu Yuki. Must know Tentou. Must know Rokkingu Kaze (Rocking Wind).

[00 || 30]

Facing off with my advisory, the punching bag once more, I assume the Hyouuryuu Yuki as I would before any technique of the Gintsuki. It's becoming a second nature, easily shifted into, so it takes me no time to begin. I take a step forward with my primary foot, the muscles in my leg straining as I keep it straight. My back knee bends so that my body drops down quickly, an invisible attack wisping just over my head. With my back foot I step forward, primary leg creaking with the movement of my weight. Before my back foot completes a full step I pull it up into my chest and then forward. After the strike has landed I bring my foot down hard, shifting upwards into the Hyouuryuu Yuki. I notice I'm a breath away from my opponent and while now it is merely a punching bag, someday could be someone's eyes I'm too close to. The thought sends me back a step to distance myself from the possibility.

A soft slap rings in my ears as Sensei clasps his hands hard. "Very well done for a first time! Be sure to remember your back straight." His expression softens. "I noticed that you hesitated with the upwards motion of your leg; you shouldn't. It leaves you open, however briefly."

Though my expression does not show it, I am grateful for his guidance and honesty. Despite this, I only manage a "Yessir.". I resume the Hyouuryuu Yuki. A single blink and I step forward, move down, remembering to keep my back straight, leg straight. As soon as I feel an unseen punch ghost over my head I come in fast with my off leg. My knee hits the punching bag hard, rattling on its hinges noisily as I step back into stance.

[neko (◍•ᴗ•◍)]

[?? || 30]

I hardly register Sensei's words of encouragement as I complete the technique again and again, ignoring the beads of sweat that make my hair stick to my forehead. Each time I come back to my starting stance I feel as though I've discovered something new; count the beats of my heart to find the right pace to breathe at, keep my eye trained at the point of which I aim to ensure a successful strike.

Just as I do with every technique, I try to break down the motions like steps to a dance. It falls down to three separate steps: Step forward with a straight main-foot, duck below an unseen attack with a bowed leg, bring off-leg up and strike. Forward, down, forward; stance. Forward, down, forward. I fall into an easy trance, bringing my non-dominant knee up into the punching bag with a hard thud in time with an unheard beat.

"Think about what you're doing, don't lose focus."

"I am focused," I say to the punching bag, though it only rattles backwards in response. To prove a point, I slow down, taking my time to think about how my main foot touches the ground beneath me, muscles tensing as I brace my weight on it under a duck. Again my off-knee makes a strike. The same repetitivity from practices before reminds me that I need to straighten out my back.

[neko (◍•ᴗ•◍)]

[?? || 30]

Sensei may have sensed a boredness resonating off me as he has asked me to join him instead. We both maintain a stance, mine being Hyouuryuu Yuki of course and his being of a style I'm not familiar with. It's seems to be defensive. I focus on myself, my main leg straight as I move it forward, back leg bowing as Sensei's fist cuts the air overhead. As soon as he brings his fist back to his chest I pop up, completing my part of the dance with an absorbed blow to Sensei's expecting block.

It takes a moment but we fall into a dance together. It's strange being in tune with Sensei, him towering over me and I nowhere near his strength. He is slow in the beginning though I know it's on my part as he waits for me to find an adjacent rhythm to learn in. As I step forward with my main leg, remembering always to keep it straight like my back, he steps backward. I bow my back leg, moving below his slow swipe, and step in as he does. I catch his defensive block with my knee, the satisfying blow making a crude noise.

Faster each time, the dance becomes violent as it should. His face holds no expression but that of concentration, his chin told up as mine is down. I could close my eyes again but I do not, instead moving through the technique alongside Sensei with more understanding than before. He doesn't have to mutter encouragements anymore so I think I may know the technique to his desire. Forward and down, back and up. Three simple steps in one swift motion, over and over I complete the dance with Sensei. He seems to beam at my improvement, knee connecting hard with his block. As I move away into the Hyouuryuu Yuki to begin the dance again, he steps back. I try to read his expression. Again, or are we moving on?

[neko (◍•ᴗ•◍)]

[double post]

[Deleted]

Learned

[neko (◍•ᴗ•◍)]

Hakanai Kaze (Fleeting Wind)
Rank: C
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The user twists and moves backwards, avoiding a strike from the side or a diagonal.
Special: --
Drawback: --
Description: The user sweeps their main-foot backwards, changing it to face in opposite direction of their off-foot. As they do so, the user twists their off-foot to face the direction their main-foot originally faced, recreating the stance. As they do this, they swing their body backwards in a sort of reverse Tentou, avoiding a strike from the side and turning to face it.
Limit: Must learn from a Gintsuki no Seikou Mai Master. Must know Tentou (To Invert).

[00 | 30]

"Hakanai Kaze is all in the feet, Kotori. Be sure to balance yourself equally on both." I try to remember this as I face off before the punching bag once again. My faithful advisory hangs readily before me as I assume the Hyouuryuu Yuki. I walk through the steps Sensei had demonstrated in my head on loop, remembering each way his limbs had shifted. I recreate it semi-shakily; off-foot pivoting to match my main one after it's swept back. My chest tightens as I move to swing my upper body away to match my foot placement, an unseen attack ghosting in front of me.

I side step in some terms, ankles switching up in a way that threatens to send me down. I move with the momentum of my pivoting feet, main-foot sweeping back uncomfortably. The muscles in my thighs and calves tense with the quick movement of my weight, moving away from another unseen strike.

I notice an ease that comes with completing it over and over, each time falling back into the Hyouuryuu Yuki feeling slightly smoother. Small aches in my lower back and calves cease and the technique slowly becomes simple. I hear my blood pumping in my ears before I hear Sensei from the side. I have to remember to use each of my senses in time with the completion of a successful dodge, to taste and hear anything.

"Tighten the center of your gut," doesn't sound like something that would help, but I oblige nonetheless to let him know I'm eager to learn.

[neko (◍•ᴗ•◍)]

[?? || 30]

I take a break, the training catching up with my lungs. I take a moment to sit on a bench under a flickering light, making sure to keep my mental state close to the work to not lose the momentum that drags my progress along. I think about my actions here, comb over wherever I may have gone wrong before. Sensei hadn't said anything to hint that I had, but I know I can always improve.

I'm lost in thought, thinking about the steps of the Hakanai Kaze thoroughly, trying to put it into another sort of dance. This dance, however, doesn't include much from me; simply a change of direction of which I face. The steps of this one all move closely together, being a 1 and 2 as opposed to a 1 then 2. To separate them would be foolish, so I imagine my front and back feet moving simultaneously and flawlessly.

It appears so much easier in thought, but standing in front of the punching bag again tells me that this is going to take more than thinking through. I can utilize my mind all I please, but physically I must test the theory rather clumsily. Physically it proves to be difficult moving my off-foot forward in the same instance I sweep my main-foot back. Distributing my weight is the first obstacle so I address it neatly.

Instead of completing the technique wholly, I practice instead the simple movement of my feet alone. Pivot and sweep, pivot and sweep. Step forward and pivot back; wrong. Pivot forward and sweep back; right but messy. It becomes only me and the floor, sliding my feet around each other fluidly with still hips. Sensei says nothing as he watches from the sidelines, forever observing my own training techniques.

[neko (◍•ᴗ•◍)]

[?? || 30]

It becomes increasingly easy to move my feet under my weight without a slip-up. In theory it felt immaculate, so it's only natural for me to feel completely flawless in getting it down. At the end of step one and two I add the last; move out of a strike's trajectory, however hypothetical.

Facing the punching I realize it's not for hitting but instead to correctly measure the distance between an opponent and myself. I test different distances and angles but the results are always the same—pivot and sweep then swing my upper torso to match. Again I count the beats of my heart to determine a correct pace to breathe, though it feels unnecessary for this as there is no counterattack.

Sensei must think I've learned enough on my own, so he beckons me to meet him in the center of the training mat. Here I can hear the acoustics of the dojo room, his voice echoing slightly. "You're doing well, Kotori. I like how thorough you are in practice. You're very well balanced."

As he speaks, he assumes a stance. This time it is not defensive like the times before and despite a thump in my heart, I assume the Hyouuryuu Yuki. I do not want to appear rude nor egotistical, so I simply nod graciously. "Thank you, Sensei."

Knowing each other well enough now, we mirror each other's readiness. Without warning he lunges forward, giving me almost no time to pivot easily on my feet. I balance half my weight on my main foot, equal weight on my off foot, swiping my torso away from an almost hit.

The dance continues for a moment but I can't help but grin as he seems satisfied in my progress. His fist ghosts before my chest, a rush of air passing below my chin.

[Deleted]

Learned

[neko (◍•ᴗ•◍)]

Shinku Yuki (Rising Snow)
Rank: D
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The user strikes powerfully with their off-knee.
Special: --
Drawback: The user focuses their weight onto their main-foot, drawing their off-knee up and forward in a pushing knee strike in the groin or stomach. The user than resumes the stance.
Limit: Must learn from a Gintsuki no Seikou Mai Master. Must know Hakanai Kaze (Fleeting Wind)

[00 || 10]

You'd think technique after technique would fill you with some sort of adrenaline high, but mostly I feel nothing. There is the hollow caving of my chest as I breathe hard and a pounding of my heart in my ears, and a strain in my legs and abdomen. But that's it.

Directly before me is my old friend, the punching bag. I offer him no condolences as I strike him with my knee, feeling like a scrabbler. As if in a close hand-to-hand tussle with someone on the street, I attack with a raised knee. Not quite bringing it up in an angled strike, I bring my knee up against my stomach and then thrust it forward. A straight punch with my knee, I muse.

Either I have impeccable balance or this technique requires little, as I have no problem balancing my entire weight upon my main foot as my off-knee moves up, foot off the training mat. If anything, the real challenge is overcoming the awkwardness the technique causes my movements. I tighten the pit of my gut but it offers no relief as my balance does not need improvement.

Another technique I might be able to complete with eyes shut though I do not try. Before, I had fallen into a dance through muscle memory as I moved through the performance, becoming reflex upon an incoming attack. This dance, however, is initiated by me alone. Simple and clean-cut though it had been a matter of making it feel natural. With no twist to make it an easier practice, I focus on creating a harder thrust of my knee. By thinking of my folded leg as whole, heel against the back of my thigh, I can move it swifter as one new limb.

[Skulking Shinzu]

+12 TP. Learned.

[neko (◍•ᴗ•◍)]

Miyabata Yuki (Elegant Snow)
Rank: D
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The user delivers a strong forward kick while simultaneously evading.
Special: --
Drawback: The user must have an acute sense of balance.
Description: The user focuses their weight into their off-foot, leaning gracefully and allowing a strike to glide over them. At the same time, the user throws their main-foot forward in a powerful straight-laced, impacting the foe in the chest or stomach. The user then resumes the stance.
Limit: Must learn from a Gintsuki no Seikou Mai Master. Must know Hakanai Kaze (Fleeting Wind)

[00 || 10]

Once more requiring all the equilibrium I can muster, I balance my weight on my off-foot. It threatens to cave beneath my weight at first so it takes a few tries before I can be completely trusting upon it. I brace myself in case I may fall.

It feels silly throwing my torso back in tandem with my leg swinging forward. I feel like a dancer, a real one, and awkward. It's even more awkward when I am unable to maintain my balance and plummet to the training mat with a thud, flat on my back with one leg bent. I take a moment to catch my breath, staring up at the rafters and dim light of the dojo room. Sensei waits patiently for me to clamber to my feet and assume the Hyouuryuu Yuki again before my advisory. The punching bag offers me no condolences as I attempt again and again to hit it just right in time with my movement backwards. My balance is wobbly as both sides of my being move up on top of one leg.

I find a place on the ball of my foot and stem my actions from there. Instead of moving my leg to stand beneath me, I move myself to perch above my straight leg instead. My arms twist slightly in the air as I stretch back, main foot coming up hard into the punching bag. The first satisfying sound of a strike rings through the small room.

Sensei smiles simply when I look to him for a kind of support, and I continue. The challenge in this is mostly in my balance and how I use it, how carefully I direct it. Sensei had mentioned the wellness of my balance before and so I want nothing more than to prove that he is right. I concentrate on shifting equal parts of my weight until it becomes second nature. I focus on the part of my movements not going in for a strike.

A ghost attack swipes over me, narrowly avoiding my stomach as I crane back. As I bring up my leg in a powerful kick, again I'm met with that satisfying thwack of a landed strike, the rattle of hinges as it moves away from my learnings.