Student

As the class split into pairs I became painfully aware that I was the only female among them. Takedowns required me to intertwine myself in somewhat discomforting positions. I was particularly weary of the double leg takedown because it required me to essentially press myself from a standing position into the middle of another person while grabbing both legs. Luckily the kids kept the distracted enough the forgot about my presence. I stood awkwardly watching fifteen kids spar. Some of the kids were quite clumsy, their movements heavy and awkward. I watched as Adonis gently coached them. His voice was like a breeze. It's softness entangled itself around my heart. Jet also had a way with kids. He was way more blunt but in the end his tough love was exactly what they needed. He guided them not with gentleness but wisdom. I giggled quietly, they really are like a mother and father. I'm sure they would prefer the terms good cop/bad cop. They seem to have accepted their roles in this group.

My giggle caught the attention of the two men.

Suddenly they realized there was one student who didn't practice the four techniques. Jet being only

a few feet away reached me first.

"I think it's time you give it a try. I can be your partner if you want. Just remember we are sparing so try not to destroy me." He laughed, showing his brilliant smile, "Lets start with the single leg takedown." He put his hands up and bent his knees. I put my own hands up palms open read to grab. I had both legs bent, ready to lunge. The key of this take down was to isolate a single leg. This would screw up his center of gravity. I was remind of the slap-hands game I used to play with my dad. I would always lose because I failed guess when he was going to move. Jet seemed to be waiting for my lunge. I took a small step to the left. He seemed to flinch as I did so. I then sprang right grabbing his right leg. As I did so I felt him begin to lift his free leg. He was trying to counter by kneeing me.

Luckily I saw it coming a swiped up causing him to land flat on his back. I stood raising my arms, I did it, I thought. My eyes met Adonis' and he seemed pleased. The next thing I knew, I was on my ass. While I was distracted and Jet made a move by grabbing both my legs and flipped me down. In shock I stared into his face as he grinned ear to ear while sitting on his haunches. I stuck my foot out and gave a light kick to knock him back. Taken aback he sat upright. Our eyes locked and large smiles drew across both of our faces. Laughter around us cackled and we realized all the students had stopped to watch us. Adonis came to my side and lifted me to my feet. He looked me over, finding nothing wrong, he turned to face Jethro.

"If she's gonna have a partner, it's gonna be me." Though I could not see his face I could feel the intensity that exuded from him. His fierceness caused me to shrink back.

"Oh c'mon, we were just sparing," he stifled his laughter. He stood, his inner wolf began to show its colors. They appeared to be in a stand off against one another. Why was Adonis acting so childish, I thought. It was as if he had gotten jealous to catch his two friends playing with out him.

"Um, can I'd like to spar some more," I said to break the tension. They both turned to look at me. Their personality were really quite similar, I thought sighing deeply.

"Yeah let's do another one," Jet said walking towards me. He was stopped by Adonis' hand on his shoulder.

"I'm gonna take this round," he said seriously, "Lets do the double leg takedown." I sighed audibly. My disdain was met with a dirty look from Adonis. He probably thought I was setting a bad example for the kids. Realizing my mistake I prepared myself. Adonis matched my pose. Right leg extended. I didn't give him time to think, I lunged he stepped out of the way and I fell to my hands. Recovering quickly I stood and readied myself. He was unexpectedly light on his feet and fast. I moved closer and then suddenly jerked right. The movement caused Adonis to step back I took three large steps forward. Wrapping my arms around his waist, while in a low crouch, I used the strength in my legs to try to lift him. No budge. My face felt flush holding him in an embrace. I began to try to push him up over my shoulder in order to get the leverage I needed. Luckily my strengths in my arms allowed me to move him up. His waist now on my shoulder dug in. I could feel that his back had stiffened, he pawed at my gingerly. I could tell he felt uncomfortable with placing his hands on me. Quickly I pooped him down on the mat. In this new position I had my head laying on his stomach while my arms were still holding him around the waist. Though we were only sparing this felt more intimate than I had intended. His weight pressed on my hands and I couldn't remove them quickly. I blushed deeply. Seeming to realize that he was pinning me down he raised his waist with his legs. I was then able to break free. We stood quickly and stepped back awkwardly.

"Mom kicked Dad's butt!" A shout came from one of the students. The class descended on to laughter.

"She didn't kick my butt I let her win!" Adonis tried shouting over the laughter. Jet and I were the only ones that heard him.

"I think she kicked your butt. Don't feel bad she kicked mine too. She's got really good speed and awareness." Jet tried comforting him. Adonis was being dramatic as usual.

"You guys just let me practice on you so I got the feel. Don't be so dramatic," I laughed.