swordplay; swordsmanship
Refers to the skill or art of handling a long sword (太刀), especially in traditional Japanese swordsmanship contexts.
His swordplay was magnificent, as if watching a dance.
I attend a dojo to learn traditional swordsmanship.
Standard kanji spelling using 捌き (handling).
Common variant with さばき in kana; easier to read for some learners.
Compound of 太刀 (tachi, 'long sword') and 捌き (sabaki, 'handling, management'). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it is a natural formation describing the skill of wielding a tachi.