After school, Sasha faced her opponent.
She’d been informed of his lazy history, having attended the dojo since before she was in kindergarden, and barely made blackbelt. Three ranks below her. That was someone not really committed to the art but enjoys it.
“I don’t want to hurt him, can I face someone else?” Sasha asked and glanced at the second highest ranking sensei there. Someone with skill.
Some of the bystandards chuckled, others whispered that she didn't deserve the belt around her waist.
“No,” the instructor said. “Are you ready?” He asked the lazy blackbelt guy.
He nodded.
“Are you ready?” The instructor asked Sasha.
Sasha took up a stance. “Have it your way.”
The instructor didn't believe Sasha when she told him she would defeat anyone she was put up against. Despite that, he still tried to match her with someone her height. She refused to fight a younger boy. Parents never took it kindly when their kid goes home with a broken rib or a black eye. Sasha didn't hold back.
Beating an adult, however, only puts shame on the adult.
I should be fighting the instructor himself, not this skinny man that didn't participate as often as he should.
“Neither of you hold back. Do your best.”
"No hard feelings okay?" said Sasha, cracking a smile as the instructor looked between them one last time.
The lazy blackbelt nodded, obviously not taking Sasha's words seriously.
"FIGHT!" The instructor chopped the air in front of them and pulled back.
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Sasha immediately dashed forward, dodged the rookie's first and only punch; grabbed his arm with both hands and bent his elbow back until a beautiful pop echoed throughout the dojo.
A cold rush spread through Sasha’s body, causing her to tremble with pleasure. Pleasure she craved more than anything. But it didn’t last long enough.
Her wide eyed, shocked opponent finally screamed. The other black belts gaped in disbelief until the instructor stepped forward.
"Someone get him to a hospital."
"I'm on it!" One of the students aided his comrade.
"You two help him," the instructor pointed at two others who immediately nodded and helped. "The rest of you do warm ups. Start stretching..."
Everyone moved into their spots with haste. The remaining black belts took position in the front, and the rest made a four by eight person rectangle with enough room to move around. Lowest ranked students stood at the back.
Sasha pinpointed a spot for herself, an empty space waiting for her, but a rough hand was placed on her shoulder before she moved.
"Careful old man, those fingers look fragile," Sasha warned the instructor.
"Come, we will go into the next room," he lifted his hand from her shoulder and led the way.
Like the other room, there were mirrors alongside one wall and old tournament banners plastered on the other, but much smaller.
"I haven't fought for fifteen years, so I won't fight you,” he said. “What I can do is teach you what I know, and in turn, you teach my students what you know."
"You aren’t going to punish me? And what makes you think I’m capable of teaching these kids anything?" Sasha scowled, glaring at him.
"I can’t punish someone for following my orders,” he rubbed his bald head. “A mistake on my part… you surprised me.” He paused, then looked at her more seriously. “I want you teaching my students because you’re skillful, confident and have determination. A fire like that is inspiring. Unforgettable.”
“Psh, whatever old man.”
“You can start by leading the warmups, move on from there. Whip them into shape, then maybe teach them how to defend themselves. I think you will bring a lot of excitement to my dojo that many will not forget."
It didn't sound that bad. She occasionally had to lead warm ups and teach others how to do things. In some dojos it was mandatory, but she’d never been asked to make a class more exciting. It was a chance to take command in any way she wanted to.
She held out her hand. “Okay fine, I'll give this dojo a chance.”
A heartwarming smile spread across the old man's face as he took her hand in his. "I am looking forward to working with you. Take a week or two, learn everyone's names, there’s no hurry."
They shook hands.