自分's just an ordinary human, but he has mastered the longsword. His movements can be smooth, rigid, soft, or heavy depending on the context. Unlike expert swordsmen who can really only rely on reaction, mucle memory, & reflex while fighting, 自分's a master, so he can plan ahead while remaining grounded in the present. 自分 uses the fool's guard at first to assess 相手's mastery & sense of distance