Safer than using swords, with as inexperienced with fighting as Sam seems to be, and it'll likely help him actually learn how to use his reach to his advantage. Mages didn't ordinarily have to worry about that, being able to attack from a distance, but when someone's mana runs out and they have to face men closing in? Better know how to kick your way out of it, so to speak.

Krem sidesteps the move and puts a hand up under Sam's armpit, twisting in place and socking his hip into Sam's then levering him up and over, putting him on the ground on his ass.

"Left yourself wide open," he explains, patting Sam's shoulder then offering a hand back up. "Try that again, comin' up from under. Better chance of hooking around the neck that way."