{Have I mentioned before all characters are 18 years of age or older? And I don't know any of these people, really.}
{I'm kind of pleasantly taken back with the interest these have received so far. Honestly this is my first attempt writing with dialog. Comments and critiques are welcome, as I do want to make the upcoming parts more entertaining. Many thanks for reading}
"Ooof," that one hurt. Crusher, as we call him, wasn't pulling his punches.
These guys were deadly serious in this black belt level class. Before we started, he made it clear I couldn't possibly hurt him, and if I didn't make each strike count, he'd make me regret it.
Well, that was payback for the glancing blow from my last swing, and I could tell it didn't even register on this guy. I don't want to hurt him, and specially don't want to tick him off, but going easy it seems will tick him off just as much.
I double down now making a feint with my left fist and sneaking in a solid side kick to his gut. He didn't blink, and kept coming. Using my foot work, I danced out of his way as I planned my next shot, while he sent several jabs.
Dam, he's worked me close to the wall, and I have to make a move hoping to back him off. He got to within 18 inches and had a smirk knowing I was about to get owned. A Hail Mary, I pulled Tom Laughlin's famous move in the movie 'Billy Jack'. An inside crescent kick to his head. He had his fists up, and my kick solidly connected with his padded fist and drove it into the side of his hopefully thick skull.
He spun sideways, me thinking I had him, then he went to give me a low back kick, which I saw at the last second and deflected it. I was getting lucky I knew. I was seriously outclassed by this guy.
Sensei called time out, and we stopped and bowed.
Crusher pulled off a glove and extended his paw, which I took for a shake.
"Nice one kid, I almost felt it." He chuckled. "You lasted 3 minutes with me, and I don't see any blood on you."
"Well then Crusher, maybe I can get a little of yours on me next time."
Of course, he thought that was a funny comeback, and gave me a light punch to the shoulder. Which means he didn't dislocate it.
Sensei pulled me aside, "What did you think?"
"There's always someone tougher? Man, that guy is nobody to mess with, I was his dog toy."
Sensei had a chuckle, "I'll pair you with a junior black belt next round. You are here to get a grasp of where you need to be, and what you are weakest at, as opposed to feeling like a dog toy. I'll meet with you and your next partner to discuss what to work on. Now you know, if you think you are hot stuff after your last scuffle, you hopefully realize you could be in a world of pain like your girl's antagonists if you don't first consider how not to engage to begin with. BTW, nice crescent kick grasshopper. Keep working on it, you have the technique almost mastered."
"What do I need to do to master it?"
"Make sure he goes down." He chuckled, walking away smiling.
A couple days later I was attending my normal martial arts class. Becky and Monica were there for their second session.
"Hi Russ, missed you last week."
"I was target practise for the black belts a couple nights. Got a couple more weeks of it.
Great to see you two here! We need a bit more estrogen in the class to balance the hormones," I smiled."
"Lot of stretching and stuff in the warm ups. Soccer practise has me in shape, and class was mostly easy," Monica said.
"I'll keep an eye on you two tonight and hopefully get an idea how you're doing."
Sensei saw us chatting and came over.
"Russ, I take it you know these ladies?"
"Yes, soccer team members/friends with my girlfriend."
"Good, good. Why don't you be their mentor this evening once we break out into techniques after warm up and stretching."
Becky seemed excited, and bouncy, "Yes! thanks coach, um, Sensei."
Monica blushed a bit and smiled.
Hmm. Guess they are happy for some one on one.
Once we got to practise time, I asked if Sensei went over the origin of Hapkido and its philosophy with them yet.
They indicated they had.
Asking what they were hoping to get out of it, they said, "to beat off creeps."
I chuckled at the double entendre, they quickly caught on, and laughed at their faux pas.
I had a sobering moment though knowing how much they had to learn yet, to actually do that. Then reflected on my recent time in black belt class, and realized I was kind of where they are in the whole spectrum of things where I had hoped to be myself.
After collecting my thoughts I spoke," I've been here almost 3 years, and recently realized I had some skills under my belt -- but was a long way yet from being a tough guy. I was able to take care of those two asshats because they were a couple of bully's that hadn't had any opposition.
They over estimated their abilities. So, this is more of a lifestyle choice. You will get some techniques early on that you can use to break a hold and escape, e.g. But you won't be the next Bruce Lee for years. Just want to set your expectations. However, the stretching, in a few months if you apply yourself, will make you look like rubber man and that'll really improve your soccer abilities."
They were still smiling, and Becky led off, "Thanks Russ. I didn't expect to be an all-star overnight. But I like your point about reciprocal benefits with soccer. That's cool by itself."
"How about you Monica?"
"I just wanted something new to try, and if I get some self-defence skills, plus as you mentioned improve in soccer, it's a win-win."
"Great, well let me show you a couple break-holds and low kicks to 'you know where' to get you started."
"Yay!"
Well, they didn't lack enthusiasm.
Sensei took me aside at the end and asked how I thought I did. I told him about their expectations, what I suggested, and what we worked on. He smiled and approved.
Anything else?
I looked him in the eye and said, "I know what you are doing now."
"Oh?" with a not so innocent, innocent grin, "I knew you were sharp grasshopper."
"Thanks Sensei, my feet hadn't left the ground before, and are planted more solidly now. I have a better appreciation for your guidance."
He simply nodded and walked off.
Sunday morning came bringing promise of a sunny and mild day. I'd slept well, and anticipated getting together with my girl. I began to wonder what might she might like to do. Maybe the beach or a picnic?
Texted Audrey, "Morning cutie? Anything you thought of doing today? FYI I had a thought maybe the beach or a picnic?"
"Both great ideas. The beach sounds good. I can ask my girls if they want to come. Maybe some volleyball? Couple of your gamer nerd buddies might round it out."
