The Karate Kid: My Shot

Karate Kid: My Shot 7 (The Balance of It All)

Karate Kid: My Shot (Chapter 7)

It was a hot day, a pleasant day to treat yourself to the beach. The weather was just right. The water was swaying back and forth inviting any visitor to jump in. The sand was soft and warm, the perfect temperature.

Alex grinned, regarding the beach with excitement. It was a good day for the beach. Well it would be if he was here for enjoyment.

Him in Washington were here for training.

"Balance," Washington declared. "We are going to get you to find your balance." Alex wasn't sure what that meant, but he was sure ready to learn.

Washington sent him out into the water to try kicking as the powerful waves rushed at him.

Easy enough.

Although it ended up being a difficult task. The waves knocked him over. Over and over again. He was getting frustrated. Not only that he was getting wet. Being frustrated and wet wasn't comfortable.

He kept at it, even though he was getting annoyed.

"Stupid water-" Alex tried to kick at an approaching wave, only to be sent back again.

As he did this he couldn't help but think. Finding balance was important. A balanced home. Balanced relationships. Just balance..maybe getting a balanced life would fix everything.

As he kept at his practice..he noticed Washington off to the side.

Washington had found himself situated on a wooden post. There he proficiently balanced on one leg, as he slowly raised the other. Then in a final and quick act..

He kicked!

Alex was amazed, but his thought got washed away as another wave hit him right in the face. Alex kept at it for a couple more hours.

Finally, it was time to go. Washington draped towel over Alex.

"It's your first day," Washington commended. "So be easy on yourself. Everything takes time."

"Thanks.." Alex said, though he seemed annoyed. "Me and time aren't really the best of friends."

"What's wrong?" Washington observed his face as the two were making there way up the beach, to the car.

"Sometimes..I just wish I could get it right a way," Alex desired, frustration lined his voice.

"Don't fight like you're running out of time," Washington cautioned. "Patience is a tool. Balance."

"Hey and um..the move that you were doing on the post. What was that?" Alex wondered with intrigue.

"The Crane kick," Washington informed.

"What is it?"

"A kick. In theory if performed correctly no move can defend against," Washington explained.

Alex nodded with an amazed and thoughtful look. "Wow..where did you learn it."

"My karate master," Washington denoted.The two reached the car.

They would have got in if they didn't find two stragglers just lingering by Washington's car. They were conversing, one of them had left their bottle.

"Excuse me," Washington cleared his throat, grabbing their attention. "Could you remove your bottle?"

The two men stared at each other and then laughed.

"Do it yourself," One of them sneered.

"Old man," the other one added rudely.