Chapter 29: Old Fox

Morning final came, for the first time in a week, Shaun was somewhat optimistic. He made breakfast and washed it down with orange juice before looking down at his watch. It was now 10:00 AM and the ad stated the dojo's opening hours were from 10:30 to 7:00 PM. Since he had nothing scheduled besides this visit he decided to go as early as possible, so he did just that.

After leaving Lucy's apartment it took him a mere fifteen minutes to walk before he arrived in front of the Dojo. Its outside was by no means enchanting, but its look was not what he had journeyed for. He needed to learn how to truly fight and there were a mere two weeks to do so. Sure Jamie taught him a few moves but they were by no means as flashy as the spinning, somersaults, and bicycle kicks shown by Sensei Ria. He then went through the door and it was now that the smell of incense truly could be smelt.

Mopping the wooden floors was an old man with slight bruises. From what could be seen he was wiping away a red viscous liquid. Shaun could tell it was blood. Something felt off about this place so his instincts told him perhaps it was best to try somewhere else. There were countless dojos in the city, so why not shop around? "Aww, young one, how are you? You come for lessons?" The old man greeted him warmly.

Still, Shaun was trusting his instincts so though polite he responded hesitantly, "Yes sir.., but ahh, I'll come back another time".

Old man: "Nonsense, don't let a little blood scare you. I guarantee, there is no other Dojo like mine within Lake View City".

For the old man to spot his immediate unease from a mere glance he was slightly impressed. 'Guess the least I can do is try, right', He told himself.

Seeing his shift in demeanor the old man was quite happy. Ha-Ha - "Wise choice lad, I can tell you have some pressing matters and need strength and guidance. My dojo is therefore the right place and we currently have a special. For one month you will be personally trained by me." He grinned showing his aging gums.

"Your dojo, I thought it was that guy who calls himself Ria Sensei", Shaun was puzzled but then again, in the ad, it was stated the family had taught martial arts for centuries. Perhaps Ria was the old man's son.

Hearing Ria's name the old man seemed saddened but did his best not to show signs of his contempt. "Don't worry about that, just know that this Dojo is like no other. So what's your name, young lad?" He smiled while holding a sign-up sheet. By his wording, it seems that he and Ria did not see eye to eye. Yet Shaun placed that thought at the back of his mind. His attention was now on his surroundings realizing there was no one besides the two within the dojo and it was already opening hours. This was truly odd.

Still, he answered the question, "I'm Shaun Sinclair, Sir". To which the old man nodded, introducing himself as well, "Ok, Shaun, call me Old Fox, I will be your sensei".

Hearing the name Old Fox, it did strike Shaun as odd. It was tacky like something from a movie, not something he expected from an actual old man.

He once more looked at the elder who called himself Old Fox, When was it confirmed he was joining? Wasn't this old man being a bit too pushy. However, when seeing the old man's expression, how could he refuse? He was raised to respect his elders and look out for them. So there was a huge soft spot. His gut instincts told him he was doing the wrong thing but for some reason was tempted to go against his better judgment.

"Do an old man this one favour. I'll even waive half your fee", Old fox offer was truly enticing. Shaun's spending power had significantly dwindled over the past week and he had to save as much as he could. This was what tipped the scale.

"Ok Old timer we have a deal", He sighed before settling on a fee for his training which was quite reasonable. He was then sold a standard uniform.

Shaun couldn't help but ask, "So, Mr. Old Fox, is everyone else running late?" ½ hour had passed and no one else entered the class. This aroused suspicion, at least one pupil should have shown up by now, right?"

Still, Old Fox kept quiet as though he hadn't heard the question. It was then that Shaun realized this must have been a sour point for him. He then dropped the argument, proceeding to follow the guidance of Old Fox.

"The first thing any warrior should learn before forming a fist is how to maintain a calm mind", As Old Fox spoke he beckoned for Shaun to mimic his posture. Currently, he was sitting in the lotus stance. This Shaun did, he also realized the sensei's words were similar to what was said by Jamie on the Gutwrencher. Which made him more open to the old man's teaching.

His patience surprised Old Fox, usually, kids his age weren't too patient with his methods. Most pupils would be hastily wanting to learn fighting techniques, such as breaking blocks, special moves, etc. Yet this youth seemed keen to learn even the smallest details. He then continued, "A calm mind ensures a relaxed body, a relaxed body means quicker movements and reactions. When both mind and body are in sync the speed and focus of attacks are then expounded tenfolds".

"Ten folds you say?" Shaun subconsciously blurted out. This did seem quite exaggerated in his opinion. His reaction caused Old Fox to laugh while saying, "You don't believe? Ok, we will engage in a one 1 ½ experiment". After speaking the old man gingerly stood up and went over to a table where many varying pieces of boards were laid. He then picked up three thick pieces before once more making his way over. This piqued Shaun's intrigue as he wondered what Old Fox had in mind.

Old Fox: "I'll have you attempt to break each of these boards every thirty minutes after meditation and some breathing exercises. The first thirty you will receive five chances. The second would be three chances, and the final would be one. We will then assess the results".

Shaun was somewhat skeptical, obviously, the first attempt yielded the most advantage. It was five times that of the last. Could there be such a huge difference in 1 ½ hours after meditation and breathing exercises? This did seem like a stretch, but he saw the confidence on the old man's face and became eager to try.

"Now try punching through this piece of wood", Old Fox instructed, holding one of the ply boards between his hands.

"Hold up, are you kidding me? I'll break my hand just trying to punch that thing!" Shaun refused.

Old Fox: "Lad, you don't strike me as the coward type, now come, give a firm punch at the center of the board with as much speed as you can conjure. You'll get an idea of what to strive for after the 30-minute mark." Shaun still was slightly hesitant, "Shouldn't there be some form of board breaking for beginners exercise. Mr. Old Fox, if you haven't realized I am no Bruce Lee".

"You're fearful, that's good but enough stalling. Either punch the board or I'll increase your fee. Now strike!" Old Fox insisted in an authoritative tone.

Shaun: "Fine, fine, but if I break my arm I'm suing both for the arm and emotional damages, old man".

Ha-Ha! - Old Fox laughed when hearing the threat. "Fair enough but this wood is soft, it's like paper so you don't have to worry", he assured. It was then that Shaun stood up before tentatively approaching the board.

Wack! - His fist clattered into the board yet not even a slight indentation was made on the ply. Instantly Shaun flashed his hand in pain as water ran down his eyes. It was excruciating pain, yet he only heard the old man laugh.

"They always fall for it", Old Fox continued to laugh but understandably Shaun didn't see the funny side.

"You know, I'm starting to believe you're a senile old man who wandered into a dojo thinking he is a master. I'm leaving before you make me walk on hot coal", Shaun seriously became skeptical as he readied to get to his feet. Right there and then he was certain this old man was inferior to Ria Sensei and a quack off his meds.