"We in root use the Tantojutsu when using tanto. It's better than a sword and katana.
It can be used in combination with taijutsu, ninjutsu, Chakra Flow and even genjutsu in order to achieve more devastating techniques.
It is effective in extreme close-quarters environments where ordinary Kenjutsu might have difficulty.
Swords like the katana, or Wakizashi might be too big. Thus, Tantojutsu is well-suited for indoor use.
It stands apart from them wildly swing around a dagger, in that it's a disciplined art with a complex system of techniques involving stabs, strikes, slashes, gripping techniques, and weapon-disarmament techniques.
So, don't go around aimlessly swinging it otherwise you will cut yourself." Dagai tells them.
"Now follow my stance and practice it like that. It is known as central stance. It's a balanced position that offers equal opportunities for both attack and defense.
In this stance, the practitioner safeguards their torso and right wrist.
To assume this stance, position your left foot slightly behind your right and elevate your left heel.Keep your hips squared to the front and your shoulders relaxed for optimal balance and readiness."
We did as he told us.
Next he proceeded to tell us different ways to hold the tanto and how to attack with it.
"For a sure win against an opponent, the wielder must be decisive of his actions. The student must rely on the movement of his body.
Speed and agility becomes a Tanto wielder's best friend. This method connects the knife with the student's footwork.
And since a Tanto can be used with just one hand, the other hand can be used to trap, seize, and control the opponent.
This is a way for the students to develop their own techniques to win against their opponent.
You have to attack swiftly to win."
We practiced like that for about two hours and he adjusted our grip and stance.
"For the next month repeat these stances so that it becomes muscle memory. And then I will teach you about about how to change your grip when fighting to surprise them." He said and then sits on a chair as they practiced this technique.
For the next 2 hrs, they practiced like that.
And after that he taught them theoretical knowledge.
As the class ended for Akari at 12, he went to the laboratory to find Sandai while the other children practiced.
He arrives in front of the laboratory in a few minutes.
'knock knock'
"Come in."
Akari opens the door and goes inside.
"I have been waiting for you. And from now onwards I will teach you about medical Ninjutsu and also how to put stitches and operate someone if you have exhausted your chakra." Sandai tells him.
Akari nods his head without any expressions.
"Then let's see your chakra control." Sandai said.
He picks up a glass and pours water in it, then adds a blue colour solution into it.
"You have to seperate the two elements in this cup. When you complete this process then I will teach you further."
Akari nods and proceeds to do this and he easily completes the process.
'Heh, looks like practicing chakra control was helpful.' Akari thought.
Sandai seemed shocked at how quickly he did this.
Then he proceeded to mix different things into the water but Akari was able to seperate them easily.
"Your chakra control is very good." He said then then took out a scroll from the drawer and gave it him with some books.
"Learn that jutsu and memorize those books first."
"Okay, Sensei." Akari said then left with these things.