Rocky DeSantos

Rocky stretched out his leg on the wooden bench, he needed to stop and get the cramp out of his leg. He sighed leaning back against the back of the bench. Rocky didn't like that this was interrupting the flow of his workout routine. But, then again the longer he sat there the more he was able to take in the fresh morning air. The sun had yet to completely rise as it peaked over the distant mountain side. He rubbed his calf, it felt like it was okay and the cramping has ceased, but for some reason he decided a little break wouldn't hurt seeing how he had a long day ahead of him.

Today he was going to film some scenes for his upcoming martial arts workout series. The filming was taking place at his dojo this afternoon. He would be shooting the scenes with some of his current students. It was great not only getting to show kids the wonders of martial arts but as show them that it was a good workout for both your body and self-esteem. His martial arts workout series was a part of a national campaign to help children and teenagers discover the joys of being fit and living a healthy lifestyle while learning the martial arts. He stumbled upon this opportunity not too long after he had passed on his powers to Justin to focus more on his dojo he had acquired. It was difficult for him to pass on his powers but he knew deep down inside that he was making the right decision.

That decision turned out for the better, even though he was no longer saving the world from evil he was teaching kids that they could aspire to be fit and healthy through martial arts and self-discipline. A philosophy that he made sure to practice at all times if possible. He glanced down at his watch. It was going on 7 a.m. There was no time for him to keep dawdling around; the new students were arriving soon. With this in mind he quickly stood to his feet, plugging his i-Pod headphones in his ears continuing down the trailing pathway through Angel Grove Park…

Rocky pulled off his windbreaker resting it on the back of his black swiveling chair. He took a seat at his work desk glancing over the large calendar agenda. Well, so far so good he had made it back to his dojo with time to spare. It always excited him when a new crop of students joined his dojo. Seeing their eager faces and their joy and thrill of getting the chance to learn martial arts made him very happy.

"Sensei!"

It was Eric one of his assistant instructors. Eric Park was a part of the first ever martial arts classes that Rocky taught. He couldn't believe that the once extremely sly kid with the thin-mousy build would grow into this strong, tall confidence man, with model good looks. Rocky snickered to himself, remembering that when he younger he was much like Eric growing up and it was the martial arts that helped gain strength and confidence, he saw so much of himself in the young man.

"The class is here."

Rocky hurriedly stood to his feet, making his way out of his office, his assistant bowing as he stepped out.

The air was a mixture of chattering and chirping of children of all ages, and heights were tossing and tumbling around with one another and rolling around on the patted ground in front of him.

"Good morning everyone," he called brightly.

All the kids playing ceased all their horse playing, handing their attention over to him. Now, with all the children's focus on him he started feeling that excited rush of adrenaline surge through his body.

"Could you all take a seat upon the mats," Eric said.

"My name is Rocky DeSantos; you can refer to me as Sensei."

"This is my assistant instructor Eric Park."

"We both want to welcome you all to the Flying Star Martial Arts Academy," he announced.

The large gym room erupted into a roar of applause.

"Thank you all and without further ado, let's get started." Rocky said stepping over to the mats where the kids were all standing…

"Hai, class dismissed!" Rocky said bowing before his students.

"Hai, Sensei," called the class of green belt students.

He stepped away making his way back over to his office. Rocky took a seat at his desk, fanning himself. Taking a look at his watch he saw that it was thirty minutes till noon. There was only thirty minutes left till the production team from the Campbell productions was coming over to start the shoot. He felt excited anticipation, for his upcoming film shoot. There was just something that words couldn't describe about championing for cause greater than one's own. The best thing about this shoot was that Aisha would be coming over with her crew from her production company to aid with the shoot. This certainly wasn't his very first experience working in front of the cameras there were times he got to shoot and do some background acting work during his stint as a power ranger. So, being in the spotlight didn't make Rocky feel all that nervous.

This shoot was especially exciting because this was the 10th anniversary special of his martial arts championing series, so this shoot meant a lot to Rocky. They had some really special plans and ideas for anniversary special, and being able to share this experience with his best friend Aisha was the icing on the cake so to speak. They would be shooting this with some of the school's top students from all their ranking classes.

"Sensei!"

He turned his attention over to the door. "Yes…?"

"I can I talk you about the filming today?"

"Of course, please come in," he said gesturing for the student to come inside.

"Thank you Sensei," the student said taking a seat in front of him.

"Is everything ok?" Rocky said peering at his student feeling a sense that something deeper was bothering her.

"I…I'm just a little nervous about today…" she said twiddling her fingers.

"What exactly are you nervous about?"

"I…just don't want to embarrass myself…in front of everyone."

"Don't worry Jasmine will be fine," he said with reassurance.

"I know…but…" the teenage girl said trialing off.

"Trust me I understand that being in front of the camera can make anyone nervous…just do everything we've practiced and you will do fine. If something does happen don't forget we can always stop filming and do it over again."

"Really?!"

He nodded. "Yeah, so no worries…you're one of my best students…and I know that you have practiced really hard so I know that you will be fine," he said with a smile.

Her brown eyes flashed, his little pep talk seemed to have done the trick.

"Thanks Sensei!" Jasmine said jumping to her feet.

"No problem kiddo…"

She bowed hurrying out of his office. He always enjoyed being able to put a smile on the kids' faces, it made everything Rocky did so much more worthwhile and on that note he leaned back taking in a deep breath, today was looking like a long day but he was certainly up and ready for the challenge.