Twinkle Toes Samurai
In some media, a katana-wielding swordsman will dash toward his opponent, taking dainty little steps akin to a Japanese schoolgirl. Typically, this does not diminish his speed in any way. Mickey Mousing sound effects optional.
Based on actual kendo footwork, but exaggerated to the point of absurdity.
Examples of Twinkle Toes Samurai include:
Anime and Manga
- The blind swordsman in Ninja Scroll.
- The Shinmeiryuu in Ken Akamatsu's verse.
- Kenshin and Soujiro in Rurouni Kenshin. Often, they move too fast to see, but their tiny little footsteps advancing at a slow pace are the only indication something is approaching.
Film
- Lucy Liu as O-Ren Ishii in Kill Bill during the meeting of the bosses, immediately before beheading Boss Tanaka. Justified as she was wearing traditional Japanese clothing at the time: If she didn't take those dainty little steps, she'd probably end up with a face full of table.
Video Games
- How every ninja but Earthquake runs in Samurai Shodown.
- Taki does this for a couple of moves.
Real Life
- Miyamoto Musashi denounces this type of footwork in his Book of Five Rings.