【Practice Swordsmanship with a Long Sword (Three-foot-three-inch sword)】

 This practice is a technique from the 『Nihonden Yoshin-ryu Heiho』martial art I have trained in, also known as the 『Eight-Form Practice Swordsmanship』.

 True to its name, it involves eight distinct movements. Its purpose is to hone the handling of the weapon—the sword (though applicable to other weapons like spears, naginata, or staffs)—and to train the entire body.

  ① Straight downward cut

②③ Diagonal downward cuts from left and right

④⑤ Horizontal sweeps to left and right

⑥⑦ Diagonal upward cuts from left and right

⑧ Forward thrust

 Personally, I also enjoy building my body through strength training and running.

 I consider practicing empty swings with a Three-foot-three-inch sword (roughly 1.4kg) to be an excellent way to hone my whole body and left-right balance, so I will continue doing this.