The Jujitsu class for the lower ranks ended, and everyone went home except the black belts. There were four that night, plus the owner of the school, Dai Shihan Montero, the most senior ranking black belt. He instructed only black belt arts, starting with the beginner levels and advancing. Akira, still the youngest black belt, worked on remembering the new tactics she learned.
Then Dai Shihan paired the black belts up for sparring. When Akira’s turn came, he matched her with Ryan, an amiable guy almost forty, who was in construction and was an avid weight lifter. Each took the required bow.
Dai Shihan called, “Hajime,” Japanese for begin.
Akira and Ryan faced each other, raised fists, and danced around with slightly bent knees for balance. Each was cautious of the other, and each threw
