Sakura Bushido Dojo had no more than forty star students, so they were the center of the dojo and the most important for participating in tournaments that demanded more. The only reason they still participated in Valley tournaments was that many of their new students learned a lot by entering this type of tournament, which didn't require much. Additionally, the opponents weren't so challenging, so a student with less than half a year of preparation could experience their first tournament.
But returning to the external dojo, where those with less than a year of training were gradually learning and starting to build their physical condition. Many dropped out at this stage, and no one could blame them, as it was understandable that Sakura Bushido's training was not for everyone. However, those who persevered could enjoy true teaching.
Looking back, the training of the external dojo on the lower floor was in the hands of Dash and Devon, so as it was the first day after the opening, there were new students. Shortly after, the more experienced students took charge of instructing the younger ones to increase camaraderie, making it the most pleasant aspect of the dojo.
After changing, Dash came out in a white uniform with a black belt, walking alongside Devon, who was dressed the same way. When they reached the external area, Dash could see all the new students and some more experienced ones wearing uniforms.
"How many did you count?" Dash glanced at Victor and asked.
Victor approached and said in a low tone, "There are twenty new students, so there's a total of fifty-three students."
Dash nodded, and after Victor left for the upper area for class with Mr. Kim, the classes eventually began.
"Everyone, imitate me. This is called Heiko Dachi, better known as the resting position." Devon showed the new ones how to do it, saying, "Remember, both feet should be apart, with the inner part at a foot's distance. The fingers of your hands and feet should be forward. Also, the weight of your body should be evenly distributed."
"Rest!"
"Now!"
The more experienced ones who had been here for more than half a year shouted seriously and assumed the resting position. As for those for whom today was their first class before deciding whether to continue coming to this dojo, they remained blank.
Dash, who saw this, smiled kindly and said, "Don't be embarrassed or afraid; this is your first class, so it's normal to make mistakes. Remember that we always learn from them."
Devon, who moved to the back rows, began guiding those who were poorly positioned and started giving them advice one by one. So, after a few minutes, everyone was in the resting position.
"Perfect, everyone has learned the basics." Dash nodded and said, "Now, form a circle around, prepare for the instruction!"
"Now!" Once again, the more experienced students opened up from the center to the sides of the dojo, leaving the center uncovered.
Dash normally didn't give this type of specific instruction, but as there were new students, and he had to give a practice before even thinking about training in martial arts, it was a special conversation that would mark a beginning and an end for many of the new students who wanted to belong to Sakura Bushido.
"Move to the sides, imitate your more experienced companions, and assume the resting position again as you've been taught." Devon, who had completely changed her attitude, looked at all the other students with an authoritative gaze.
"Rest!"
"Now!"
This time, everyone assumed the resting position, but there were some who didn't know how to do it, and this was noticed by Dash, who was at the front of everyone. Once again, those with poor posture were corrected, but this time, not as kindly. What they had just been taught made them all lose time, so after the first instruction, if there were no doubts, everything would be fine. However, if a mistake was made on the second attempt, it would be sentenced.
"Class, what punishment is there for mistakes?" Dash shouted, looking even more authoritative than Devon, who was guiding the new students for the second time.
"The punishment is thirty push-ups!" Everyone familiar with the classes shouted in unison, and everything seemed so coordinated that it was scary.
This was the first class that Dash wanted to give to everyone. He knew that many would drop out, but he wanted to make it clear the seriousness of the classes and the consequences of training in this place. For many, the discipline taught here might seem excessive, but the mothers of those who had trained here came to thank for the change in attitude their child had undergone over the sessions.
The qualities of the discipline taught here were not just for martial arts but also for the rest of life, something many didn't understand.
"As you are new, there will be no punishment. Perhaps half or all of you won't be here tomorrow, so I won't bother reminding you what it means to make a mistake, understood?"
"Yes, Sensei!"
Dash, who had skills beyond those of a teacher, had gained the qualities to teach. So, being the star everyone wanted to beat in this dojo, it was an honor to receive his teachings that had taken him far in martial arts.
"Very well, then let's begin!"