*flip-flop*
*flip-flop*
The soft sound of gravel and sandals caused by the rhythmic steps of Liam. Liam's thin outer shirt flowed opposing his decisive forward movement. He passed the first threshold and was now within arm's reach of many vintage cars and only a stone toss away from the Miyagi-Do dojo's main entrance.
As Liam passed the third row of cars from the main entrance the large and rustic doors slid open. It revealed to be Mr LaRusso followed by his students.
Me LaRusso, surprised by Liam's appearance, asked with a smile "Oh, hello there, are you wanting to join Miyagi-Do?"
Liam gently shook his head, "Hello, Mr LaRusso and Miyagi-Do…" Liam bowed and then straightened up and stood firmly "I have come today in hopes of gaining insight into the philosophy and vindication I have heard Miyagi-Do holds."
Mr LaRusso's eyes narrowed and his smile faltered a little, "and why exactly do you want to learn the moral teachings of Miyagi-Do?"
Liam responded a little coldly "I wish to see what merit it holds and its purpose…"
Me LaRusso sighed as he pointed to a spot between two cars "you can watch from there, and please, don't damage the cars. We can have a philosophical talk after I train my students."
Liam smirked, turned and walked to the spot, "don't worry, I adhere to a strict code of conduct." Liam turned and observed the group as he basked in the blazing sun.
Robby, who was quiet and seething behind Mr LaRusso, only clenched his fists and jaw as he listened to the conversation while staring at Liam with rage. He didn't expect to see Liam this soon as he has yet to come to terms with his anger.
"Are you sure Mr LaRusso? He's hurt a few of us here… and I'm sure the newer members would be uncomfortable…" Robby said in hushed tone to Mr LaRusso. Mr LaRusso looked at his students and sighed.
"It'll be fine, if anything goes wrong I can handle it, and besides, it could earn us a new member." Mr LaRusso said with a nervous yet inspiring expression.
He instructed the students to for a circle. He briefly explained that day's exercises -though they already did their more standard training earlier- today's main focus would be a series of combat drills that are done with high intensity during blazing hot heat like todays.
They began and Mr LaRusso called one of them into the middle. They did a few drills and then switched. After a while Samantha was in the middle.
"5!" Mr LaRusso shouted and Robby lunged in for an attack. Samantha easily parried and countered hitting him in the abdomen.
Liam, on the sideline, finally understood the purpose of this exercise but was confused as to why they went about it in this way.
As soon as everyone was back in place ready to be called Liam spoke up to Mr LaRusso, "sorry to interrupt but may I ask a question?"
Mr LaRusso who was prepared to call out a number took a moment to respond, "sure, shoot."
Liam cleared his throat and asked "why do you choose this method to train battlefield analysis?"
Mr LaRusso was surprised by the wording "battlefield analysis? It's just basic awareness, you can't defend yourself from something you don't know…"
Liam asked his question again "but why this method? This method assumes you are at a disadvantage, outnumbered and always on the back foot, why act like prey rather than predators?"
This was something Mr LaRusso could answer clearly "because at the time people truly need to fight they are at their weakest, they are out numbered, they are afraid and defense is the natural course, this training is letting them wield their fear as an armor and mold their defense into a tool."
Liam took on a contemplative pose with his index finger and thumb on his chin. He sighed and walked over to the circle. "I don't understand, I understand better by doing than I do by seeing. May I join your training momentarily?"
Mr LaRusso sighed and looked at his students a few quivering. He looked to Liam "just keep in mind this is defensive training so focus on defense."
Samantha looked at her dad with what seemed like disappointment, she stepped out while Liam stepped in.
He kicked of his sandals just outside of the circle placing his feet on the scolding hot gravel.
He gently dragged one of his feet back and closed his eyes. His stance was relaxed. He raised one hand and took of his loose shirt. It showed his tone body and a smalle scar on his shoulder.
He didn't bother opening his eyes and said "I'm ready…"
Mr LaRusso frowned at the arrogance of the young man and called out a number.
"3!"
Chris ran in from behind Liam and went for a punch. Liam easily and fluidly slipped under the punch despite it coming from behind. He palm striked the wrist of the outstretched hand upwards and pulled Chris's from leg with his heel. He was in the floor in a moment.
"Tsk-" Chris exclaimed when falling onto the floor, grazing his knee in the process.
Liam stood straight with his eyes closed and arms crossed. His hand was back at his chin as he thought.
"No, it's to basic, is there more?" He said muttering to himself. "Mr LaRusso, is the training supposed to a simulated danger?"
Mr LaRusso still stunned, like many of the others there, replied "yes, it makes no sense if it's not to defend yourself from danger…"
"Ok… in that case, I will imagine the opponent has a gun…" he said as he opened his eyes studying the people in the circle. They were confused by what he meant.
He lowered his stance and constantly pivoted to leave no blind spots. Before Mr LaRusso even announced the number in its entirety, "S-", Liam saw a red streak reminiscent of a bullets trail, he avoided it even when it quickly moved and tracked it to its source. The origin was Robby's right hand.
"-ix"
The second the number was completely announced Liam already restrained Robby's hands with his own and had his foot raised ready to kick.
Mr LaRusso was astonished, he ended the fight before a single punch or kick were thrown…
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Author
I kinda write when I feel inspired and when I find it fun. I'm someone who runs thousands of scenarios through my head not doing anything.