2nd 二刀流 practice

Last night was my 2nd practice using 二刀流 in 剣道. Not sure if it went better or worse than the first one. In some ways I think I was more fatigued due to the 素振り I did Monday night. :p 弱いな...

I am still uncertain how to best control my opponent's 竹刀 while performing my strike. I recall how Arnold used to take my 竹刀 out of play with his 小刀 as he attacked with his 大刀. All I remember from his explanation is attacking with both at the same time. It's going to take time for me to figure that out, I'm afraid. Right now I'm having problems positioning my 小刀 effectively, I think.

One other thing to investigate is how I'm holding the 小刀. I could hold it straight down the middle, similar to 型 or I could hold it more diagonally, like in the 十字構え. I suppose it will be a combination of which one is easier to be hit by the opponent and which one offers better flexibility of usage. I am tempted to go with the later for now.

One final thing I realized was that I have been unable to effectively 攻め and seemlessly transition into my attack before or as my opponent reacts. This is true when doing 一刀流 as well. I think it is those types of attacks that feel so dominating. I will have to remember to work on that more.