The signal for the start of the cavalry battle was finally given by the teacher. Different teams started to run around the field.
The goal of the cavalry battle was to grab the headband worn by the rider, or the one carried by the other three. The winner of the event would be the last team standing.
With that in mind, Akuma's strategy was to conserve energy. There was no point in moving around and trying to get as many headbands. In fact, that would be counter intuitive to winning. He wanted the field to whittle themselves down, then he would strike when the other teams already expended their energy.
Akuma directed his team to stand near the edge of the playing field. It would serve as their shield, so to speak, for attacks that would come from behind. The other three were to stand guard and watch for incoming attacks from the front and sides.