"Is that a gym?"
As everyone entered the martial arts school, often mistaken for a dojo even by its own students, the first thing they saw was a massive reception area where students were working on various tasks for the school. Most of the students at Sakura Bushido were diverse, ranging from university students to those in lower grades, even preschool, all learning various disciplines that shaped them into better individuals.
Observing the silence of everyone, Kresse, impressed by the place, approached a man who seemed to be a staff member and asked, "Are you aware that we'll be received today?"
"We've been expecting you. First of all, I'll take you to the changing rooms so you can change your clothes and be ready for the classes that are about to start." The worker professionally pointed to the locker rooms, and everyone, amazed by the place, walked through a hallway with numerous trophies on display.
"Are you seeing that black trophy? Damn, that's the one Dash won in Japan for not participating in the Valley tournament," Mitch said, looking at a trophy with a black glove on the shelf, along with the date and the name.
Miguel could see the five trophies from the Valley Karate Tournament and knew that the only missing one was the one he had won this year, which would probably be on the shelf if only Dash had participated.
Dash's talent in martial arts was well known. Even after training for only a few months and winning two tournaments, he continued training as if he had never won anything. No one knew of an official defeat for Dash, but only a few knew that he had lost to Cheng and Dre in less serious training sessions. Still, no one considered this a defeat because nothing was official.
All the boys entered the boys' locker rooms, while the only five women from Cobra Kai headed to the women's locker rooms.
Upon entering, Miguel was amazed at how incredible these locker rooms were. From what they could see, each locker room had an individual locker, and none of them were occupied because there was a key in the open door of each locker.
"Everyone can take a locker and lock it," said one of the workers, pointing to an individual locker.
Miguel looked at one of the lockers in this locker room, which was built in a circular fashion, and asked, "Aren't these lockers occupied?"
The worker smiled upon hearing this question and shook his head before responding, "Each of the lockers in this place is for guests or students who have not yet signed their first annual membership with us. After all, very few who come to Sakura Bushido end up staying. That's why these lockers were created; the students' personal ones are on the second floor."
Eli, who took off his shirt, said, "This place is amazing. There are even screens here broadcasting recent fights in different martial arts. This is insane."
"Someday Cobra Kai will be like this," said Miguel, still convinced that Cobra Kai could be better.
Mitch sighed on the side. "I don't want to be optimistic, but there are millions of dollars invested in this place. It would be impossible for Cobra Kai to surpass Sakura Bushido in a few years."
"That's true," another student nodded.
"At least there are two hundred students in this place. Do you think we can make a difference? But I still don't understand, why didn't the guys who beat us participate in the Valley tournament?"
At that moment, Kresse, who had changed into a black uniform, entered and said, "That's because Sakura Bushido aims for more demanding championships. Haven't you seen the trophies in the showcases? Most of them are from China and Japan; very few are from the United States, so you can imagine the level at which this dojo competes."
"That's true. Sakura Bushido sees the All Valley tournament as a training ground for its newer students," said Miguel as he put on soft footwear similar to slippers.
Eli looked a bit stunned as he furrowed his brows. This place was even more incredible than he imagined, and it's true what his Sensei Johnny said; they were just starting in Karate, and they couldn't consider themselves the best when they couldn't beat Sakura Bushido.
Kresse seemed to notice the overwhelm of his students and said, "Calm down, guys. You are a sprout compared to the old trees of Sakura Bushido. You are all very young and still learning. "Perhaps in a few years, you will be the next champions in the most important championships worldwide."
"But Cobra Kai only has a few championships. It would be unlikely for us to be accepted in other tournaments," said a guy who seemed to know more about the topic.
Kresse smiled and said, "You're mistaken if you think we only have a few championships. One of the old Cobra Kai students participated in the best karate tournament in the world and was one of the finalists."
"Didn't he win?"
"I heard from my friend that he lost due to an injury, but he left the name of Cobra Kai in great standing. It's a shame that everything ended in that last tournament." Kresse didn't want to say much more and shook his head. "Let's go; our hosts are waiting for us, so it would be a bad idea to keep them waiting."
"Yes, Sensei!"
Everyone followed Kresse, who was talking to one of the workers, who was guiding them to the official area where Karate was taught. Along the way, many could see students with different uniforms training in other techniques, and one asked, "Why do they have a different uniform?"
"Oh, that's an excellent question. Each and every one of them is a student with more than three years of experience. However, what sets them apart from the other Sakura Bushido students is that they are training in Kung Fu, and to wear that uniform, they must know more than three different martial arts."
Kresse looked at the guys who seemed to be learning jiujitsu techniques and asked, "I thought they only taught Karate; do they also teach Kung Fu?"
"Of course, once students have learned enough about Karate, if they wish, they delve into other disciplines, and that's when they start with Kung Fu."
Everyone was surprised; there was no doubt that they felt a little fearful seeing those students even being taught to handle weapons.
"We have arrived; everyone is waiting for you, so you can come in," said the worker, opening a double door.
When Kresse saw the inside of the enormous dojo, he knew that this was where karate was taught. So, after leaving their shoes on a special shelf, they all entered.
Once they stepped inside the dojo, Chozen, who noticed the arrival of the Cobra Kai students, shouted, "Rest position, to the sides, and wait."
"Now!"
Without saying a word, all the students roared, and each of them sat around the training area, turning their gaze to the Cobra Kai students, who felt even more intimidated by this behavior.
"You have them very well trained. Congratulations on achieving something like this," said Kresse as he approached Chozen to greet him.
After looking Kresse up and down, Chozen said with a slightly softer expression, "Discipline is always good when learning. Outside of this training room, they can behave however they like without any restrictions."
Wanting to make clear the teaching stance of the dojo, Chozen was straightforward with his words for everyone to hear. Once all the Cobra Kai students entered, he said, "Do you mind integrating yourselves?"
Kresse nodded and looked at his students. "Get comfortable; the class is about to start."
"Yes, Sensei!"
Everyone rigidly advanced to an empty part of the room and sat in the same way the Sakura Bushido students were seated. Tory, who was among the group of women, could see Devon sitting to the left of Dash and greeted her when they made eye contact.
As for Miguel, without his sensei Johnny, he felt a bit empty and couldn't deny that he was also intimidated.
Seeing how the students integrated into the class, Chozen asked Sensei Kresse at his side, "We have learned from your karate. Would you mind if we taught all the students a bit about the real world out there? Student Dash Hale will give a welcome practice; we do this with all new students."
"Of course." Kresse wasn't very clear on what Chozen meant, but he ended up accepting because it would be rude to refuse given the circumstances.
"Then, once it's done, it would help me a lot if you also shared your philosophy on combat," said Chozen, smiling and pointing to the place where the senseis were seated.
"That sounds good," said Kresse, walking towards where Chozen had pointed.
Once everyone was seated, a special class officially began.