First days of training

Down in Phoenix Arizona, Kevin and Gabriel Marcus, a pair of fit white males with five o’clock shadows, were excitedly watching a four man match between some of the best fighters in the world. Tang Namamoto of Japan, Slade Donavan from America, Von Fredrik Schwitz from Germany and So Gannu Pao from South Korea. Tang had won the grueling battle and the brothers acted like a member of their family had won the lottery. After the excitement finally died down, Kevin said “Just wait, one day I’ll be as great as him.” “If you think I’m gonna let you become a world renowned fighter without me, you’re dreaming.” Gabriel said.

The next day the brothers researched Tang and all the fighting styles he knew, his trainer had died some time ago but they did find fellow trainees, including one who had become a trainer himself, In Willoway Bay. “Shit, this guy might be able to teach us.” Gabriel said “Man, but it’s in a whole other state. Do we have enough for a move like that?” “Come on, this is what you wanted, right? You’re going to let a little thing like money stop you now?” Kevin shoved his brother playfully “What else can we find out about this guy?” “Are you kidding, according to this, he’s even more skilled than Tang but chose to teach rather than be famous.” “Ok, I guess that’s cool, does he know a lot of fighting styles?” Gabriel checks some things “Tons but apparently his training doesn’t focus on a specific one.” “Then what does he teach?” “I guess we can figure that out when we get there.”

A week and a half later, Kevin found himself pinned face first on a mat. “That’s enough.” Zackiria Neithchi, the elderly trainer with his graying hair tied back called out. Jacob Lord, an African-American student stood off of Kevin and helped him up. “Well, you did better than last time so at least your improving.” Jacob said. Kevin nodded but didn’t say anything, disappointed with his performance. Edward, Chad and Donna Max, all Caucasians, clapped unenthusiastically. Zackiria sent them all out to run laps around the block. He was an unemotional but driven man and expected nothing less than everyone’s best.

Two weeks later, Zackiria Neitchi was in his office with the door locked reading a black book. It had an odd symbol but no words on the cover. He studied the pages quickly but as always, got all the information. The room was lightly decorated. To the right of the door is an odd sculpture that looked like a demons skull. Beside it, an ancient map taking up a portion of the wall, a dresser with a sheath and swords in the back corner. On the other side, a bookcase where a copy of The Art Of War and all kinds of mythology books as well as guides for all fighting styles are prominent. At the back is a desk with a stack of papers and a few knick-knacks, behind it is a painting of the angle Michael spearing the devil. There was a knock at the door. Zackiria quickly put the book in a drawer in his desk and got up to unlock the door. Jacob Lord stood there. A young dark skinned man who had trained with Zackiria for about a year. “It’s odd to find your door locked sir.” he said. Zackiria stood waiting. “You still want me to fight Kevin again, right?” Zackiria seemed confused by the question, why wouldn’t he? “He’s fought everyone else and I’d like to see if he’s come far enough to take you or not.” Jacob sighed and the both of them walked out to the main fighting square where everyone was waiting. The match began. Kevin went for a punch which Jacob grabbed and delivered an elbow to Kevin’s armpit. Kevin hit Jacob with a body blow as he pulled his arm back, cringing from the hit. Jacob went for a straight kick which Kevin just managed to avoid. Grabbing the leg, Kevin tried a roundhouse, Jacob twisted out of the way and hit Kevin with his free foot to the jaw. Kevin stumbled back and rolled but quickly got back on his feet. He was doing much better than his first test match when he got taken out right away by a foot sweep because his stance was wrong. Kevin’s brother Gabriel cheered him on. They both had a slow start but developed quickly. Kevin leapt at Jacob who flattened himself on the mat. Kevin rolled again Jacob jumped up and spun around but Kevin was gone. Then he saw him in the corner of his eye, just too late. Kevin hit him with a hard uppercut followed by a high kick. Jacob fell to the ground and groaned. Kevin raised his arms and cheered as Zackiria called his name in victory.

The next morning, Zackiria has everyone in the pool. He has them hold their breath as long as they can. To ensure they do, he keeps multiple baseball throwing machines firing over the water’s edge. If and when they came up for air they’d get beaned by a fastball.

A few weeks later, Zackiria talks to his new ‘recruit’ Tetsu, an Asian male, hoping he is ready to be pushed to his limits and beyond. “I can help you become strong.” Zackiria says. “If your spirit is ready and your body is willing, you can achieve great things. I hope you’re up to it.” Tetsu tells Zackiria “My uncle highly recommended me to training here. Tang Namamoto.” Zackiria nodded, he knew his former trainee well. He was a grand master now after all. “Given my family reputation, I’d like to refrain from using my last name please.” His father was also a high tech genius, multi-millionaire so Zackiria understood he didn’t want the others knowing he was rich and connected. “Your secret is safe with me.” Zackiria said. “What exactly did Tang say about me?” Zackiria asked. “Well, I need self-defence training. I was kidnaped at an early age for my father’s wealth and my Uncle rescued me.” Zackira seemed amused “Tang sent you for self-defence?” Tetsu nodded “He has too-” Zackiria walked away before the full explanation, he seemed to be laughing.

Zackiria gets everyone doing Reiki at first. A type of meditation that draws on the energy of the Earth to eliminate negative emotions that may cause pain. Some of them didn’t feel anything at all but at least they weren’t doing heavy lifting. They did that for an hour and followed with an hour of stretching then they worked the heavy punching bag. Jacob and Kevin dared not to comment about the easy drills, they rarely got anything easy. After that he splits everyone in pairs and they all have a Chess tournament, changing opponents each new round. No one was able to beat Zackiria who seemed to pay as much attention to everyone else’s game as to his own. Jacob lasted the longest but still didn’t come close to check.

Some hours later, the Marcus bothers and Jacob spent time climbing the rock wall that was outside the building. Kevin, Gabriel and Jacob had seen some of the old students in action and where looking forward to reaching that level. After finishing, the other trainees show Tetsu the ropes and get him in some tug of war thing against a car outside.