While the concept of the ancient Samurai has been romanticized throughout the generations within film and other forms of storytelling, it is something else entirely to see the techniques of the tradition put into practice.
In the video above, Isao Machii can be seen blasting through a fastball being pitched by a machine with precision and skill. From the sheathed position, the Samurai manages to deploy his sword at blistering speeds.
As the fastball barrels towards him, the man swipes forward with his blade, striking the ball in midair. The camera quickly pans to the ball to confirm that it was cut cleanly in half.
Isao Machii calmly walks away from his position, not surprised by the result. Check it out in the video above.