Leveling

Men and women in white ghees accentuated by various shades of belts milled about the large multipurpose room on the lower level of the training facility; the low buzz of conversation filled the air.

"Attention!" a Drill Sergent shouted as he stepped into the room followed by several men in Ghees, all belted at the waist with black belts stripped with red. All of the soldiers snapped to ramrod straight attention.

"Form ranks!" the Sergent shouted.

In less than a moment all of the soldiers were in perfectly dressed lines, standing at attention, awaiting orders.

"Alright you Leathernecks, time for belt advancements again," the Sergent said as he paced back and forth in front of the men, "your instructors today are Sensei Akane, Sensei Daichi, and Sensei Kiyoshi."

The Sergent stopped in front of the ranks, "I know you will all give it your very best, and I expect nothing less than completion of your rank requirements." He gave the gathered men a steely glance, "Pair up and get to it!"

Joe fiddled with his blue belt as he stepped up next to Steve in his red belt. "Steve, can you help me out for a moment?"

Steve looked around at Joe, his green eyes taking in the nervous young man, "sure Joe; what do you need help with?"

"The lower joint lock, I'm not sure I am getting it right," Joe said.

"Alright, lets run through it," Steve said as he fell into the ready stance.

Joe followed suit and stood ready, waiting for Steve to make the first move.

Steve moved with lightning fast reflexes, jabbing and twisting away. Joe reacted, blocking and turning in response to Steve's attack. Within a few minutes Joe had Steve in a joint lock, his face pressed to the mat.

"Good," a voice behind them said.

Joe released Steve and snapped to attention, "Sensei Kiyoshi!"

"Easy soldier," he said as he motioned Joe to relax.

Joe fell into a parade rest, waiting for Sensei Kiyoshi to speak.

"You're form could use a little work, but you have the basic principles," he said as he walked around Joe. "Try this," the Master said as he flowed through a couple of forms.

Joe studied the Sensei's forms with a sharp eye, taking in the movements. As the Sensei began the forms again Joe fell into sync beside him, his movements precise and sure as he relaxed into the rhythm.

"Good," Kiyoshi said as they finished, "I can, in good consciousness, award you the rank of green belt."

"Thank you Sensei Kiyoshi!" Joe said.

"Call me Scott," Kiyoshi said.