[In this he knew he was outmatched as the match wore on. Ken was landing hits more and more, and Ashura could see that for every one of his hits getting through Ken was blocking five. It was wasting energy, but he was having trouble finding the openings and keeping his own body blocked.
Had he had his sword that might be different, or using his flames, but there was no reason to here and he needed this as much as anything. It was a lesson as well as a work out, and he watched Ken's movements avidly, committing them to memory as best he could as they shifted around the mats.]