As expected, Zavien feels the impact of his practice sword against hers and the rush of wind as he spins into his sweeping leg. However, unexpectedly, she steps into the space behind his knee, giving it little power or range. Her shove into his own shoulder has him jerking slightly forward before he stops himself with a hand that he then uses to support his next move. The trained and confident movements of her response make him steel his emotions for what could be a very humiliating defeat. Until then, he didn't intend to give up.
Using his hand and planted foot as anchors, he attempts to pull his hooked leg back to his body in order to bring Anju to the ground. His first sweep may not have been strong enough, but with the torque of his body, it would be harder to avoid this one. The other benefit of having his hand on the ground is that he is already preparing to stand and create distance should she fall. It isn't that he won't grapple with the woman, but he agreed to a spar, not a wrestling match. He'll leave that practice for the neighborhood kids.
