Chapter 5: Pushing too Far
I was fuming with anger when I made it to the Miyagi-do dojo. Everyone stared at me in shock when seeing all my new injuries. I didn't say a word as I got to the back of the class. As class went on, I noticed that Mr. LaRusso seemed to be on edge.
"Ok, let's do it again from the top. Keep going, let's go. Come on Chris you know these moves."
"Sorry Mr. L. I'm just trying to keep up." Chris says.
"Did you like having your arm broken Demetri? Because if you defend like that you're going to be right back in that cast before you know it." Mr. LaRusso says to a defeated Demetri.
"James, you need to catch up or else those bruises will multiply by tomorrow." Mr. LaRusso says.
"Uh, Ok guys...lets uh take five. There's ice tea and lemonade inside." Amanda says. We all silently enter the main dojo building in silence.
"So...what happened to you?" Demetri asks. Everyone turns to face me and I get slightly embarrassed.
"Cobra Kai." Is all I say. They immediately understand.
"God, I wish I could just punch Steve in his smug face." I begin to shout. Demetri looks at me worriedly.
"Hey, calm down." He says. I close my eyes and take deep breaths. That's when we overhear Mr. LaRusso and another person talking about an "All Valley." What is that? Sam seems to know and goes outside. However, I can't think about other stuff right now. I need to train.
Later…
I did a lot better in class today. I wasn't the best but it was still decent. After class, I go over to Mr. LaRusso.
"I'm ready." I say.
"Okay. I have to go somewhere later today but I should still have time to train you." Mr. LaRusso says. He begins walking away.
"Where are you going?" I ask. He smiles.
"We are going someplace to train." Mr. LaRusso says.
Later…
Mr. LaRusso drives me to some kind of forest area.
"Um, where exactly are we?
"This is where I trained Miyagi-do's first student." Mr. LaRusso says.
"Oh, where is he now?" I ask. Mr. LaRusso goes quiet for a bit.
"He...wants to do his own thing for now." Mr. LaRusso responds.
"Oh." I say while looking down.
"But hey, we're not here for him. We're here for you. Are you ready?" Mr. LaRusso asks.
"Yeah!" I respond. We get out of the car and walk deep into the forest. Soon, we come to a stop.
"Usually, I would start slow and have you work on your balance. But, we want you to get into shape as soon as possible. What is the main problem you have with fighting?" Mr. LaRusso asks.
"Well, my punches and kicks are extremely weak, so there's that." I say.
"Anything else?" Mr. LaRusso asks.
"Oh yeah. I need to learn how to block kicks and punches, how to anticipate an attack, and so much more." I say.
"Okay, I think I know a way to help with blocking punches. It's called the drum technique" Mr. LaRusso says.
"How does that work? I ask.
"I'll show you. Try to punch me." Mr. LaRusso says. I get in my fighting stance and try to punch Mr. LaRusso. However, he moves his arm to one side and pushes my fist away.
"Huh." I say.
"Come on. Let's start." Mr. LaRusso says. For the next hour, Mr. LaRusso teaches me the drum technique, how to kick better and higher without losing my balance, and how to do different types of punches.
"Okay. We've done a lot today." Mr. LaRusso says.
"It's not enough. I need to do more." I say.
"Okay. But I'm running out of time." Mr. LaRusso says. Another hour passses and I'm tought how to grab someone's leg when they kick, and how to take someone by surprise by finding balance.
"Okay. You really pushed yourself." Mr. LaRusso says. However, I still wasn't satisfied.
"Can we do more?" I ask.
"James, I need to get going." Mr. LaRusso points out.
"But, I'm never going to be good in my current state." I say. Suddenly, I feel a splitting headache coming on.
"James? Are you okay?" Mr. LaRusso asks.
"Yeah, I just need some water." I say. I pick up my water bottle and make sure to drink slowly so I don't throw up.
"James. You can't push yourself like this." Mr. LaRusso says.
"Why not?" I ask.
"It's very unhealthy. Look, I know you want to get better. But making yourself sick in the process is not worth it." Mr. LaRusso says. I look towards the ground in shame.
"Come on. Let's get you back to the dojo." Mr. LaRusso says. And with that, we head back to the car. I think about what Mr. LaRusso says but It doesn't change my mind. I have to train. I don't care what happens. I need to get stronger.
Author's Note: Getting dehydrated sucks.