First Training

What Kazuki just pumped into was.. a dummy. One of the dummies in the little hut on the training ground which is at the opposite of the yard. He jumps of happiness. TIan-Han never let him use them and the different equipment available in the hut. But finally, he'll be able to. 

He keeps jumping around until he remembers something. Tian-Han mentioned some works. He wonders what kind of work could the old man give him. As an answer, the old man emerges behind him.

"- Ah, I see. You found it !

- What is it for ?

- Art requires a strong body too. A strong art on a weak body could crush it. and Art is used more often in fights. So, if you ever need it out there later, I'll teach you how to fight with your fist and some weapons. You'll also learn how to heal yourself with and without Art. And of course, you'll learn how to be careful with your weapons.

- That's a lot…

- I know. But I'll teach you the bare minimum, so you'll be able to focus on your Art training. Now, let's start."

The Master starts by showing simple moves to the student, such as punches and kicks.Tian-Han throws a punch in the void once, under the kid's gaze. The first is so powerful that it touched the air and made a loud impact noise. The eyes of the kid are focused on the first. He is impressed by this new knowledge he'll be able to put his hands on. This feeling is a mix of fear and excitement.

"Now, watch carefully how it's done."

He shows every step of the punch. First, the starting stance. The upper body is turn at 45° in the direction "inside". The legs, making a wide space. The knee of the leg in front bent a little bit, supporting the weight of the body. And the fist which will throw the punch is put against the hips. The arm which won't do anything is put in front of the torso, at a middle range from the body. This one serves as a protection or a bait to have more chances to land the punch.

Then the movement of the punch. Tian-Han turns his upper body with the help of his hips. The fist is launched in a straight line in front of him. And to finish the movement, at the end the twist.

"See ? It's how it's done. I'll show it to you some more and then we'll repeat it together."

The Master shows it one more time. The student watches carefully, being cautious about every move from his master.

"Alright. It's your turn now."

Kazuki takes position under the sharp gaze of his master. The old man corrects the stance, bending a knee or applying weight on the kid's shoulder with his hands.

"Correct your position. More weight on the front leg."

 The young boy tries his best but ends up falling on the ground. He lost his balance. Tian-Han takes him by the arms and helps him to get up. He puts himself next to Kazuki and shows the stance.

"Remember when we go out cutting trees ? I gave you an advice. Roots yourself. The ground is from where you get your strength. You must draw your strength from the deepest place possible."

The young boy looks at his master, confused by the advice.

"- But, shouldn't my body be where my strength comes from ?

- It does. When you throw a punch, do you think it's the ground which moves your fist ?

- I don't understand then…

- When you throw a punch, all your body has to take part in the movement. If you punch with strange but without strength in the ground, you'll just lose balance. If you have strength in the ground but you don't have strength in your body, you'll just have balance. Having strength in the ground allows you to throw a stronger punch without the recoils. And it allows you to accumulate more energy, which can cause greater damage to an opponent. If the movements already started at your feet before even moving, you'll accumulate enough energy to knock out someone.. and this without Art. So, by drawing your strength from deeper, only one impact could deal pretty good injuries.

- Can you show me ?

- Maybe later. Let's get back to work. After your stance, we'll have to correct your punch. We'll train until you master it."

Kazuki kept training the whole day. The sweat was dripping from everywhere. The sun slowly started its course through the horizon. As the day ends, Kazuki lays on the ground. He took it a whole day, but yet he was able to master this punch.

"- It took time. But for your age, it was fast. I hope it keeps going this way. Now, let's rest. Tomorrow there will be more to do

- More ?!

- Yes. But you might like this one."

They return to the temple. There, they silently eat and go to sleep. Kazuki, exhausted, immediately falls asleep. The feeling of his bed couldn't make him more happy after this intense training. His body couldn't handle more for today.