Cutting Loose - [Sophia & Hangaku]

[thesteedman]

Sophia's half closed eye widened slightly in unison to her untouched one when Nanase was deftly able to catch her ankle and foot upon the moment of impact. Nanase certainly had good speed and reflexes, able to capture Sophia before she could even pull her strike away. It was a fine strategy to say the least, sacrificing a hit to gain better leverage. Sophia hopped ever so slightly, knowing she would not have time to try and break free. Even if she did, she would be completely open during the time it took her to recover.

With a swift movement, Nanase continued her counter, her feet brushing against the ground as she moved in to take her standing leg and earn a well-deserved knockdown. Sophia was far from exposed, having been caught in this position more than a few times in the past, and having developed good experience in how to deal with it. The timing had to be right, but Sophia would leap upwards from her standing leg the moment the kick came towards her ankle, committing herself to a following move.

Sophia would leap up against Nanase, wrapping her hands around the back of her neck whilst her other leg would swing and latch onto her side. Given the motion and momentum from her leap, she looked to put Nanase off balance with her own weight, before swinging herself back, looking to carry Nanase with her. If all went to plan, Sophia looked to land upon her own back and flip Nanase with her leg, hoping to send her overhead and to the mat.

[dlamp]

Even with the clear advantage in this first beginning of move Sophia was far from out of the match. With practiced movements, she waited right until Nanase had committed to her low kick to finally counter.

And what a counter it was. Nanase was grabbed by the neck in a surprising feat of agility and flexibility. Nanase's eyes flashed for a split moment, a risky action from Sophia, but one that brought forth great results as she immediately latched herself to Nanase, pulling her weight back and forcing the warrior to follow her movements. The two were soon falling after that, Sophia ready and aiming to land on her back. Nanase... forced to follow with little grace or preparation. She was already off balance from her failed kick, the most she could do was brace in the few split-seconds she had as Sophia pulled them both down.

"Ah-!" A short gasp escaped as she fell back. It was definitely a surprise for sure, and the landing wasn't exactly a pleasant one. Nearly hitting the mat head first with a slightly dazed feeling left to comfort her. "My... rather clever of you."

[thesteedman]

Sophia did not respond when Nanase complimented her, instead shifting up to her feet in a smooth manner after her display. It was a bit of a risky move, but Sophia was determined to show the level in which she wanted the spar to go. Sophia adjusted her Gi a little where it had become unkempt from her deft move she managed to pull off, dusting herself off as it were. She managed to catch a glance at Reiko before she realised that perhaps she should have at least responded to Nanase after her kind words.

Too much time had passed now, and Sophia was all too aware how much her social skills were lacking. The German was trying to better herself after her time in her last federation left her without friends nor allies, and it was proving difficult now to adjust. Being unresponsive to someone after they offered a compliment was not a great start. Still... it was not unsalvageable. Turning and approaching Nanase, Sophia would offer her a hand up. No doubt the fellow sparring partner would not need it, but she made the effort to try and recover from seemingly blanking her a moment ago. Nanase seemed the good sort, taking Reiko under her wing and all. True, her style of wrestling was not exactly something Sophia was too keen on, but that was Nanase's business, and it certainly did not mean she was a bad person.. just different from Sophia herself.

Offering her hand out to the beautiful woman still, Sophia managed the smallest of smiles. It was always better late than never.
"I hope that was not too rough?" Sophia would manage to ask, realising she had tossed Nanase pretty good.

[dlamp]

"Hm," Well, the woman certainly lacked tact, but she was at least nice enough to ask about Nanase safety and even offer a hand. The clear signs of someone more use to simply being in the ring and the gym than a social outing. Honestly, it was rather cute in a way, like seeing a trained guard dog not understand how to play with a normal pet. And that thought made Nanase smile. "I'm fine, don't worry." She took Sophia hand and stood up, dusting herself off as she straighten her gi as she turned to Reiko

"So Rei-chan, did you notice how Sophia used her momentum to overcome losing her balance?" She asked, watching Reiko cant her head in thought. "While not a technique proper, it follows the basic idea of Aiki, make sure to keep that in mind."

"Y-Yeah! Got it!"

Nanase paused, looking at Reiko a moment longer before turning to Sophia. "Well then, shall we continue?"

[thesteedman]

It was somewhat of a relief when Nanase took her hand with Sophia's own, as hopefully there were no harsh feelings between the two after what felt like a bad transgression from Sophia. She was not so great at socialising, and it was showing. Once she had a firm grip on Sophia's hand, it was a simple case of pulling, helping Nanase to stand with ease. The two were in close proximity for a moment, making Sophia pause briefly, feeling a little out of sorts before she shook it off mentally and cleared her throat. Once both women were up and ready, Sophia would return to her original position, shifting along the mat. Sophia gave a small nod when Nanase confirmed that she was not hurt, before giving a modest bow. The German had expected as much, but it felt like it was the right thing to ask.

The German blonde watched as Nanase dusted herself off and adjusted her gi so that it fit her form once more, there had been something alluring about Nanase's presence however beforehand whilst she had been slightly unkempt, she was certainly a remarkable woman to look upon, of that there was no doubt. Soon enough though, the Japanese woman was ready to go again, and Sophia was quick to set aside any potential distractions. This was a spar after all, and she wanted to keep her head in the game.

Nanase never forgot about Reiko whilst the two took position, quickly instructing her at what had happened in the first round. For certain Sophia had took a risk, but it had paid off. Her time in wrestling had greatly altered her fighting style from her days as a martial arts champion. Back then she was so guarded and cautious... now it was all about flash and impressing the fans. Such notions had now bled into her fighting style, even here in this dojo, but it all seemed to work, at least for the time being. It was a move that could have just as easily backfired, but it felt like she took Nanase off guard.
"Mochiron." Sophia would reply in Japanese when Nanase asked about carrying on with their spar. With that said, Sophia would slip into a stance once more, before she glanced towards Reiko briefly, indicating she was ready, and that the younger woman could start the two off once more as soon as Nanase was ready herself.

[dlamp]

Nanase looked over Sophia, offering a kind smile to show there were no hard feelings. While the woman was quick and a bit stone-faced, it was clear she was concerned for Nanase's well being. But even more interesting was Sophia's slight change of expression as she readjusted her gi and appearance. "Hm?" She rose an eye for a moment, the smile on her face still present before giving a small chuckle to herself. How interesting... A little early to prod the woman, but Nanase knew a captive gaze when she saw one. But that aside, Sophia still seemed willing to continue their spar, and Nanase moved back to the center without another word.

Ideas of flirtation aside, Sophia's counter took skill, so it was clear this woman was no novice. The belt was proof enough, but seeing the skill this woman had for herself meant Nanase could up the difficulty a little.

"Hajime!"

And at Reiko's call, Nanase moved first. Rather than attempt another grapple she went for some more unorthodox, dipping her body lower as she reel her arms back-

"Haah!" And quickly launched them forward for a low double-palm strike at Sophia's core. A move out of place for most modern Japanese martial arts, but a perfectly apt strike for the more traditional styles Nanase had studied under.

[thesteedman]

Once more Reiko did the honour of beginning a fresh round, her voice carrying a command as it echoed in the LAW dojo to signal the start. Sophia's half closed eye widened slightly, watching Nanase' hips shift as one of her bare feet slid back whilst she went into position. There was elegance to how the Japanese woman moved, as she brought herself low, throwing both of her arms back. A sleekness and smooth manner in which she transitioned herself that almost made her fighting style look like art over what it really was. Her speed was swift and her precision true, but Sophia was prepared.

Retaining her stance, Sophia readied herself in the split second it took for Nanase to move, granted it was an unusual strike, Sophia was fortunately experienced enough to look out for anything. Given both ladies professions, it was clear both women would utilise different styles during the spar. This time there was a fair amount of effort in her sparring partner’s attack, as a yell of exertion slipped from her lungs, whilst both of her palms thrust forwards towards the German. Fortunately for Sophia, she was able to slide back just in time, narrowly missing a hard set of palms slamming into her enthralling and exposed midriff.

No sooner had Sophia landed on her back foot, that she pressed in, trying to take advantage of Nanase's unique stance and position in the aftermath of her strike. It seemed Sophia was indeed barely holding back, as she tried to shift to Nanase's side before she could recover. The slightly taller German tried to wrap up one of Nanase's arms before it could retreat, before Sophia looked to twist her own form if she could and use her momentum against Nanase. It was clear what the German was going for, no doubt an attempt to try and flip the Japanese woman if she could!

[dlamp]

Ah? Nanase strike missed its mark by a hair, Sophia's body just a touch quicker than sudden shift in styles. And just as quickly her fellow fighter went right in for a counter, catching one of Nanase's arms before she could pull it back and forcing her to twist and move along with Sophia's rhythm. Oh, interesting~ A textbook judo throw, and one Nanase had a bit of trouble avoid. The first throw aside, Nanase was more prepared for the strike-focused karate moves Sophia's outfit made her seem. A mistake on her part, but one she could correct. I suppose I should try a little. Her feet had left the ground, her body was starting to turn over and tumble to the ground.

"Hn!"And as Nanase was forced off the ground, she focused her weight and body to the side to try and force Sophia's throw off balance. It'd be far from a pretty landing, but it'd ideally have them both on their backs at a draw.

[thesteedman]

Sophia had Nanase where she wanted her, managing to secure her position and her grasp upon the beautiful Japanese woman's arm. Shifting her weight into her body from her shoulder and pulling on the slender woman's limb. Nanase's bare feet lifted from the mat all at once, and it looked certain she would fall victim to a heavy slam. Nanase would not easily allow it, managing to shift her own weight mid throw, causing Sophia's own balance to become off centre. It was quick thinking and a good counter, hinting at the experience within Nanase and her true capabilities, forcing Sophia to overcompensate her stance to maintain balance, and thus lose most of her momentum she had with her throw.

"Uugh!" Both would tumble downward as a result, somewhat more safely than Sophia intended, and in a less than graceful manner whilst somewhat entangled. With both women grounded and on their backs, Sophia did not let up for a moment, still looking to strike, and knowing neither had scored a point in the tumble. Still in close proximity to Nanase's arm and her entire alluring form, she would reach to capture her wrist again, before flicking her own body deftly into action. If all went as intended, the German beauty looked to hook one leg around Nanase's shoulder, whilst her other would capture her below her arm on the opposite shoulder. Like a deadly constrictor, The German would look to try and lock in a triangle scissor and armbar combination upon her Japanese sparring parter, pulling firmly upon the fresh submission hold whilst squeezing with her powerful legs!

[dlamp]

It was far from a pretty or graceful fall from either side, but Nanase had at least saved herself from another decisive end. The two down and on the their backs are roughly the same time. For a split second, Nanase exhaled in slight relief, but sense Sophia's shifting body immediately brought her guard up. It was far from over yet, and Sophia wasn't in the mind for a short reprieve. Still holding Nanase's arm, she quickly started rolling and moving her legs while stretching out Nanase's arm. What was likely an impromptu armbar. And Nanase only had seconds to react.

Just as Sophia's legs were wrapping around her, Nanase pulled her free arm to the side of her face, pushing back and halting Sophia's legs before they could fully trap her and lock in the submission. "Hn..." It didn't stop the pull at her arm, nor the smoldering pain that came with the stretching of it, but she could bear the pain.

With a short and labored exhale, she shifted her hips and get to her knees, trying to force an awkward angle for Sophia to maintain the hold. Without the free movement of both her arms it was difficult task, but hopefully Sophia's force on her top half would keep her from interfering with the lower end.