For several months I considered taking a karate class because of all the riots and murders in our nation. For me, the best thing was to be prepared when things go wrong. I looked for places in my city where karate classes were given. Some schools, like “Champion Karate”, “Master Shin’s Karate”, or “Killer Blow Karate”, seemed to help disable an opponent, but I felt like I needed a class for beginners. When I searched a bit more, I discovered one with a strange name called “Road Runner Karate Elementary School”.
I called this school and asked if I could visit it to see for myself if it could teach me how to stand up for myself. The head instructor of the school, Mr. “Tojo Dojo”, the owner of the school, said that they would be teaching a class for beginners in an hour. I told him I would be there.
As I drove a few kilometers to school, I wondered if this school was for me and if I was in shape. As soon as I got there, I parked in front of the school, which was located along a row of stores. I walked in and saw about 10 adult students wearing white belts – beginner level.
I saw Mr. “Dojo” and reminded him that I had called earlier to see his class. He invited me into the classroom where thick plastic mats had been laid out.
At 3:00 pm, Mr. Dojo yelled at the class to stand in a straight line. They bowed politely to him. Then they all did stretching exercises. After 15 minutes, Dojo called all the students to find a partner. “Now,” he said, remember what we practiced last time. One of you pretends that he is holding a knife about to stab his partner. So, victims, get ready to get into position!”
Right at that moment, the “victims” raised their hands as if to make a downward motion on the one holding the knife. The victims then knelt down, raised their hands as if in prayer, and said, “Please! Don’t kill me! Take my money!”
Dojo said, “Okay, students. Practice this a few times, then we’ll continue. Remember to pray out loud to get the attention of a stranger who will ask for help.”
Within a few minutes, Dojo called everyone to stand in a straight line and told everyone to find another partner. “This time, the assailant will put the victim in a chokehold with your arm around their head.”
The student playing the bully then took his right arm and wrapped it around the victim. Dojo told them to hold them tight around the heads. He said, “Now, victims! Play like you’re going to limp. Bullies, loosen your grip! Victims, drop to the ground and look dead!”
Dojo encouraged them to do this several times until he yelled for them to get back into line formation.
“Now! Students! Everyone, pick a partner again. I have several fake rubber snakes in the corner. I want you to practice holding them in a pocket that you will pretend to have and toss the fake snake to your partner. This is what you need to practice.” , is called ‘The Viper’.”
“Very good students! You are getting closer to earning your new yellow belts next week! Congratulations!”
After witnessing these wonderful techniques, I went out and signed up for a lesson.