punch and kick, their white uniforms snapping with each movement. At the front stood a man in his forties with a black belt wrapped around his waist. His salt-and-pepper hair was cropped close to his scalp, and his voice carried throughout the room as he barked commands.
"Again! Stronger! Feel the power in your core!"
Sensei Rick Walker paced the front of the class, his eyes scanning each student critically. Thelma watched with quiet intensity, her hands folded over her cane.
The class continued for another twenty minutes before Rick clapped his hands together. "Line up! Bow!"
The students formed neat rows, bowed in unison, then broke into casual conversation as they began collecting their belongings. Thelma rose slowly and made her way to the entrance of the training floor. Rick was wiping his brow with a small towel when he noticed her standing there.
"Can I help you, ma'am?" he asked, his professional smile not quite reaching his eyes.
"I hope so," Thelma replied. "I'm interested in joining your beginner's class."
Before Rick could respond, a stocky young man with closely cropped blonde hair snickered loudly behind her. "Ma'am, the bingo hall is that way." He pointed toward the far end of the strip mall where a community center hosted various senior activities. Several other students laughed, including a tall, athletic young man who seemed to be the blonde boy's friend.
Rick's smile faltered. "Tyler," he said, his tone carrying a half-hearted warning.
Tyler shrugged, grabbing his gym bag. "Just trying to help her find the right place, Sensei."
Rick turned back to Thelma, clearly uncomfortable. "Ma'am, our program is pretty physically demanding. I'm not sure it would be appropriate for someone of your age."
"Well, yes," Rick admitted. "We have insurance considerations and the risk of injury."
Thelma finished for him, her smile never wavering. "Well, yes."
A sharp voice cut through the conversation. A woman in her thirties with dark hair pulled into a severe bun approached from the office. "I'm Erica Matthews, business manager for Golden Dragon." She extended her hand to Thelma. "Is there something we can help you with?"
Thelma shook her hand firmly. "Thelma Gardner. I'm interested in joining your beginner's karate class."
Erica's professional smile remained fixed, but her eyes betrayed her skepticism. "Miss Gardner, while we appreciate your interest, I think Rick is right to be concerned. Our program is designed for people with different physical capabilities."
"I understand your concern," Thelma said, "but I'm not looking to compete in tournaments. I'm simply looking for some light fitness and discipline. I think karate could provide that for me."
Erica glanced at Rick, then back to Thelma. "Well, our policy is inclusivity, of course," she said, lowering her voice, "but we have to consider liability issues. Perhaps Tai Chi would be more appropriate. The community center offers—"