Finishing his closed contemplations, Flehrad dried off with a towel, and awaited for the students to arrive. Being barechested was no bother, as it had been too many years since he was embarrassed about it. On the farm, he worked shirtless, and only cared when going into town. But learning at the Tower had changed everything, as he once had lessons completely naked. Concentration was the key, and embarrassment led to death if not ignored completely.
A few moments later, the straggling crowd gathered, along with herding assistants and other Gaidin spectating. It was always entertainment for some Gaidin to observe new trainees and Cadre. Not only because it was amusing to see forms badly mutilated, but also for picking and observing those with talent for further advancement, and potential blademaster training. And ever since the Novices were permitted to join in the training, the tantalizing eye-candy value also increased. Especially since many of the Gaidin were not ever to be engaged romantically in any fashion. Once they lined up into basic groups, Flehrad began the lesson.
"Good Morning all."
A halfhearted reply came back. It was still early morning, and almost all of them would not receive breakfast until after the session. Flehrad on the other hand, would not be having breakfast at all, and most likely not lunch either, but he had long learned that you survived on what you got, not what you could get.
"We are starting on close combat lessons. The most essential aspect is unarmed combat. Hand to hand. The element of surprise when you can strike unarmed can be useful, and turn the tide in any dangerous situation. We must always start with our defence."
Opening his stance to shoulder width, the arms came forwards slightly in a relaxed position, left hand slightly forwards. "Just with using lathes and swords, there are basic stances. However, close combat is a issue of comfort and knowing your own abilities. Strength and speed are vital in hand to hand, and they will determine your basic stances. You must be able to protect from in front like so" Flehrad then raised his left arm above his head, forearm horizontal "above and" the forearm dropped down, horizontally at waist height "below." Returning to his middle stance, Flehrad nodded to his regular assistant. "Any defence requiring of a blocking motion or deflection works just like a sword also. Especially since the sword is an extension of your body. Meet the blow on your own terms and apply away from your body always."
The assistant threw a fast straight punch. A quick sideward step and outwards block pushed the punch to Flehrad's left. The following blow came as a downwards chop, only to be glanced sideways from an upwards sweep and away. A similar sweeping outwards block deflected a low hook punch.
"As you can see, the principles are essentially the same. Arms are not the only parts of the body to be used in combat. Heads, elbows, knees, legs, feet. Certainly also commonplace in brawls. But, anything used as a weapon, can be used to stop a weapon. For today, you will pair up and experiment. You must find the stances that you are comfortable in, that allow you the flexibility and provide the defences that you need to have. We have some Yellow Ajah Sisters attending us today for any injuries. Group leaders will be assisting and suggesting. Begin!"
xxxx
Lain breathed deep, trying to mentally prepare himself. A trainee came out of the crowd, and towards him. A sparring partner. Lain shook his head, and brushed his sandy hair out of his eyes. He really didn't feel like getting injured today; every little bit helped. He braced his feet, and assumed a ready position, his arms held around his face. The other gestured for him to go first, a small smile on their face. They probably thought him weak. In even the shirt time he had been here, he had learned that was usually not a good assumption to make around here.
Trying to catch the other off balance, he went immediately for their face, a heel flying upwards then coming down bare centimeters from the other's nose. That seemed to be his only advantage, though. The other was very good, blocking everything that Lain sent at them. Lain frowned, then kicked sideways while seeming to be backing away. The result was a very satisfying 'oomf' from his partner. They lashed out quickly, and this time it was Lain who was caught by surprise. It was all he could do to keep the other from landing a bone-cracking blow on his ribs or limbs.
Used to fighting with daggers at the very least, Lain struggled with the extended leg and arm activity. The other reached out with a hard punch, and Lain backflipped to avoid it. "All those years tumbling finally paid off. And I thought it was just fun..." Lain muttered, sweat now falling in his eyes. Suddenly, Lain realized he had landed facing away from his opponent. "Blood and bloody..."
Lain flew across the training yard. He started to get painfully to his feet, when his assailant appeared. Their hand reared back, then the heel flew towards his nose... and stopped a hair away.
"I guess you won," grinned Lain with a wince. "If this was real, I would be dead."
"Suggestion;" smiled the other trainee; "Try not to rely on fancy tricks."