Sandman in MHA

In the morning, I resumed my rigorous training. I started running slowly around the dojo, sweating profusely as I caught my breath. After many trials and setbacks, I finished the ten circuits.

As Isshin approached me and gave me a chop on the head while shouting at me to get up, complete the ten laps again, and push myself to the maximum in order to increase my stamina, I sat on the floor, gasping helplessly.

I could feel his hideous eyes on me. Since I'm the weakest student in training in the dojo, I feel like I'm going to be eaten alive if I don't get to be on par with the other kids.

I'm not even close to the kids at the dojo in terms of stamina, flexibility, endurance, reflexes, durability, and agility, even if I'm a little older than them. I can tell how much the students at the dojo are willing to put in to become excellent martial arts senseis after they graduate.

"I can't lose to any of these kids." I got up and used my doji outfit to wipe the sweat from my face. I began running as my thoughts went blank, and the only thing that was on my mind was, "Surpass and be on the peak of this dojo." I didn't care about anybody else or how strong the kids were in this dojo because I would be at the top and graduate before anyone else.

"Frightful." Isshin muttered as he noticed the growing potential in my eyes, something he had never noticed in the eyes of the children in his dojo at the moment. "You'll advance to the next level if you complete two more laps, kid." When he noticed that I was absorbed in my own world and not paying attention to him or my surroundings, he added words of support.

'Yuta, one more lap.' I thought as I concentrated on completing the drill since the tension was causing my limbs and lungs to overwork themselves without properly replenishing my body, and I was getting tired all the time.

"Sensei, I've completed the task you gave me so I'm ready to advance onward." I said with my arms and knees on the floor breathing out loud hearing the sound of my heart beat.

"Thanks for persevering until the end, kid. Take a quick break for some water and return here on time. Do you get it?

"Osu." I bowed down my head and dismissed myself for my one minute water break. 

"This is fantastic; I feel like my energy is rising." In the meantime, I started drinking enough water and took a few moments to gather myself. 'Let's get going."  I hurried back to the dojo while whispering to myself.

As Isshin started writing some names on a piece of paper, I hurried back to the dojo to watch the other children wrestle against one another. 

He looked at me and said, "Come forward, Yuta." I followed instructions and headed to the front. "Yoshida, hurry up and don't hold back since Yuta will be your sparring opponent in this duel."He continued.

'Yes, I am aware that she is a girl, but it doesn't give me any advantage over her. Therefore, I suppose I'll give it everything I've got and, if necessary, employ sheer force.' We bowed to one another and Isshin replied, "Fight," as the concept was racing through my mind.

The girl, Yoshida, crouching with her left fist out, established a position while I stood motionless.

We waited for a few seconds to see who would attack first, but she didn't move an inch. I seized the chance to attack with all of my strength, leaped to my air and clenched my fist, only to discover that she hadn't moved yet as she watched me in mid-air.

"If you don't learn to read your opponents' movements, you'll have a lot of openings. Don't charge towards your opponents blindly." She sighed and launched an attack. Since it finished in a dramatic fashion, I was on the floor beneath her feet before I knew what had happened.

"Well done, Yoshida." Isshin walked over to me and congratulated her on her simple victory, saying, "I asked you to duel her, but I guess you didn't underestimate her, and that's really great."

You can now see how weaker you are than everyone else in this room.

Pay close attention Yuta as I explain. "Initially, you were unable to understand your opponent's movements and charge towards her without much consideration, which ultimately contributed to your demise because you gave her plenty of opportunities to hit you, which she did quickly." 

Yuta rose from the floor and trailed Isshin to a tiny chamber at the far end of the dojo. The space was crammed with gear and training supplies. "Let's get started and give it your all because I'm going to train you differently than the other kids." "Oh," he said.

The rigorous training started right away. In order for me to attain the proper stance, Isshin first began to structure my body. With my left hand outstretched, I squatted sideways and pushed my left leg forward.  

"The term "fighting stance" is frequently used to describe the stance employed in martial arts. It is the starting point from which a person can move, defend, and attack with effectiveness.

Depending on the situation and the martial art style, the fighting stance changes, but it is essential for battle readiness, agility, and balance." 

 I nodded and remained in my fighting position, Isshin clarified. "You must now repeat after me." As he assumed his fighting stance, he spoke.

As I mimicked him in prefecture, switching both hands and legs, Isshin started to move and throw his hands into the air. As Isshin pulled out the punching bag, we continued doing it for over an hour.

Learning martial arts presented both mental and physical difficulties. I practiced punches and kicks on a heavy bag during my first actual combat lesson. I started with the basics, the jab, cross, and front kick. It was thrilling every time I made contact with the bag with my fist.  

However, repetition was the key to ultimate expertise. Even though my muscles hurt after practicing these maneuvers for hours on end, I felt stronger and more self-assured with each hit. My tenacity was demonstrated by the bruises my knuckles sustained from the bag's hit.

In the weeks that followed, Isshin put me through a lot. Confronting him and holding sparring sessions. I soon discovered that physical strength wasn't everything when I was competing against a more seasoned student.

 I discovered how to take advantage of their momentum by dodging blows rather than defending myself. A pivotal moment occurred when I executed a flawless counterattack after my opponent stumbled.

I started to comprehend the profound philosophy of martial arts in addition to their physical skill. After training, Isshin frequently took the lead in discussions. "What does it mean to be strong?" he asked one day. At first, I said, "It means to be tough and defeat everyone!"

Isshin, however, gave a soft smile. "Physical prowess is only one aspect of strength; another is understanding when to fight and when to back off. It lies in self-control and respect for both oneself and other people." This lesson resonated with me.

As the weeks went by, I started to adopt these principles. In the dojo, I made friends, and we worked on developing the mental toughness and technique needed for martial arts. 

They encouraged one another, told each other a few stories, and celebrated little victories. Training no longer felt like a chore but rather like a fun activity because of my newfound friendships.

Isshin announced a local martial arts contest following months of preparation and dedication. Even the prospect of competing made my heart race. I had both thrill and dread—excitement at the chance to demonstrate my abilities and fear of failing.

I worked out with Isshin more than ever before the tournament. Along with combat skills, he also practiced mindfulness, meditation, and breathing techniques to maintain composure under duress. 

He pictured himself standing on the mat, performing his technique perfectly, and reflecting on the idea that the experience itself was more important than the result.

The day of the competition arrived. As parents and students came, the dojo was alive with activity. 

I channeled everything I had learnt as I stood trembling in his doji outfit. Sensei once said, "Fighting is about finding your center; focus on your breath, and let the world fade away." I thought of this as I warmed up.

Competitors took their seats one by one. With my pulse racing, I stepped onto the mat when it was finally my turn. The match started once the judges gave their signals. 

Every block, every strike, and every evasion became automatic. My training, refined by innumerable hours of practice, unfolded like a lovely dance.

Even though I was up against a strong foe, I kept my focus and remembered to breathe. I dodged blows, kicked hard, and applied the techniques I had learnt with Isshin. 

I didn't place in the top ten or win the tournament in the end. I bowed to my opponent and the judges, a sense of fulfillment washed over me. I had battled with honor and spirit, and above all, I had not forgotten the values of respect and humility…