Riparian Guard - Basic Training Vinston & Zakharias

[Ladon]

ooc - Your training in all basics of the aspects of the riparian guards will be caried out in here.

ic - The training Sergeant stood on the parade ground, immaculately, in his everyday uniform. He was early; he was always early. If any recruit thought they would be smart and try to beat the training sergeant to the grounds, they were very much mistaken. He stood, still as a statue. His rugged elven face was without emotion, looked straight ahead and waited for the persons that he would have to try to shape up, to be part of this guard platoon. If anyone was late they would not like the consequences.

[Zakharias]

Zakharias walked hurriedly to the training grounds. As he arrived he confirmed that he was right on time, not a minute early, not a minute late. He saw what he assumed was the training seargeant. One could see the difference between this seargeant and the others he saw. He stood still with his eyes forward and a face of indifference that could freeze a phoenix.

Zakharias stood next to him and saluted. The Seargeant could see the side of Zakharias. Zakh was still in doubt as to what would be the Guard's uniform.
"Should i be wearing a jacket or that was just for city guard duty?"

"Private Zakharias reporting for duty"
He snapped his salute down and stood still, waiting for his Training officer to start the session

[Vinston]

Vinston approached the training ground, his walk confident and body still, but his stomach nervous. "The first day of training..wow. I can do this. I can do this." The Dwarf tried spoke softly to himself, trying to boost his confidence, all the way up to actually finding his companions.

He found the Sergeant standing at attention, and the seriousness of the training and entire situation hit Vinston full force. He was going to be in the Guard now, and there was nothing to joke around about. It was a very serious responsibilty.

Vinston smiled to himself. "I can do this though."

He faced the Sergeant and attempted a crisp salute, holding it a few seconds, and then lowering his arm. "Serale Sergeant. My name's Vinston, I'm here for basic training with the Guard."

Vinston looked over to Zakharias. It seemed like the Dorin was in the same boat, but unsure, Vinston saluted him as well. Surely there weren't two instructors, but then again, who could be sure. To Zakharias he simply uttered "Serale" as the Dorin had surely heard his introduction.

[Ladon]

The sergeant waited for the rest of the recruits he was expecting to arrive to turn up. Most arrived before time, which was good as that meant they were eager. Some arrive just as the time arrived which was also good for these were the ones that were going to be the just in time type of soldiers that were needed in some situations. One unlucky guy decided that he would be the one to turn up late. To cap it all, the young man was yawning as he approached the parade ground. The sergeant loved guys like this one. His fate was sealed........

Serale recruit. What time do you think this is recruit?

The words were spoken in a pleasant and charming type manner. Now maybe this recruit was so wet behind the ears that he didn't realise what was coming, but there were those in the ranks of recruits that stood on the parade ground that had a feeling that something bad was going to befall this one.

I'm sorry. I fell asleep a little too hard last darkening, and it took me a while to get my barings this morning. So I apologize sir.

The sergeant walked towards the new recruit wit a pleasant smile on his face. then when within two strides of the newbie, he came to an abrupt halt, and boy did the sergeant change.......

YOU HORRIBLE LITTLE MAN. WHAT DO YOU THINK THE RIPARIAN GUARD ARE PAYING ME FOR. MY TIME IS MONEY. YOU HAVE JUST COST THIS GUARD AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT? WHEN I ISSUE AN ORDER, I EXPECT IT TO BE OBEYED. YOU ARE THE FORTUNATE ONE BECAUSE IT IS YOUR FIRST BRIGHTENING OF YOUR TRAINING. IF THIS WAS TOMORROW YOU WOULD BE CARTED OFF TO THE CAPTAIN TO EXPLAIN WHY YOU JUST COST THE GUARD THIS EXTORTIONATE AMOUNT OF CROWNS BECAUSE YOU WERE LATE. AS IT IS YOU HAVE HURT MY FEELINGS. THIS IS NOT A GOOD THING. AS YOU ARE ABOUT TO FIND OUT. YOU WILL NOW STRIP TO YOUR SHORTS, AND COMPLETE ONE HUNDRED LAPS OF THIS PARADE GROUND, AND THEN COMPLETE TWO HUNDRED PUSH-UPS, AND TWO HUNDRED SIT-UPS. FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL MEAN EXPULSION FROM THIS SQUAD. NOW BEGIN

The young man began to comply. The sergeant then marched to the centre of the parade ground, turned in marching style halted and stood to attention. The squad of recruits did not speak. they had an idea that this may not be a good idea.

Serale new recruits of the Riparian guard. My name is sergeant Elq'ish. I am your training instructor for the next cycle as I put you through your paces in this the new training squad of the guard. You will be pleased to know that I am a nice man. I do not care what colour, creed, sex, race, or religion, you are or belong to. You are a member now of the riparian guard and as such I treat you all as brothers and sisters. That being said, if I give an order then I expect that order to be obeyed, or, suffer the consequences of your actions.

No one on my training squads has ever died. This is because everyone has completed the actions as I have laid them forth. If you are good at following orders then we will get along fine. If you have trouble following orders, then I would suggest that you quit now. I have broken many a stubborn will, and made soldiers of each and every recruit that really wanted to complete the course.

So the first thing that we will need to learn is how to stand to attention, and stand at ease. To stand at ease you stand with both your feet a shoulder length apart. To stand to attention, you bring your right leg towards your left leg until they are together. To return to the at ease stance you move your right leg back to the shoulder length from your left. I will now begin to ask you to attain each of these stances. So recruits.....

ATTENNNNNTION.....


STAND AAAAT EASE......


ATTENNNNNTION......


STAND AAAAT EASE......

These may have been easy compared with the exercise that the one recruit had to endure but this was the start of a process that would kill or cure those who would want to be a member of this squad.

[Zakharias]

As the rest of the recruits gathered in the parade ground, Zakharias stoo his form. He wanted to be the best and if that meant crawling in mud with torrential rain carrying a 100 lbs. backpack, then he would not only dfo it but excel in doing it. That's what life in his pack meant, "Be the best or be dead" that's what his father thaught him.

As the time for the training session passed, Zakhg noticed the recruit that got in late for formation. Zakh was standing right next to him and he flinched when the sergeant exploded. He couldnt help staring at the sergeant yelling at the recruit. When the recruit decided to comply with the sarge's orders, Zakh resumed to staring forward blankly, avoiding the gaze of his superior.

He listened acttentively as the sarge made his speech and Zakh sunk it in deeply in his mind."I'll show him i'm the best of these scoundrels"

As the captain finished his instructions, Zakh complied with the "atention" command and joined both his paws and straightened himself. He couldn't help looking down to check if he had his position right. after the sarge's second command, he placed his feet apart, shoulder-length and stood. Once again he joined and parted his feet and straightened his posture until he got it just right.

"This is basic. When do we get to the fun part? i can't wait to test myself in calisthenics and combat."

[Ladon]

ooc - You are still part of this thread, when you do post then catch up and we will continue your actions as if you were at the same pace as Zakharias.

IC - The sergent then instructed the recruits on basic marching and formation marching.

Now that we have made a start lets continue with the action of marching. To march you will follow my instruction. First I want you to march in the spot lifting your leg bent at the knee. I will cry which leg is to be lifted and in what time. When I cry HALT, then you wil bring your Right Leg to your left and stand to attention.

Then it was the turn of marching in a straight line.

Now that you can all march in time, we shall begin to march around the parade ground. You will line up in fives, and then Begin to march following my orders as to which leg is to be being controlled.

The marching practise took some time as the slow recruit that had caused the original interuption.with his lateness. As it was the Sergent kept the recruits marching for a lot longer than they had expected. The route of the marching Guards took them right through the gate, where the guards on duty shouted that the new guys should not let the sergeant to get to them.

The sergenat had the squad of newbies, March all the way around the outside of the city wall. When they had finished the pleasantries of the march the sergeant allowed them to cath their breath, before continuing.

[Zakharias]

OOC: Well it took ya long enough, Ladon. I hope your RL isn't getting "troubly". Your post is a little messy at the end, try to check for typo's and i'll try to reply as best i can. Vinston Catch up with my 2 posts.

IC:
"I've got to be the betst, i've gt to learn and work it" Zakharias said to himslef as he lifted his left and right paw as the sergeant commanded. He couldn't lift his paws as human ould so he lifted'em in the most human-like way he could.
As the sarge cried halt, Zakh brought his right leg together with his left and stood to attention, Straightening his back and flexing his arms to his side.

As soon as the sergeant explained the way that the recruits should line up, Zakh rushed forward to teke the lead on the eft side of the front row. Sarge yelled "Left, Left, Left, Right, Left" and Zakh followed the marching routine. They continued marching for a lon time while the recruit that came in late was finishing his laps. Poor sap.
Zakh was being led towards the main gate. As the squad passed through the gates Zakh never expected to get encuragement from other officers. It was know that most officers used the recruits to lash out their frustations at. This was different, it almost felt loike being part of a family... "pretty much like life in the pack" Zakh thought. "The stronger lives and the weaker dies but you can always count on the pack".
Zakh felt at home for the first time since he left the pack and now he knew he made the right choice coming here.
The squad continued marching around the city walls, until they came to a halt. some of the recruits were breathing heavily while others, like Zakh, seemed like they did this every morning. Zakh could feel the heat starting to build inside his muscles.

[Ladon]

ooc - I apologize for the crappy ending to the post. I had had a bad day and was too tired at the end of your post I should have waited to the next day, but arghhh. RL has been a pain in the butt this week. I will keep up over next week though and the posts will get better I promise. I was not happy when I just read that piece of writing so expect better from now on.

Has Vinston been in? It's a shame to start a thread like this and have to keep waiting for someone to post.

Vinston, you are still allowed to be involved in here for the next few posts at least but you need to catch up. If you want to join in then I've no problems with that.

ic - The sergeant looked the new recruits over one guy was flagging a little by the end of the march, but the rest seemed eager to please. Now it was time to sort the wheat from the chaff.

Now then Men. I think it's time to see who has the makings off a soldier in them. We're going to go for a little bit of exercise on our training ground. I think some of you will have fun, others of you are going to be hurting, but either way by the end of it you will understand the level of physical fitness that will be require from you as you train in this squad.


The sergeant formed the Men back into the standard marching formation four a breast and marched them towards the training ground. Here was the part that the sergeant loved to watch. The men attempting to complete the obstacle course. The course would be completed in groups of four.

The first obstacle was a set of four poles laid over a pit. Each of four recruits attempting the obstacle would pick a pole. The poles were about twenty five meters long and seemed to be slightly flattened on the part of the log that was facing the sky. This pole had to be walked over to prove the balance of the individual.

The second of the obstacles about ten meters away was a wall twenty Meters high made of stones. There was a knotted rope for each of the four recruits to use to help to pull them selves to the top. At the top they would find that there were four rope bridges to use to cross to the other wall, thirty meters away. The rope bridges were made from three ropes one to walk on the other two to help steady the person trying to cross the bridge. The three ropes were held together with smaller ropes at strategic places to make sure that they would keep in roughly a two to one type arrangement , but this was a test of sorts and the recruits needed to be able to complete this. On the other wall the ropes were not knotted but were to be used to help the recruits down the wall.

The third obstacle was a pit of water that had to be crossed by swinging over it by using a rope. A set of four guards were each holding a rope ready for the recruits to use to get across the other side, if they could

The forth obstacle was a net held up off the floor by little poles. The recruits would have to crawl under the net and out of the other side. This may be an easy task as they were dressed at the moment, although some would get snagged by the net to slow them down, but by the end of the cycle, in full battle armour this would be a nice fun obstacle.

The fifth and last one was another wall this time 25 meters tall. This wall was made of wood and had no ropes to help, but there were hand and foot holds, pices of wood that had been positioned, that could be used to gain grip to help to gain height. At the top of the wall was a rope slide. A forty meter slide that had to be taken by holding a pole. The short pole had a wheel that was on the rope and would take the recruit down the slide at a fast pace. At the bottom of the slide, about thirty meters from the wall was a pit of sand that was covered with a target. The object of the slide was to land in a specified area. The recruits should aim for the bullseye of the pit, but anywhere in the pit was good. If the recruit didn't let go of the pole in time then the landing would be slightly harder

So recruits here's the task in front of you. The record for completing this course one minute thirty six seconds. I do not expect any one to beat this, a this was by an outstanding soldier who was in his prime. But those that wish to try may attempt this. You will take this course in groups of four and if you get left behind on an obstacle, then the group will suffer. So when you are called you will start the fun.

The sergeant called the first group to the starting line, and set them off on the obstacle course. Soon it would be the turn of the team involving Vinston and Zakharias. Their group were called and then they were given the signal to start.

GO!!

ooc - Have fun with this. I have tried to be as descriptive as possible and if you don't understand an obstacle then ooc and I will give a larger description so that you can post again to complete the course.

I will decide on times but I trust you guys to be honest in your posting. Be descriptive and have fun. Be assured that if you post that you complete everything as perfect, and no mistakes were made, then a time forfeit will be given, you will at least. wobble a lot on the rope bridge, slowing you down. Get the message

Have fun This should keep you busy for a while

[Zakharias]

OOC: No prob Ladon i corrected the post and wish you luck o your RL.
About Vinston maybe he got tired of waiting and maybe he gave up, i haven't seen him online ever since.

IC:Zakharias surveied the obstacle course and started picturing himself in his mind, what to do and what not to do. He would push himself to the test to find out if he had Riparian Army material.
He was assigned with a dwarf and two other recruits. It was the dwarf he saw in the enrollment office, signing in just before he did.
He got on his mark and waited for the sarge's signal.
As the first group were finishing on the obstacles the sarge gave the signal for the second group to go. Zakharias knew that they had to work as a team to be the best in the Army, but he knew that this course was to separate those that were fit to stay and those that just liked to walk around in uniforms.
He ran towards the obstacle course, leaving his theree other group members to follow after him.

The first obstacle was passing through a pit testing one's balance. That was not a big problem for Zakh, himbeing more nimble than strong, but still, as he got on his pole he found out that it was going to be more difficult than he thought. At the slightest move, the pole shifted and Zakh wobbled in place. the firste three steps seemed like they would take forever and Zakh waved his arms around frantically in hope to be able to pass the course.
When he was reaching the edge of the pit, his pole almost tipping over, he hoped to the edge, letting himself go of this nasty obstacle and following to the next one.

After a quick dash, he reached the brick wall and grabbed hold of the knotted rope. His paw-nails scraped the brick wall as he clung to the rope and made an effort to lift his body to the top of the wall. His muscles burned and ached and when he thought that his arms would give in, he could almost reach the top. his paws scarped some more on the brick wall and Zakh let out a roar of fury as he stretched his hand to the edge of the wall. He raise himself to the top and inhaled heavily his lungs starting to burn from the stress.
He took hold of the ropes, only to realize the horror that it would be to cross this bridge. The other recruits would have no problem to pass with botts on, but Zakh's bare feet have smaller area touching the floor, so passing these ropes may not be that easy. As he stepped on the rope he felt it bitting at his flesh between his fingers. This was a bit painfull but to Zakh's amazement he could close his toes and grip the rope a little.
The crossing of the bridge took a while, as Zakh got used to the feel of a rope between his toes. It ached at first but Zakh breathed in and the pain started to smother. He concetrated in moving his arms and legs to cross the bridge and it took his mind off of it. He could feel every wobble in his feet and that made him walk the bridge carefully, mantaining his balance.
As he got to the other side, he hoped a little bit to get the circulation in his toes flowing again. he then sat on the edge of the wall, gripped the rope and started descending. As he went down, the friction hheated his hands, which forced him to stop from now and then and make his way down easier by scrapping the wall with his paws as he did when he climbed up.

As he reached the floor and sighted the third course he dashed, but he felt every step on his feet, still sore from the rope bridge. " Got to be the best... Got to be the best" Zakh told to himself, grinding his teeth together to make the pain go away.

As he reached the water pit, he tripped and fell forward just as he was reaching for the rope, and that gave him momentum, although, Zakh caught the rope below of where he was suppesed to and his fett trailed the water, making him lose speed. The water felt good on his feet though but as he was reached the other side he was submerging so he let go of the rope and fell face down in the mud. He got up, shook his head and roared as he dashed forward, the muddy waters making it hard to run, but Zakh pushed himself even harder. Lungs burning, muscles aching and mud itching, he raced forward to the next course, his mind starting to drift from the burn of his body. He only thought of what it had to be done to finish the course.

he reached the net being held up by poles and proned himself down. he started crawling, his legs welcoming the rest but his arms complaining from the addittional strees. He stopped in the middle of the crawl to regain his breath, his other group members continuing on their course. he let out a heavy sigh and continued his crawling, the effort starting to take a toll on him.

he finished the crawling, got up and dashed to the climbing wall.
As he reached the wall, he took a moment to quicly study what footholds and handholds he would use. he took hold of the first handholds and started raising himself, using another foothold for support. His arms were starting to ache but he shhok of the pain b shaking his head and roaring, almost foamiong from the mouth.
As he reached about 5 meters high, his grip on a foothold slipped and his body started falling. Zakh scraped at the wwall to find some sort of hild but it only appeared 2 meters down, a ring made for hand and foot hold. Zakh took hold of it and his arm felt the entire pressure of his body. Pain shot and Zakh could feel tears of pain starting to come out of the corners of his eye. He grabbed a piece of wood made for a hand hold and positioned his feet. He took all of his wheight off of his left arm and waited a while for the pain to cool down. He could imagine what the other recruits saw, A clumbsy Dorin falling down a wall, not even being abe to hold himself properly. He would not have that. He would gain respect of everybody and he would be the best, even if it meant having to climb this whole god-dammned wall with a crippled arm.
His arm was warm from pain but starteed to obey Zakharias. it still had strength, although Zakh woudl have to be more carefull. he lifted himself slowly and started to continue his way up the wall. very time he layed his wheigth on his elft arm, pain would shoot through it to his brain.
After a lengthy ascendt, he got tp the very top. He was not afraid of heihts but still, being 25 meters in the air and looking down made him respect height. He took hold of the handles on the bar in front of him and started descending. He gained great momentum quicly and he started to fearthat he might miss the target on the sand pit. His arm was aching too.
He calculated the time to fall down on the bullseye but he could not cling any longer to the handle bars and so he feel a bit sooner. As he was falling he felt falling in slow-motion. He waved his arms to maneuver himself in the air and he fell upstraight on the sand pit. his legs already aching complained as Zakh landed.
Overcome with exhaustion he rolled outside the pit <nd let himself lay on the ground for a while, breathing heavily.
He got himself up and joined the rest of the recruits, limping and rubbing his left arm, making a strong effort maintin himself straight and whitout wobbling on his feet. "Not bad for a fisrt day... a sore arm and cuts on my feet. I thought this would be easier, it turns out this is hte real deal."

OOC: It was hard making his post, i had to think it through thoroughly. I don't think you have much of a chance in interfering with it Ladon, but i tried to make it as real as possible

[Ladon]

ooc - A very good reply as you said I can find nothing to criticise here. Good Role play and as you progress through the cycle you will get better , but for now your first attempt has to be graded by the psychopath of a sergeant [EvilGrin][/EvilGrin]

ic: Sergeant Elq'ish smiled as the recruits had their fun on the obstacle course. He was not upset with most of the recruits, in fact, if this was a sign of what was too come then it was a good sign, from this starting point there were improvements to be made and the recruits would make them. One recruit had already given up. The young lad who had turned up late, had gone. He couldn't hack the pace.

That was an average attempt ladies and Gentlemen. On the morrow I will expect a better attempt to be made. As you will now realise, one of our number has already made the decision to leave our ranks. This is not an army of pressed men, If at anytime you feel that you cannot continue, I will help where I can, and I will expect that if you have a problem with any of the training, or with anything else of the guards life, that you will come and see me, but I will also accept that some of you will not make the end of this course and will have to go. That being said if you think you can loft around and expect to pass this training, then you will find you have misunderstood my message. Now off to the mess hall with you all, chow down and back in exactly thirty minutes. Any one not back in time has already seen the task that awaits them

-------------

On returning from there brunch the recruits were given a lecture in the history of the Riparian guard. How on many occasions the guard had been involved in one war or anther. On how the guard had been the implement in the fall of one of the Cities worst leaders. There were many things of historical value spoken. Then it was time to introduce some of the basic weapons training.

ooc: I know I stated that this would come later but I have rethought the schedule and this now seems right.

ic: Now, let us begin with some basic dagger training. The dagger is the simplest of weapons in any arsenal and the methods you learn from it will be used in many other weapons.

All the recruits line up in the now standard three rows and take out their daggers. Sergeant Elq'ish stands in front, dagger in hand.

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, one foot slightly ahead of the other. Lean slightly forward. Hold your dagger blade up and your other hand up next to, but slightly less than shoulder width apart from it, palm out, as if you are going to push someone away. Katta should have their claws out and ready to rake. This is the Basic Stance.

Sergeant Elq’ish demonstrated the correct position.

From here, we will practice the basic thrust. Throw your dagger-hand forward, following through with your shoulder and shifting your weight forward. After contact is made, twist the dagger to open the wound. Then pull it back and get ready for a second thrust. Everyone practice and I will go around and check you."

One of Elq’ish’s assistants counts out a cadence of 'THRUST! TWIST! RECOVER! THRUST! TWIST! RECOVER!' as Sergeant Elq’ish makes his rounds.

[Zakharias]

OOC: all right, it's best to speed things up a bit cause the season is about to turn and we've been here since the beggining of this season.

IC:As they lined up to listen to the sarge's instructions as to anyone being able to leave the army if they wanted to, Zahk grunted and thougth "I'll outmatch any of these scoundrels. I'll be the best of this batch of recruits."
He was dismissed for brunch, which suited him fine because he was starving from the exercise and he would stop by the enfermary to have a healing salve or balm rubbed on his sore shoulder before eating.

---------------------------------------------

On return, Zakh paid close atention to the lecture on The riparian Guard History. He was amazed to know that The Riparian had so much weigth inside and outside the city. After all the Riparian Army didn't serve only as the local inforcement. it seemed it was the town's war force.

Afterwards Zakh and all the other recruits were directed to the training ground to start on the weapons training.
Zakh was pleased to know that they were to commence basic dagger training although he was anxious to start training with another type of weapon, he still hadn't decided which one it would be.

He stood on the front row, near of the sarge. Maybe he could make the sarge take notice in him, and maybe Zakh could benefit from that.
He listened to the instructions, and watched closely as the sarge demonstrated the propper use of the dagger.
He unholstered his dagger, spread his legs shoulder-length, then took half step forward with his left leg and half step backwards with his right leg. he opened his palm foraward and semi-closed his fingers with his nails out, ready to rake like the sarge instructed. The other hand stood chest-high on his right flank, holding the blade forward, ready to thrust.

At the sign "THRUST!", Zahk leaned forward shifting his weight from his back leg to his front leg and thrusted his right arm forward as he recoiled his left arm, piercing an imaginary foe. when his arm was at full stretch, he twisted his wrist to turn the dagger's blade and then proceeded to twist again in the oposite direction to recoil his arm to it's starting postition and shifted his weight again to his back leg.

He repeated the whole exercise again but this time the arm thrusted the dagger forward in a faster motion and he shifted his weight more effectively, maintaining more balance and thus augmenting his efficiency.
Every time Zakh thrusted and recoiled he visualized his whole muscles, one at a time and correcting them as he saw fit, until he was sure he got it right.

He continued his exercise continuosly and would only stp from exhaustion or if the assistant ceased his cadence.

[Ladon]

Ooc – It’s ok timeline wise as your training for the guard has only a cycle, so it doesn’t really matter. My basic for my secondary actually took three months to complete so it isn’t a real problem but I agree that we will try to get you through this as fast as we can

Ic - Sergeant Elq’ish walked around each person, correcting stances, grips, and thrusts as he went. After he was satisfied as to everyone’s competence, he began the next drill. "Now we will learn the slash." he took out his dagger and held it, blade up, the standard stance. "Thrust the blade forward, then down to one side. Don't go too far or you will not be able to recover in time. Turn the blade toward your opponent, and cut up as you bring the blade back to your starting position. The idea is to make two rapid cutting motions, one going down and one coming back up. Now practice." Just as before, Sergeant Elq’ishwalked around to each recruit as his assistant called out "SLASH! TURN! BACKSLASH! RECOVER! SLASH! TURN! BACKSLASH! RECOVER!"

[Zakharias]

OOC: Sorry Ladon, looks like this time it was my RL thatgot in the way. i'll go back to my usual posting now

IC:Zakharias was starting to feel the blood pumping through his arms and legs, and sweat started covering his body as he stopped to listen to the sarge's instructionspicturing in his mind the perfect slashing motion.
Keeping his position and stance, the dagger-hand at chest-height on his right flank, blade forward.

At the sign "slash!", Zahk leaned forward shifting his weight from his back leg to his front leg and raised his arm, to after drop it in a chopping motion, like cutting a man in half from head to groin. when his arm was waist height he stopped his motion, turned the dagger blade up and slashed upwards. He then proceeded to recoil his arm to it's starting postition and shifted his weight again to his back leg.

He repeated the whole exercise again and again and several times until he got the timings right and his movements were as precise as he could make them.

He continued his exercise until the assistant ceased his cadence.