Cobra Kai: New life

After Miguel and David's fight and their brief chat afterward, David began his karate training under Mr. LaRusso in the Miyagi-Do style. This defensive style was reactive and focused on counterattacks, grounded in fundamental principles. The first lessons, however, were surprisingly simple: waxing cars on and off.

"So, David, you're a great fighter. Did you compete before?" LaRusso asked while watching David work.

"Well, yes, I did, sensei, but because of my altercation and my time in juvie for excessive use of force, I was banned from competing in MMA or Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournaments," David replied as he waxed on with one hand and off with the other.

"That's a shame, but hey, the upside is that now you're practicing karate," LaRusso said with a smile.

"Yeah, karate—at least the way you teach it—is very appealing to me. Besides, I have a friend in Japan who told me his karate sensei defeated a tiger barehanded. His name's Doppo Orochi or something. That's awesome."

At this comment, LaRusso simply smiled while sipping a beer.

"Well, yeah, that's awesome. Here at Miyagi-Do, we don't start learning how to kill tigers until the seventh year of training," he replied sarcastically.

At that moment, Sam, who was passing by, chimed in with a laugh.

"Hey! I've been training karate for years, and I still don't know how to kill tigers."

"You learn quickly, David. You've only been here for a day, and you've already mastered the wax-on, wax-off technique. In a month, you'll have learned all about my karate," LaRusso said, impressed by his progress.

"Well, sensei, it's mostly thanks to my experience with other martial arts. For instance, Muay Thai taught me to strengthen my elbows, fists, shins, and tibias. I mean, hitting trees until my hands bled paid off somehow," David commented with a smile.

"That… that's intense, you know? Punching until you bleed and ignoring the pain sounds like Spartan training," LaRusso replied, incredulous.

"Eh, it's normal, isn't it? My Muay Thai master used to punch rocks like they were pillows, and he didn't even flinch. Although he was a bit odd; whenever something excited him, he'd yell, 'Apa, apa, apa, apachai!' He was tough in training but very gentle with kids and teens," David recalled.

"I'll ignore how your previous master trained you with such extreme methods, but here we teach tranquility, patience, and balance. Now, let's put what you've learned into practice. Up!" LaRusso said, taking a combat stance.

"Okay, sensei," David replied, mimicking him.

Both stood in the dojo's yard under the shade of a perfectly maintained bonsai tree.

"Alright, David. Let's practice blocking and redirecting attacks using the wax-on, wax-off technique. Remember, this isn't just a physical exercise; it's a principle. Use the movements you've learned to redirect your opponent's energy."

David nodded, adopting a relaxed stance.

"Understood, sensei."

Daniel threw a direct punch toward David's torso. In one smooth motion, David raised his right arm in a circular arc, redirecting the punch to the side as if he were waxing off. Without missing a beat, Daniel threw another punch, this time aimed at his face. David reacted quickly, raising his left hand to block with an upward motion, mimicking the action of waxing on.

"Good, that was solid," Daniel said, stepping back. Then, he advanced rapidly with a combination of punches and kicks, testing David's adaptability.

David moved with agility, deflecting each attack with precision. Every block was fluid and calculated, like a well-rehearsed choreography. When Daniel threw a low kick, David turned slightly, using his forearm to redirect the blow downward, ensuring the kick's energy wouldn't unbalance him.

"Remember, you're not fighting me. You're working with my attacks, using my strength against me," Daniel said as he threw a faster punch toward David's shoulder.

This time, David didn't just block; he redirected Daniel's arm to the side, creating a moment of imbalance. However, he didn't exploit the opening to strike back, staying firm as he'd been taught.

"Impressive," Daniel said, lowering his hands and ending the exercise.

David smiled, wiping sweat from his brow.

"This is different from what I'm used to, but it makes a lot of sense. Instead of meeting force head-on, you redirect it."

"Exactly. Miyagi-Do karate isn't about being the strongest; it's about being the smartest. Strength is fleeting, but technique and patience endure," Daniel affirmed.

After the practice session, Daniel led David to a group of students practicing near the dojo's fountain.

"Alright, everyone! I want to introduce someone. This is David, our new student. I'm sure you'll soon hear plenty of interesting stories from him."

Miguel, who was among the group, raised a hand in greeting.

"Hey, David! Great match earlier."

Sam also approached, smiling.

"Welcome to the dojo. I hope you'll teach me that tree-punching thing someday."

David smiled, a bit shy but grateful.

"Thanks, everyone. I'm excited to learn and, well, maybe share some crazy stories too."

Daniel looked at everyone with satisfaction.

"Alright, back to practice. David, join them tomorrow. You've done great work today."

David nodded, knowing he had found not just a dojo but a place where he could grow and learn alongside others.

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While I was writing I realized my mistake, I tried to make long chapters, but I can't write like that, forcing myself to make it bigger but losing the essence of what I want to say in my work.