Welcome to the dojo

[crow_dad]

Who: Kogarasumaru and YOU
Broadcast: Yes
Action: At his new dojo on the Iskaulit
When: The rest of June

Broadcast

[The face of the pretty sword of the fleet comes on and he smiles pleasantly at the camera, bowing his head in a way that makes that wing-like hair sway like the flapping of wings.]

A good day to you all. After a welcome suggestion from one of the captains here, I have established a dojo aboard the Iskaulit. It is open and welcome for all but I do wish to mention that I will be offering lessons in swordsmanship here. Please feel free to come and use the space for your purposes.

[He tilts his head just a little.]

For those who have already asked for lessons, they are ready to begin. I look forward to seeing you.

[Another smile and he ends the transmission.]


Action - Dojo

[He has been rather pleased with his find here and has taken a number of days to make sure that the dojo is properly setup. Now it looks like a dojo one might find in Japan and he's even crafted some pieces of wood into practice blades which hang on the wall. Naturally there are a number of sizes since not everyone will be able to wield the same length of blade.

Today he is in a more simplistic outfit. A modified version of what his citadel attire looks like. Something he's put together after gathering some clothes from one of the systems. It will work well for teaching others to use a blade. And this is how one will find him when they walk into his dojo. Sometimes dancing as he waits, sometimes kneeling, sometimes practicing with one of the wooden swords for himself.

No matter how you find him, he will offer a smile in greeting. Welcome to the dojo...]

Comments

[crow_dad]

[A finger with a long nail points to his feet.]

We will work on your balance first. I want to see how you place your feet when you hold a sword. Your balance can be what drives your blade or causes you to fall.

[universal_charm]

_{[ Kirk looks down at his feet and then back up at Kogarasumaru. He liked to think he had okay balance from his self-defense training, but the sword arts were a different beast all together. For all he knew, he was the equivalent of a pinwheel. ]}

All right. Should I just use one of the practice blades then?

_{[ He would probably hurt himself if he used live steel. That was just how his life went. ]}

[crow_dad]

Please. I would prefer that you not get hurt. Pick one that you feel is right for you.

[universal_charm]

I would prefer that too, so, great.

_{[ He looked to the available weapons and picked up a sword that looked similar to the length of Sulu's as he had seen it. That seemed a good enough length for him on first impressions, but for all he knew he was terribly off the mark. He gripped the blade and looked to Kogarasumaru. ]}

How would you like me to stand?

_{[ He had said he knew nothing, and it was more or less correct. He knew knife-play to a degree, but nothing like this. ]}

[crow_dad]

[He studies his posture a moment before stepping closer to rest a hand on the wooden blade.]

When you fight without a sword, how do you usually stand?

[universal_charm]

_{[ Kirk considered this question for a moment, finally deciding to go with the stance he used for hand-to-hand combat. Weight centered, ready to move, but low in case he needed to brace and absorb an impact. ]}

I'm more used to fighting with a gun or with my hands than a blade. But I bet you can see that right off, huh?

_{[ That lopsided grin appeared. ]}

[crow_dad]

[There's a soft laugh from him even as he approaches.]

It shows. You seem more ready to hold your ground for a steady shot.

[Lightly, he touches one of his hips.]

Ease the tension in your legs some, prepare yourself as if you are about to run.

[universal_charm]

_{[ Kirk shifted his weight, trying to do as Kogarasumaru said. He tilted his head down slightly to consider his teacher, searching for signals of approval or for further correction. ]}

Have plenty of practice in that. Swordsmanship is about footwork?

_{[ He had thought Sulu had said something to that effect, once, but he wouldn't dare quote that. ]}

[crow_dad]

It is. If you stay still then you are asking for death.

[He studies his legs and feet. Not satisfied, he sets his practice blade down then takes the one Kirk is holding to set it down as well. Then he takes his hands and tugs him more to the middle of the room.]

I would like you to dance with me. Simply follow my movements, alright?

[universal_charm]

_{[ Oh. Well. This was unexpected, and a touch awkward given Kogarasumaru's height. But he was sure the other had a reason for it, so why not? ]}

Ah, yes sir.

_{[ He wasn't sure what else to say to that as he took up position, unable to keep the slightly confused look off his face. ]}

[crow_dad]

[Releasing his hands, he stood at Kirk's side and started a traditional Japanese fan dance. Slow and elegant moves that were precise as well. That shifted the balance of the body as they moved.

He stayed silent as he moved, simply keeping an eye on Kirk to see how he did as he followed.]

[universal_charm]

_{[ Oh. That... was not what he was expecting. Kirk followed Kogarasumaru's movements, slower and clumsier than the sword, but the general shape of the movements was there. The more they moved, the more he seemed to pick up the pace of things, though he continued to lack Kogarasumaru's elegance, and his weight sat heavy down in his hips and thighs out of habit. Sweat began to prick his forehead. ]}

[crow_dad]

[When the dance finishes, he smiles up at him.]

It felt different than standing still, did it not?

[universal_charm]

_{[ He nodded, running a hand through his hair. ]}

Different than defense. That's - I hesitate to call it an art - defense feels more like trying to become a turret wall. The dancing feels like becoming a needle with a thread.

_{[ His eyes flicked back to his teacher and he coughed. ]}

Sorry, those probably aren't the best analogies.

[crow_dad]

[A soft hand comes to rest against Kirk's hand as he shakes his head.]

You have nothing to apologize for. Those are analogies I quite like. There is a beauty to them whether they are the best or not.

[universal_charm]

_{[ He let out a slightly relieved laugh. ]}

I'm taking that to mean I am not entirely hopeless then.

[crow_dad]

I never felt that you were hopeless. It takes time to learn a new skill when your body is used to another.

[universal_charm]

I shall do my best not to test your patience then, Koga.

_{[ There's a sheepish smile there. ]}

[crow_dad]

[It really is so delightful to have a petname. He wonders if he can get any of his children to call him that when he sees them again.]

I do not feel you will. I have lived a very long time, after all.

[Stepping away, he goes over to a little stand where he pours some tea that he brings over to him.]

Here. Drink.

[universal_charm]

How long is very long?

_{[ He didn't recall Koga stating an exact number before, though he had hinted at long age, especially with calling himself 'father'. It truly is fascinating watching Koga move too - everything seems so elegant with the small man-sword he feels clumsy and blocky in comparison. He took the tea with a nod and brought the cup to his lips, drinking deeply, but not sloppily. Seemed Koga inspired him to be more on point with his manners. ]}

[crow_dad]

I was created during the 8th century.

[So...quite a long time ago.]

I pre-date what you know as the modern katana by a number of years since I was the inspiration for what it is today.

[universal_charm]

_{[ Yes, very long time ago. The answer seems to shock Kirk for a moment, and he reflexively lets out an impressed whistle. ]}

So what was your form like, if you weren't quite like the modern katana?

[crow_dad]

[Going to one of the practice swords, he grabs it and brings it over.]

Do you see how the blade curves? To have it sharp on this side here?

[universal_charm]

_{[ Kirk considered it. ]}

Yes, I believe I can see it. That's what your sword form looked like?

[crow_dad]

[He shakes his head.]

This is the shape of the modern katana. I am sharp there. And here.

[He flips it over to run his finger on the other side too to indicate him being sharp on both sides.]