Chicago Cubs star Seiya Suzuki has taken training to a new level after swapping his baseball bat for a samurai sword.

Watch as Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki slices baseballs in half as he practices his swing with a samurai sword.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki recently took some swings in the batting cage—just not with a bat. In preparation for next week’s Tokyo Series, the Japan native stepped into the right-handed batter’s box holding a samurai sword.

A windy and warmer day kicks off Friday in Chicago, but a severe storm threat is expected to develop after dark, bringing with it the possibility for damaging winds.

Chicago will see warm temperatures Thursday before strong winds, severe storms Friday night, and a weekend cooldown with the possibility of rain and snow.

Chicago-area residents are likely to feel a blast of summer alongside windy conditions and a good dose of sunshine during the day on Friday, but that will quickly turn to the region’s first chance for severe weather this year.