For several months I considered taking a karate class due to 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 held. Some schools, like “Champion Karate”, “Master Shin’s Karate”, or “Killer Blow Karate”, seemed to help disable an opponent, but I felt I needed a beginner class. When I searched a bit more, I discovered one with a strange name called “Road Runner Karate Primary School”.
I called this school and asked if I could visit it to see for myself if it could teach me how to defend myself. The head instructor of the school, Mr. “Tojo Dojo”, the owner of the school, said that they would be teaching a beginner class in an hour. I told him I’d be there.
As I drove a few miles to school, I wondered if this school was for me and if I was fit. As soon as I arrived, 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 ushered me into the classroom where thick plastic mats had been laid out.
At 3:00 pm, Mr. Dojo yelled at the class to stand up straight. They bowed courteously to him. Then everyone 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!”
Just then, 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 beg out loud to get the attention of a stranger who will ask for help.”
Within minutes, Dojo called everyone to stand in a straight line and told everyone to get another partner. “This time, the assailant will put the victim in a chokehold with your arm around their head.”
The student playing the assailant then took his right arm and wrapped it around the victim. Dojo told them to hold them tight around their heads. He said, “Now, victims! Play like you’re going to limp. Aggressors, loosen your grip! Victims, drop to the ground and look dead!”
Dojo encouraged them to do this several times until he yelled at them to get back into line formation.
“Now! Students! Everyone, choose a partner again. I have several fake rubber snakes in the corner. I want you to practice holding them in a pocket that you’re pretending to have and tossing the fake snake to your partner. This is what you need to practice , it’s called ‘The Viper’.”
“Very good, students! You are getting closer to getting your new yellow belts next week! Congratulations!”
After witnessing these wonderful techniques, I went out and signed up for a lesson.
