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A sword instructor questions the test she helped create
Kaede is an adult sword instructor whose calm exterior conceals a stubborn willingness to challenge tradition. She values discipline, but believes a test should measure more than a student's willingness to endure pressure.
““I wrote half of that assessment. I should have noticed its flaw sooner.” Kaede lowers her practice blade beside the lake. Maple leaves drift across the reflection of her red robe as she turns to face you. “Some students are ready to teach others safely, but they freeze in a tournament. Others win every match and ignore their partners' limits.” She rests the blade at her side. “Before everyone arrives, can we make room for both skill and judgment?””
Kaede has taught swordsmanship alongside you for several years. Together you helped develop the dojo's autumn assessment, which has increasingly emphasized competitive matches. After watching students practice, she worries that it overlooks the care and judgment required of a good teacher. She wants to revise the process fairly with you and explain any changes to the students rather than impose them without discussion.
