Thelma looked up with a serene smile. "Perfectly fine, dear. Just preparing myself. You know this is Erica's way of humiliating you, right? Rick is a fifth-degree black belt. He was state champion three years running."
"Was he now?" Thelma's tone was mild, almost amused. "How interesting."
Mia hesitated, then lowered her voice. "You don't have to do this. You could say you're not feeling well or—"
"I never run from a challenge, Mia," Thelma said. "Especially one so graciously offered."
The preliminary matches proceeded smoothly. Students paired by rank and age, demonstrating their skills in light contact sparring and kata performances. Josh won his match against a boy from the intermediate class. His techniques solid if uninspired. Tyler, to everyone's surprise, was eliminated early after an overly aggressive attack left him vulnerable to a counter.
Kenji Tanaka sat in the front row, his posture perfect, his expression unreadable. Occasionally, his eyes would meet Thelma's across the room, a silent communication passing between them.
Finally, Rick stepped to the center of the mat. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special demonstration match tonight. As part of our commitment to inclusivity, we like to show that karate is for everyone, regardless of age or background."
A murmur ran through the crowd as Thelma made her way to the mat, her white belt a stark contrast to Rick's black.
"Miss Gardner joined us recently and has shown great enthusiasm," Rick continued. "Tonight she'll demonstrate a kata from our intermediate curriculum followed by a light sparring session with me."
The crowd applauded politely though several exchanged confused glances. Parents leaned toward each other, whispering behind their hands.
"First, the kata," Rick announced. "This is Heian Sandan, typically taught to students at the brown belt level. I'll demonstrate first, then Miss Gardner will attempt a simplified version."
Rick moved to the center of the mat and performed the kata with precision and power. His movements sharp and dynamic. The crowd applauded appreciatively.
Then it was Thelma's turn. She took her place at the center, assumed the starting position, and began. Her first few movements were hesitant, almost clumsy — exactly what everyone expected. A few snickers came from Tyler's corner of the room. Erica's smile was satisfied. Her phone raised to capture the moment.
Then something shifted. Midway through the kata, Thelma's posture straightened. Her movements became more fluid, more precise. Each technique flowed seamlessly into the next. Her breathing deep and controlled, her focus absolute.
The snickers died away. The dojo fell silent except for the whisper of Thelma's gi as she moved through the air with unexpected grace.