I'm attacking his sword purposefully- it's called a beat and is intended to throw it off course, create an opening and then attack. One of the few moves where you swing twice with one step- one half-power swing to beat the opponent's sword, and one full-power swing to  hit him.As for attacking from too far away... Perceiving distance and reach is something learned only through practice, practice, and more practice. And that's what I need.Cheers.