This was as much a test of endurance as it was finesse and skill. Three out of the seven flagged before too long, another slowed but didn't miss a beat. Those that faltered took hits after a while and had to bow out and the still moving fighters let them leave gracefully.
The gong shivered again after an hour, the four remaining freezing in place like perfectly poised marionettes, punches stilled, kicks raised, and like the earlier fight, it was a test of endurance. To hold. And to wait.
And wait.
And hold.
The gong shivered again after the elder man dropped his foot and bowed out.
Two women, one man, and the gong shivered again, all three dropped to the ground, foreheads touching the mats until a truly old man walked from the upper path to touch gnarled feet to the mat. The words he spoke were barely a whisper but the three students jumped to their feet as if electrified and followed as he turned to walk back up the path.
As soon as the last glimpse of the three were gone the watchers started stirring, stretching and chatting, and an older woman walked around the mats to offer him a cup. "...drink? Ah...some English."
Re: Hello Vietnammmmm
The gong shivered again after an hour, the four remaining freezing in place like perfectly poised marionettes, punches stilled, kicks raised, and like the earlier fight, it was a test of endurance. To hold. And to wait.
And wait.
And hold.
The gong shivered again after the elder man dropped his foot and bowed out.
Two women, one man, and the gong shivered again, all three dropped to the ground, foreheads touching the mats until a truly old man walked from the upper path to touch gnarled feet to the mat. The words he spoke were barely a whisper but the three students jumped to their feet as if electrified and followed as he turned to walk back up the path.
As soon as the last glimpse of the three were gone the watchers started stirring, stretching and chatting, and an older woman walked around the mats to offer him a cup. "...drink? Ah...some English."