[open] time for the training montage

[okitactless]

Who: Yamato no Kami Yasusada and you!
Where: Menrva's school grounds; Tuesdays and Thursdays in the ballroom, Saturdays outdoors
When: Throughout April, beginning April 5th. Schedule here!
What: In a shocking turn of events, a sword spirit has offered to teach a swordfighting class. AMAZING.
Warnings: sparring, and Yamato



The basics

Since his suggestion for a sword class was sanctioned by Elsa, Yamato has been busy. Gathering supplies, searching for students and volunteers alike--a lot of effort has gone into preparations for this class.

The first class, and all subsequent Tuesday/Thursday classes, will take place in the ballroom. (Indoor shoes are required.) Introductions will be made, along with a few fun demonstrations of strikes, take-down methods, and other skills that will be covered in the class. Questions and suggestions are always acceptable.

With that out of the way, it's time to practice! Repetitive sets and form practice will make up the majority of Tuesday/Thursday classes. It can get tedious, but it's arguably the most important part of training, and Yamato is a strict and relentless teacher regardless of your level. Done with 50 reps of this strike? Great, time for 100 more! Think you've mastered this particular footwork? Time to trip you on your face! No mercy and no breaks until you fall down, or class is over.

The fun part

What would a sword class be without fighting? Wooden swords and protective gear have been provided. Usage of wooden swords is required, and protective gear is required for beginners and recommended for advanced students. Still, if you insist you don't need it, nobody's going to argue. Yamato won't hesitate to bruise or break bones either way.

Experienced fighters are encouraged to participate in demonstration matches, emphasizing the unique characteristics of their skills and styles. For practicing purposes, lower level students will be paired with more advanced fighters whenever possible. If there are no advanced partners available or a student is afraid for their life uncomfortable, lower level students will be paired together with supervision. A few training dummies have also been scrounged up for uneven numbers.

Competitive matches may take place on Saturdays, when the class is held outdoors. These will be 3 or 5 point matches, with each contact strike meriting 1 point. Students may challenge whomever they wish, Yamato included, as long as there is an advanced fighter around to referee and prevent death grave injuries.

The aftermath

The end of each class will involve a thorough cleaning of the ballroom-- and yes, it's just like it sounds. If your arms aren't about to fall off and you aren't covered in bruises, feel free to turn it into a competition! Races are fun, and the sooner it's done, the sooner you get to collapse. Food and beverages have also been provided outside the ballroom, so get some rest and chat with your fellow students. Group trips to some near shore restaurants for some post-practice bonding time are allowed and even encouraged. We're all comrades here, right? Right.

---


OOC notes:

-This is an open mingle for Yamato's sparring classes throughout the month! The first class will take place on April 5th, but feel free to use any date there is a class. Prose or brackets is fine!
-Tuesday and Thursday classes will take place in Elsa's ballroom, which means they'll be more restrained (practice sets and instructional sparring only). Please don't break the chandelier!
-Saturay classes are for competitive sparring matches, as well as anything a student would like to work on. This is where you can fly around and knock each other into trees and such.
-The class schedule is available for everyone to see, but Yamato has gone around recruiting and inviting people throughout March. Feel free to handwave getting an invitation if you'd like to come and play!
**NEW** -For anyone curious, Yamato practices and teaches Tennen Rishin Ryu style. I've linked some videos here if you want a visual reference!

Comments

OTA

[okitactless]

[Yamato is weird.

This is no secret. It's probably one of the first things anyone who interacts with him notices. Yamato is weird, oblivious about even things the most sheltered child would understand. He's tactless, persistent, and far too energetic about all the wrong things.

But no one can say he's a bad fighter. And he is, perhaps surprisingly, a good teacher. Beginners get the same ruthless treatment advanced students do, but it isn't out of spite--it's to get them accustomed to a real battle, against real enemies who will really go for the kill. He has a sharp eye for even the smallest mistakes, and he's open, even eager, to hear and see others' fighting techniques. Students needn't be afraid to approach him with questions or concerns, or even just to chat. Inside the classroom, it's clear he knows what he's doing, and he's comfortable in his element. But before and after classes, he's the same airheaded weirdo as always. Feel free to chat him up anytime!

Challenging him to a competitive spar, on the other hand... now that should be done with caution. Yamato may not have any memories about his old life, about the haori draped over his shoulders, but Okita Souji's influence still burns inside him. Yamato does not, will not hold back--not for bruises, blood, or broken bones. Oh, and he might be a shinki, but he's still the spirit of a literal weapon, which means he gets cheating levels of strength and endurance. Engage at your own risk.]

[Demonstration match?]

[reformedsinner]

Now -- this isn't exactly my style! But I think it might be a good idea to work on it, don't you?

[After all, he is a sword. If he learns the tricks, he'll be able to work much better with Elsa in battle, and what better way to learn than to try himself against an expert?

Or so Hakkai thinks.

Also, it's been a long week, and some exhausting physical exertion involving trying very hard to hit someone else might be just the thing, he thinks, and beams at Yamato.]

Would you indulge me, sensei?

[okitactless]

Of course.

[It's a reply to both of those things, really. Yamato certainly does think it's a good idea--Hakkai's reasoning is exactly the reasoning he'd used to persuade ("persuade") Yukine to come to class. A sword shinki that can't wield a sword? It just won't do.

So he smiles at Hakkai, wooden sword comfortably in hand, and shifts his stance. Already he's getting into the right mindset for this, even as he gives his companion a curious look.]

What would you like to focus on?

[oathkeeper]

[Sora had been curious about the classes that he saw Yamato was teaching. Sora himself was a seasoned fighter, one that had saved the universe a few times, took down an entire evil organization nearly on his own (with a little help from friends of course), had defeated tons of baddies, beat back hordes of bloodthirsty creatures and he could cut buildings in half if he really wanted to.

But the fact of the matter was, Sora was actually completely self taught. He grew up playing with wooden swords with his friends and was later tasked with a billion things that sort of forced him to... plainly... get good.

So when he saw the invitation and the classes offered, he wanted to try. But he wasn’t sure if he was classified as expert or beginner? He could probably take anything that was thrown at him, but he had no real technique except his own ability.

So Sora walks into the school grounds with his arms tucked behind his head and when he spots Yamato he waves.]

Hey Yamato! Can I use my own sword?

[okitactless]

[Eventually, perhaps, they'll have this discussion--Yamato would be delighted to hear about his battles, and suitably impressed. But teaching someone who's already settled into their ways is, in many ways, much harder than teaching an absolute beginner. How can Yamato say he's done something wrong when Sora's already proven otherwise?

But then, it doesn't take finesse to kill a man or a monster. And as much as Yamato's teaching the gritty technicalities, he's also teaching a way of life. Souji was all but raised by his dojo, after all--it's only natural that his thoughts and feelings should resonate so strongly within the sword that's done his best to mirror him.

At the question, Yamato shakes his head, albeit with an apologetic smile.]

I'm sorry, Sora-kun, for now I'll have to ask you to use these. [He hands over the wooden sword he'd been holding--it's in the style of a typical Japanese sword, very much unlike Sora's Keyblades.] But would you mind showing me yours? I'd like to see it.

Demonstration match

[heiancrescent]

Oh, hello there.

[A fellow sword has arrived at the dojo. The way Yamato uses his blade flows in a familiar way, like how the toudan would wield their own forms without much difficulty. They may have lost their memories of their lives, but how much of their skill has gone with it?]

Are you teaching the way of the blade here? I would like to test my abilities. [After all, a rusty blade means a useless shinki.]

a complete beginner

[punchpass]

[Kuroko himself was just an ordinary human, but he heard there was sword practice and, knowing that his god was annoyed with him being basically useless in the skills department, he arrived.

Of course, no one actually noticed he was there, both a good and bad thing, because he didn't know anything about swords. Still, he kind of wanted SOMEONE'S attention. At least he found the guy who was sort of supposed to be leading this event. Hopefully he didn't startle him too bad when he appeared behind the sword man.]

Excuse me. Are you the one in charge?

between classes

[arealhardnose]

Yamato. [Elsa approaches him, smiling, and gestures to the room.] This is such a good turnout. I'm glad you offered to teach everyone.

[She never thought the school would get such broad use, and that the ballroom would double as a space for classes lile this. She's grateful for it, though. If her home here can be a place people feel happy and safe, then she is doing good work.]

How are you feeling about all of this? [The students, the space -- anything and everything.]

April 9th

[returnedfromtheline]

Yukine had hated being dragged along by Yato at the start, but once he'd tried fighting with a sword himself... it'd been pretty (really) cool. And maybe it'll help him be better swords for Yato, if he understands more about it.

Asking people for favours, though... no matter how often he does it (even if they're offering to be a teacher in the first place), it's still...

So... Yamato-san is going to be here all day?
(That's kinda crazy, but he appreciates the enthusiasm.)
On Saturday Yukine comes alone in the late morning, waiting for Yamato-san to look like he's free before approaching him.

"'Morning."

[nakemen]

[Just like with Horikawa, Izuminokami knows this is a bad idea. He was still licking his wounds from what happened with Horikawa and he isn't sure what he's expecting from Yamato. It's a bad idea to get close to them and he feels that in his gut, but his heart hurts and that's what he goes with. His heart wants to see familiar people, even if he isn't to them.

But he's learned from his time with Horikawa and he doesn't just go to Yamato, expecting his old relationship back. He watches Yamato for a moment, waiting for a good time to go up to him and offer to spar. He thinks about what he should say and do. But Yamato is also teaching a class here and Izuminokami also doesn't have time to just wait around doing nothing. That's not his style anyway.

Walking up to Yamato, he calls out.] Hey, I see you have a class here. I don't need lessons, but I've been needing some good practice if you think you're up for the task.

[After Horikawa, you would think he'd learn that maybe his arrogance isn't a very attractive trait. But his confidence is just apart of him. What else should he do?]

[shufu]

It's late the first day by the time Horikawa approaches his comrade from another life -- or two. The ballroom has been restored to its pristine state devoid of swords or equipment or even the gaggle of sweaty students as most of them are ambling towards the door.

That's when Horikawa strikes still wearing a sword that he has yet to draw. He spent the class going through the motions the same as everyone else and with nearly the same enthusiasm. He would never think of shirking the basics but even if he didn't acknowledge their importance, he couldn't deny the familiar sort of calm they evoked. Like he existed to do exactly this.

He'd fallen into a rhythm and it allowed him to focus on the things around him, the other students, and most importantly Yamato himself. His skill was evident just demonstrating sets and form but Horikawa could tell it must be a shadow of his full potential. That was when he decided.

And that's why he appears at his side, from behind and without a sound as though he didn't wish to announce his presence until the right moment.

"Yasusada." He greets him cheerfully. "I know it's late but I was hoping I could take you up on that match today."

Before the day assigned for such things, his smile reveals. Before either of them has the chance to divulge any more of their secrets. He thinks Yamato will understand that.

April 10th!!

[5yenwish]

[And suddenly, one day, Yato shows up out of nowhere, Yukine in tow, and grins when he sees Yamato.]

Hey kid! Did you think I forgot about my promise?

[He rubs under his nose with a finger, looking very pleased with himself. His shinki probably looks a lot less pleased. Oops.]

OTA

[sleepingknight]

[Demonstration Matches - vs. Beginner Students]

[Yuuki shows up for the Saturday classes.

Given she's an advanced student, she isn't required to put on protective gear, which is good because her style relies on her being able to be flexible. On the other hand, looking at a petite girl like her sporting absolutely no armor whatsoever? Might be a little worrying as a sparring partner, particularly for any beginner students who would rather avoid anyone getting seriously hurt.

She doesn't see anything wrong with this, personally.]

Alright! Try and hit me, okay?

[She's not even going to try to move first, standing serenely with her practice sword up as she waits for her partner to take a shot at her.]

[Competitive Matches]

[And this is the fun part.

Yuuki still has the same bright smile as she goes to her place before the match start. But if anyone was paying attention earlier, this girl is not to be underestimated - she's fast, faster than should be possible for humans, and she's plenty capable of both dodging and dishing out at that speed.

A thought seems to occur to her before they can quite begin, however, and she pipes up:]

Oh, right! You can't fly, can you?

[She might as well make sure.]

LESSDOIT

[okitactless]

[The others are done for the day--worn out, sprawled over the grass in sweaty, bruised contentment. There may some second wind matches later, but for now, they've got a tired but attentive audience.

Yamato laughs at her question as he takes his own place. He's got on his breastplate, but he almost never takes it off anyway; it's less armor and more of a second skin to him. He keeps his haori on even in the warm spring sunlight, and between the large sleeves and the extra layers of fabric he wears, it's hard to tell just how strong or slight he might be.

Of course, they've sparred before. He knows about her speed, just like she knows about his strength-- and his unfortunate lack of flight.]

No, I haven't been able to learn. I wonder if it's something all shinki can do?

Demonstration - vs beginner

[oneblackcat]

[He'll probably never need this, and it's really not even his favored style of combat. But someone he admires is good with a sword, so Omi can't help being curious about it. Just to see what it's like...

It's weird to be on the offensive, too, being more accustomed to (and suited for) sniping and evasion. Facing a girl isn't a big deal. Yuuki holds herself with confidence. That along with her opting against protective gear says enough: she's good.

At her signal, he nods, takes a moment to mentally review the reps and form practice from earlier, then charges forward with a basic strike aimed for the side of the neck. If there's one thing he does have in his favor, it's that he's already athletic and a seasoned fighter. His approach is quick and his attack without hesitation.]

demo match - vs ....whatever elsa's skill level is

[arealhardnose]

[While she is able to rely upon the technique she learned (or was programmed to have) last year, and even though she and Hakkai have done well in their fights against ayakashi (and death-goddess hair), Elsa feels that she owes it to Hakkai to be at her best. So, practice sword in hand, she heads over to Yuuki, who had been kind enough to spar with her back in Shepard's gym.]

Hello, Yuuki. Have time for me?

OTA (Saturday)

[doestheickyjobs]

Competitive matches

[Axel's still holding the sword awkwardly, but he's been working on it. After getting his ass kicked around the room all week, though, he's picked out one of the wooden swords and he's going to see if he can get his own back against one of the other beginning students. It's not like he can't fight. He just can't use this weapon that well. As long as he gets to go a little more freestyle, he should be just fine.]

Hey! First to three points?

[chronobreak]

[Ekko holds the sword comfortably, but he also holds it like somebody would hold a club.

It's a wooden stick, as far as he's concerned. It's a club, and that's what his body is used to, so that's how he's going to fight. It's close enough to whatever he used to before, anyway.

If Axel saw him at all, he'd notice he favors force and quickness than anything else.]

Sure, I got nothing to lose.

OTA

[choseneutrality]

[Demonstration]

[When he showed up for the sword classes and started going, Flynn had found himself falling into a rhythm once he had gotten hold of one of the practice swords. He favored holding it in one hand and knew how to use it that way.

When he is paired with another person who isn't as comfortable with holding their sword Flynn will incline his head to them briefly.]

Ready?


[Competitive]

[When Saturday comes around, Flynn attends and is quick pick up a wooden sword once more. As a shinki, he was more magic-based but keeping his other combat skills sharp never hurt. It was a good idea to do so in his mind.

He opts to put on at least a chest and head-guard for himself but that's about it. Plus, if worst came to worst, he could just cast Media to take care of the light injuries.

Flynn watches some of the other matches going on but anyone is free to approach him and ask for a match.]

[Competitive]

[reformedsinner]

Why, hello! It's good to see you here. Flynn, wasn't it?

[Hakkai bows politely to him, tucking his sword under one arm, and smiles as he straightens up again. He's not wearing any armor at all; it's easier to move fast without it, and he has enough confidence in his skills not to worry about being too badly injured.]

Would you be interested in a match?

OTA - Saturday Competitive Matches

[oathkeeper]

[Sora loves many things, some of those things being competition and sword fights. So he jumped at the idea of participating in the competitive matches at Menrva’s temple. Sora will be available on Saturdays for competitive matches throughout the month.

Be careful, Sora might look like a cinnamon bun but he’s a lot tougher than you might think. Years of being a self-taught keyblade wielder and spending his whole life fighting with wooden swords has formed many of Sora’s skills and abilities. Let’s face it-- he’s a tough little cookie and you shouldn’t under estimate him. Not only has he taken out the majority of Organization XIII basically on his own, he’s beaten back hordes of heartless, saved the universe on several occasions and defeated many end game bosses in his young life.

And growing up with the friends that he did, he doesn’t go easy on people! So come at him, and give him the best you got.

Sora stands with a wooden sword gripped and ready to spar.]

Let’s do this! First to five points!

/walks in late with Starbucks

[cyberfly]

[ Swordsmanship is something that is definitely not in Nagi's realm of expertise. He has a feeling though, that combat is something he's not exactly unfamiliar with. He possesses an ability that doesn't really require a lot of physical prowess in these kinds of engagements. He's spent his spare time since the banquet practicing his powers, as it seems prudent to be prepared for anything in his new life as a shinki.

He's not sure if he really needs to know how to handle a weapon at all, but given the amount of unknowns, maybe it's best to take advantage of anything that could be useful in the future.

And so he finds himself at the outdoor matches one Saturday afternoon, holding a practice sword and being tossed in with another boy who looks about his age. ]

...okay. So each body contact is a point?

[ He only knows the rules in theory, since he's never done this before in practice. ]

[kagenonadeshiko]

Refreshment Area

[It's Ayumu's first trip to the school. Yamato's map has been very useful indeed. The architecture of Elsa's temple reminds her vaguely of her own and thankfully, the ballroom isn't too hard to find. She doesn't enter immediately, stopping at the refreshment table first to set down the tray of karinto she's brought with her. From her few explorations of the Near Shore, Ayumu hasn't seen many places that sell it so it's her snack of choice for the students.

If Yamato is as much like Okita as she suspects, a rare sweet might be a welcome reward for those strong enough to endure the training.

She can be found hovering about the refreshments, eyeing the assembled food with a critical, calculating gleam in her eye as she considers eliminating some of the competition to her cooking.]


During Practice

[Ayumu can be found observing on the sidelines. Her gaze lingers on Yamato in particular and her expression can only be called dreamy as she watches him viciously knock students flat. A soft chuckle actually escapes her only to be quickly muffled by her hand as Yamato trips another student to test his footwork. When she pulls her hand away, she's beaming like a proud mother whose child has just presented her with a bouquet of flowers.

After a moment, she sighs blissfully, murmuring to herself.]

Just like Okita-san...


Competitive Matches

Hello there. Spar to three points?

[Her tone is friendly and cheerful as she approaches, wakizashi in hand.

So far, Ayumu's been presenting herself in demonstration matches as a lower level student, partly as an exercise in self-discipline but also to get an up close and personal look at the advanced students' strengths, weaknesses, and fighting styles. The only sign of her deception has been an oddly critical, calculating gleam in her eye at times during the 'learning process'.

Maybe what she's doing isn't exactly honorable combat or fair but if she's going to fight anyone, it'll be as a shinobi, not a samurai. But at least, Ayumu's kind enough to target the ones that look capable of holding their own and restricting herself to her backup weapon.]

competitive matches;

[shufu]

[It might look like Horikawa is doing the same. He comes from the same world as her after all, where discretion and deception win the day just as often as brute force. He knows it in his bones -- if not his mind -- better than most.

But that's not what he's doing today. Today was supposed to be casual, fun even. An exercise in observation of simply how to get by here. When Ayumu spots him, his attention is currently caught between a few pairs of competitors, sizing them up. Though he may be modest, he's well aware of his own capabilities and wouldn't want to overwhelm anyone. That wouldn't be a benefit to either party. But he's hardly reluctant to turn away.

His own wakizashi is sheathed and rests comfortably at his hip.]

Yumi! [Though he voices surprises, his pleasant expression doesn't betray any at all.] It'd be my pleasure.

[Admittedly, he'd been eyeing her amidst everyone else. Their's wasn't exactly a common sword among the group gathered. How could he not agree to the test.]

during practice;

[roeh]

[Of course Shepard wasn't about to miss her shinki's first classes but with him at her beck and call any other time during the week she doesn't really feel pressed to bother him for his time here. Instead she sticks to the sidelines herself, observing him, those in attendance and how everyone gets along.

She trust Yamato as well as anyone case but as long as he's one of her own she feels bound to look out for him in any way possible and that means not only concerning herself with him but those he associates with as well. It's not overt, like an overbearing parent, more like just keeping tabs to make sure her team is happy and healthy and always functioning at their best.

So she's familiar with Ayumu as a result. Perhaps Yamato has even namedropped her as he is apt to do in conversation when he tends towards the overzealous. But standing behind her -- in conversation with another student just taking a rest -- hearing her utter a name that was nothing more than a private memory to to the commander has her attention.

Shepard excuses herself gracefully to make her presence known to the other woman.]

Yeah? What about him?