Solomon's Private File #292
These stories about Stephen and Solomon take place starting in
1950's. Stephen wrote about his life in letters to a penpal, and then
in a secure blog, in case he lost his memory again, in the master
computer in his school for gifted students, which he started attending
in 2016 in a new incarnation, until his death. Now his son Solomon is
attending the same school, and is writing in his own secure blog for
his future incarnations.
All characters are fictitious, even if some of them might have names
that belong to some actual people, or act like people we know.
Solomon is 28 in this story, in the Fall of 2054.
Solomon's Private File #292 "Academy Kata"
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Jim called me at the Bureau, from West Point, and said, "What are you
doing to me!" I said, "Right now, listening. What else did you have in
mind, and should I shower first? Covering the mic doesn't stop me from
hearing you." I said to him in his office, "Will a personal image, do?"
He hung up, and said, "Yes, actually." I said, "Not using a presence.
Some psis here." He said, "Oh. Staff and Cadets are liking and
respecting me more." I said, "Oh, and you think that's horrible?" He
of your teaching to my classes?" I said, "What do I do that isn't
deliberate? And when are you going to ask a question you don't know the
answer to?" He growled, and said, "VERY frustrating!" I said, "Still
doing it." He chuckled.
He said, "Can I have an info pack on that style?" I gave him a
crystal, and some memory cards. I said, "One of the few styles that had
some women in the origin and evolution. That's why it's not as macho as
most, and doesn't require as much strength. And it's had to be used
against a lot of different things and peoples, unlike most other styles
that developed in relative isolation." He said, "Makes sense. Thanks."
said, "And in a gi?" I said, "Convenient. I doubt it would much harm
your rep." Grins. I said, "Some videos tried to show up on the
internet." He said, "I didn't know you could do that!" I said, "First
time, actually. Knowing all, is just that. And what I know, I can mess
with." He said, "The whole internet's in your mind? Wow!" I said,
"Heard that before. A lot of crime there. Interesting how some evidence
of that accidentally comes to the attention of some who are interested
in stopping it." He did a big silent, "Oh!" He said, "You're doing that
all over, aren't you!" I said, "Sure. Can, should. Don't spread. Works
better this way. Won't hide what they don't think is noticed." I told
him about the detector web during the Mormon rape show. He said with a
tear, "Thank you! The world would appreciate you more if they knew
these things, but you're right." I said, "Yeah, I try." He made a face.
A Cadet entered his room. His roommate wasn't there. I let him notice
me. He jumped. I said, "Oh, got a trampoline in the floor?" He was
embarrassed, and said, "I didn't see you!" I said, "Ninja technique,
with Ki. All Senior Masters can do it." He said, "Oh!" I said, "I told
you we could trace it. We're pretty good at that, being it's our job.
Best in the world, and all that." He gulped. I said, "No, I'm not going
to tell, but you might want to work on refining your honor. It's worth
it. One more thing. Solomon watches his Senior Masters extra closely.
We need to travel to teach, he ports. Records for us, too. That's why
you don't see me leave and come. Actually, would be a little
embarrassing if you saw me come." He almost choked trying not to laugh.
I said, "Hmm, that almost worked. So, are you going to keep that to
up the board he had next to the bed, and said, "Feeling a little
board?" He laughed in spite of himself.
I said, "It's not that difficult. Applied physics. You could do it
with a bit of coaching." He said, "Me!" I said, looking around, "I
recommend a little lower pitch, there." He chuckled. I said, "Sure.
Most people punch to what they see, which is the surface of things.
Might as well not punch at all, the good that does. Aim for a spot
behind it, and punch through it. Hold your palms up, facing me, 10cm
apart. See my punch, where it stopped?" He said, "I get it." I said,
"Speed counts." I punched the air again, and his pen from his shirt
pocket was in my hand. I said, "The pen is mightier than the word. Or
something like that." I gave it back to him, and he smiled. I said, "In
modern times, martial arts isn't learned strictly for the use of it,
but for personal improvement. You aren't going to fight a Sung Dynasty
warrior, but you're learning about what he knew." He nodded. "If you
become a great man someday, what you learn here will play a large part
in who that man is. ALL you learn here, and some of that will be what
you don't know you are learning at the time." I nodded, and vanished.
He stood there a while, and then sat in thought.
The next day, I shifted to Rama's room. He said, "Something's
changed. One of the Cadets who brought a board last time, is taking a
leadership role in managing our audience. Surprised the other Cadets,
so I couldn't avoid noticing that. I have a guess why." I said, "Want
me to beg?" He laughed. He said, "You talked with him. You had to have
a reason, so he must have done something bad, and that would mean
posting a video of you on the internet. Solomon must have stopped it,
or it would be all over the news. You talked to him, and made him a
better man." I said, "You know I can't discuss private counseling." He
grinned widely, and said, "Thank you." I just shook my head, and he
laughed. I said, "Jim will be joining us." He said, "Good! A target!" I
said, "He doesn't know that, I think." Chuckles. They didn't bother to
hide in following us. I said, "Disappointing." He said, "Yes." Only one
had a board, and I let him know I approved. He controlled himself well.
Rama noticed all that, and hid his smile.
Jim was there, and already warmed up. We nodded in greeting. We went
to change., back in the gym, cadets were still coming in, and in a very
orderly way. I said, "I see we have another vic, er, guest today."
Chuckles. Rama laughed loudly. I looked at him, and he said, "I know
the feeling!" Chuckles. Jim said, "I can't do that form! I can't even
get into most of those positions." I said, "While Rama is warming up,
you and I can do some things." He said, "You don't need to warm up?" I
said, "Speaking for the audience I see. So, tell them." He said, "At
the other Academy, they teach instant readiness. Special Agents work in
a suit and regular shoes, and when they have to fight, they don't have
time to warm up or chose the flooring. So they have to be ready at all
times to fight, anywhere they have to." One asked, "Don't they have
guns?" I said, "Can't handcuff a man by shooting him. We want prisoners
when we can get them, not corpses. And there is NO honor in shooting an
unarmed man." Nods. I said, "Special Agents are law enforcement
officers, not executioners. Some of those we arrest will be found not
guilty. We are not the judge and jury. War is different. A little
noisier."
Jim and I did some hard style strikes and blocks. We stopped, and I
said, "Different styles, but is one better than the other? Yes and no.
Some styles fit some body types and personalities, better than others.
And for some specific objectives, some are better. Want to be
invisible, better be a ninja." Nods. I said, "Want to break something,
this one has it. Is that some martial lust I sense in the air?"
Chuckles. Rama laughed. Jim looked at him, and Ram said, "He gets me
all the time!" One asked me, "What's your favorite style?" I said,
"Aikido. And for a weapon, which is related, the Japanese sword. None
of those are useful in modern combat, which doesn't bother me in the
least."
I said, "Last time here, we discussed punching and the physics of it.
There is one part we didn't cover, in force, and that's thrust, which I
will define as the power that is applied to the inside of the target,
which is done by how far you penetrate. That doesn't necessarily mean
into the object, but it would be so if the object had depth. I'll
demonstrate. Jim, extended palm." He did that. I punched, to hit it.
There was a smack, but his hand didn't move much. I said, "Little
penetration." I punched again, and his hand really moved back, and my
stopped fist was way past where his palm had been. I said, "That is
thrust. I didn't aim at the surface of his hand, but beyond it. Most
beginners only aim for what they can see. Instead, aim for what you
want to accomplish. With that in mind, and a little confidence, ANY of
you here can break a board with a punch. Will the person attached to
that board, bring it here?" He tried not to smile, but most did smile.
Rama looked really odd, when I stared at him, which made the others
laugh.
I said, "A side issue. Anybody here think I'm not serious about
this?" Silence. I said, "So I've demonstrated that humor can coexist
with being deadly serious, which most people are unable to believe. In
the worst of times, a little humor can take the edge off of things, and
help you to cope with it better. Can help a little with teaching, too."
I said, "So, Cadet Wilson, had any martial arts experience?" He said,
"No sir!" I said, "You are going to break this board. To try is not an
option. You WILL do it. First, one of the reasons that people fail in
this, isn't actually their fault. The holder of the board has to be
rigid, so the board will absorb the force, and not the body of the
holder. Jim?" He grabbed the board and held it out. I pushed it, and he
moved. I said, "THAT is what you really don't want to see. Don't try to
break anything held that poorly." I nodded to him, and I pushed, and he
didn't move. I said, "That's the way he needs to be." I showed Wilson
how to stand, and how to make a tight fist, and how to do a reverse
punch. I said, "I see you do well in gymnastics." He nodded in
surprise. I said, "So you know how to tighten your stomach muscles." He
said, "Oh! Right. So I won't bend back when I hit it." I said, "Very
good. Yes. Don't do that." Some chuckles. I said, "Now punch next to my
hand, beyond it." He did. I said, "Do the same punch with my hand in
the way." He did, and my hand was hit well back. I said, "You don't
have to pull your arm back right away. The board isn't going to attack
you, and that technique can distract you. Tighten your stomach when you
hit. Some who have less muscle control can yell to do that, and let the
whole neighborhood know something interesting is happening."
I positioned him in front of the board, but beside it, and he did
some practice punches. Then I said, "You're ready. I'm the teacher
here. You know I know what I'm doing. So you know you're ready and can
really do it. When you're ready, just do it as you practiced." Bang!
The board broke well. I said, "You murdered it!" Applause. I said,
"This doesn't make you a black belt, but it sure shouldn't hurt your
confidence any." He grinned. I said to the others, "Don't try this at
home. Er, something like that. Proper supervision is essential. You
that breaking isn't so important in REAL martial arts? You'd better
agree with me." Chuckles. I whispered to Wilson, "Rama noticed your
change, and figured it all out, and I didn't tell him a thing! Yes,
that deserves a wow. He's really something!" He nodded slightly. I
nodded to him, and he went back to the group.
I said, "What causes speed in striking? Well, you sure can't do it
without strength. That's a major part of it. Now for some self
embarrassment." I started taking of my top. Jim and Rama were grinning.
I flexed my muscles. I said, "Proper physical development is VERY
helpful in martial arts. In a large part of your life, actually. Well,
my wife sure thinks so!" Chuckles. I said, "Your body is the only
weapon you always have. Better keep it in very good working order.
Actually, you're required to." Nods. I said, "And here's a form that
helps with that. You might not notice it, but I'll be tensing and
moving almost all my muscles at one or more times in this form, and
against each other. A demonstration. I'm punching slowly, because the
opposing muscles are working against each other. It's like lifting
weights in both directions at the same time, and since I'm also doing a
punch, I'n building a memory for that technique at the same time." Jim
said, "That's a very efficient multipurpose exercise and training
method. Rama said, "And when you combine whole body movement, you are
also training in balance." I said, "And because it doesn't need
equipment, you can do it practically anywhere. Yes, even in bed. More
there, in strengthening abs, leg raises. Best for that." Nods. I said,
"But too much of one thing at a time isn't good, so this form has both
this, and relaxed motions. It's the combination that makes it
difficult. Your body doesn't want to switch that fast." Rama groaned.
We chuckled.
I did the form, and there were some wows. Jim said, "Let me try it."
He started it, and said, "Ah, later." Grins. I said, "And he's an
expert. It really is harder than it might look." I stared at Rama, and
he held back his groan. I nodded, and there was some chuckles. I did
the form again, and he studied it. Then he did it. Jim said, "Wow!" I
said, "Yes." Rama said, "I didn't know I could do it." I said, "So, how
did you?" He said, "I'm not sure how to explain it. I set the moves in
my mind, hard, and then let myself do it. It was like I was just
watching, calmly, which I am NOT now nearly as calm." I said, "That was
the no-mind state. You were all in the do, and so there was no need to
think. This form was designed partially to help cause that, with the
tightening and relaxing of the muscles." He did it again, even better.
He said, "It feels good. Like I'm a part of it." I said, "Now do the
previous one." He did it, and he was terrific. Jim said that. I said to
Rama, "You know now." He said, "Is it true?" I said, "Yes. You are now
at the sixth degree black belt equivalent level, a Master." We bowed to
each other while they applauded.
I said to the audience, "Improvement isn't an end, because there is
no end to improvement. When you think you are the best, that's when you
aren't, because you have stopped trying. There is always more to learn,
and not just when we think we're supposed to. ALL of life can teach us,
if we are open to it. One more thing. You can learn things by teaching,
that can't be learned by any other way." We bowed, and they saluted,
which I returned.
We went to the locker room. I said to Jim, "What you expected?" He
said, "I try not to do that with you." Rama said, "The same with me.
Er, almost." Chuckles. Jim said, "That wasn't entirely Indonesian. The
muscle working came from Okinawa." I said, "Right. So I'm not a purist.
I use what works." Rama said, "Our style welcomes that, or should. We
like what works very much!" I said to Jim, "You could have done it." He
said, "Yes, but not well enough for a proper demonstration. I'll do it
later, after getting it from the crystal. You know there's going to be
one." I said, "Sure. Best for memorizing. Not as good as the natural
for you." He nodded. We walked out together. Wilson was nearby. I
called out to him, "Cadet Wilson!" He came running. I said, "I appoint
you my vic, er, liaison to the Cadet Corps. Accept?" He said, "I do
sir! An honor!" I said, "Well, we can hope." He grinned. I said,
"Dismissed." We saluted, and he ran off. I said, "Courage should be
rewarded." Nods.
In Rama's room, the recordings were already there. Grins. Jim read
it, and nodded. We shook hands and he left. Rama said, "He's going to
practice it a lot." I said, "Has to. His students will be asking about
it, in looks, if not in words. He set that up himself." He nodded, and
said, "Psychology is very much a part of martial arts. All of life, in
reality." I said, "Yes. So I might have a little advantage in that, but
mostly because I know what I know. Most people know more of it than
they realize, using it unconsciously all the time in personal
interactions." He said, "Oh! I'll have to think about that some." I
said, "Yes you do." Grins.
I gave the recordings to the Iron Lady. She grinned and said, "Hybrid
Kata. Surprisingly effective. Tailored for him?" I said, "You know it."
She said, "You know I'm going to try it." I said, "Of course. Let your
victim see it?" She just grinned. We hugged.
Mom said, "That was unusual! You made no-mind happen in him!" I said,
"I didn't know if it would work on the first try. Dad's light basket
gave me the idea." She said, "THAT was one very strange thing!" I said,
"I have to agree. Only time he did that." She said, "You have his whole
life memory in you." I said, "Yes. Wasn't intended, but happened." She
looked surprised, and was about to say something. I said, "Please." She
didn't, and just nodded. Galya didn't ask, even though she wanted to.
We hugged with love.
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Grant
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