This is an opportunity to demonstrate those principles. The students rearranged themselves sitting in rows along the walls to clear maximum space in the center of the dojo. Kiko performed a brief ritual bow to her sword, then took a position at one end of the training area. Bruce walked to the opposite end, removed his shoes per dojo etiquette, and stood barefoot on the polished wooden floor. He rolled his shoulders once, took three deep breaths to center himself, and settled into a loose ready stance.
Weight evenly distributed, hands open and relaxed at chest level. Master Yamamoto positioned himself as referee, though he clearly hoped to stop the match before anyone got seriously errored. He looked at both participants, received a nod from each, and spoke the traditional command. Hajime begin. Ko advanced immediately closing distance with smooth practiced steps. Her blade held in seen no Kame, the point aimed directly at Bruce’s eyes, a classic psychological and practical position that threatens the opponent’s vision while maintaining defensive capability.
