(open) miyagi-do gathering for new & existing students!

[miyagimagic]

Who: You, you, and you!
What: For members of Miyagi-do, those interested in Miyagi-do, and whoever else might end up there! (Visiting a friend, etc)
When: Some time first half of month.
Where: At Miyagi-do Dojo in Crenshaw!

MIYAGI-DO: A NEW DAY (AN APRIL LOG)

Miyagi-do has seen some unexpected activity in the last few weeks, but has also--fortunately--seen a return to normality. An upgrade, even, where the damage sustained after a student's accidental explosion caught parts of the dojo in the ensuing chaos now gone after hard work hired, with thanks to the builders and those who helped with funds.

Even the sensei of the dojo has recovered from his own injuries, welcoming students--old and potentials--to classes. Along with a few touch-ups to the dojo, there are other changes, new and old, that should be addressed:

1. A (SEMI-)NEW SENSEI

He's been around for a month now, but here's your formal introduction to Miyagi-do's second sensei, Sensei Toguchi. Sensei LaRusso would have introduced him as a...not old, but dear friend from back home who has also learned from the school of Miyagi-do back in Okinawa. Skilled in the use of sais, you may find Sensei Toguchi a different kind of sensei from Daniel LaRusso. But we'll let you see that for yourself.

2. YOUR VERY OWN SNACK PROVIDER

Truthfully, this is a figure who's been around the dojo since the start, doing exactly what he does now...but Daniel LaRusso would not be himself if he didn't take some time to introduce Hakkai to the class as the person who makes their snacks and refreshments. Because Hakkai deserves his thanks, and you cannot escape a dad man like Daniel.

3. ICE BRACELETS: A NEW FORM OF PROTECTION

Miyagi-do has always worked to help individuals with what it is they want out of the dojo. Sometimes, this can just mean having somewhere to meditate and to find comfort in your own body than to focus on the fighting aspect. But Miyagi-do always leans towards protection, and learning how to respond and to engage with danger. It works to help individuals learn how they can use their own powers in ways that they prefer.

And in his announcement for the start of April's lessons, Sensei LaRusso has a bracelet to share to those who want one, after he's explained what they are. They're ice-powered bracelets--not super powerful, but with proper training they can be used as a means of defence. Spread ice over the ground, freeze certain limbs to surfaces, or even use it to shroud an enemy's face just long enough to distract them.

Sensei LaRusso will show how to use the bracelets to manifest the ice, and Robby Keene will also help in demonstrations, as well as with students individually. Dummies and can be used as stationary targets, and are a great way to learn how to disappear the ice, too--especially if you want to focus on using them for actual living targets, which either Sensei LaRusso or Robby can help with (or, if you're really that into getting iced...!).

ENDING NOTES

This log covers the first lesson of April, as well as continuing forward if you want to add extra days and lessons! Please familiarise yourself with what Miyagi-do teaches. Newcomers are welcomed, and there will always be a place to get food and drink...thank you, Hakkai.

Feel free to make your own toplevels on this log, it's meant as a mingle for existing students and those interested in checking out Miyagi-do! You can hang around the snack table, practice some karate, meet the teachers (and food provider...), maybe try out the new fun ice bracelets or.. you know, you can always just hang out with Daniel's Omen. He's a good boy who will stop to get belly rubs from everyone. You can't reject him. Sorry if you sat down for three seconds and are now stuck with a dog on your lap. He will not move.

Comments

[thisislife]

[is it a sign how messed up East Highland is that Darth Maul is a responsible authority figure to her?

probably.

oh, well. she was born there, but she's sure as hell not dying there. she has Plans for college. and Lexi still isn't used to being focused on]

Yeah?

[Lexi blushes]

I guess so. I know I don't want to turn things into some kind of competition on who had it worse back home, that's rude. And how are those kinds of things quantified, anyway, it's not like a magazine survey where each answer comes with a set number of points. [a little, but still nice. she really, really likes nice] I am. Healing, I think? It helps that I have a girlfriend I can really rely on. And being able to define me on my terms is a huge plus.

[miyagimagic]

[ Daniel slowly nods. It's not an uncommon story in this sort of place, he's found. So many people who didn't have love before back home seem to be finding it here - and perhaps even the support they didn't have back there. It's surprising, the sheer contrast between how crappy this place can be and yet how good it seems to be to people in other ways. ]

That's good. [ Like he said just now. If it's helping her, if it's healing - then it's good.

Though.. ]

And what about the danger in this place..? Has that been giving you much trouble?

(CW: alcoholic parent, drug addictions)

[thisislife]

[before Lexi came here, she hadn't really realized how bad she actually had it. looking after an alcoholic mother and a beautiful but otherwise useless sister, not knowing what happened to her drug addicted father, trying to cope with her long-time best friend's drug addiction and her relationship drama, trying to be accepted by her sister's friends group because she belonged there, not just because she was Cassie's little sister...here has been so very infinitely better for her, mentally, socially, and emotionally.

honestly, it was worth coping with the weird]

What do you think of it? [she asks curiously, but knowing everyone has their own perspective on things]

Well...I used to spend the better part of a month locking myself in. Or only facing stuff when I was sure I had my girlfriend as back-up. But now I have control over my darkblood powers, I can take things on on my own terms now. At least when it comes to blood abilities.

But I know that's not everything, so that's a big part of why I want to study here.

[miyagimagic]

Well, if I want to teach you anything here, it's how to be careful.

[ Daniel smiles a little as he says it, like it's a joke, but there's something softer around the edges. Something close to worry, or protectiveness. It's not even that he thinks Lexi is particularly reckless. He doesn't even know her well yet, after all.

But it's something he teaches all of his students. ]

Some of the threats here are way too overwhelming for any normal person to deal with. Even with powers, sometimes. [ Still an odd concept to him, but-- he too has grown into his own powers at this point. ] There's no shame in just creating circumstances that'll allow you to safely get away from a threat. Learning how to keep yourself and others safe that way is one of the most valuable skills you can learn in this place.

[thisislife]

You and Sasuke have that in common. Both of you want us to be ready, but not actually look for fights. That's unworthy of us.

[she smiles back. she's warmed to him fairly quickly, he's said what she wanted to hear from a Sensei and she thinks she'll do well learning from him. and protectiveness...that she appreciates more than she'll say out loud. she's used to being the other Howard sister, the frumpy and responsible one.

maybe she's still frumpy. maybe she's still responsible. but other people seem to be responding positively to it, so on that level Trench is far superior to home]

That's...you're gonna laugh, but that's exactly what I'm looking for. I have my blood powers, I've finally figured them out, but I'm not the type to look for fights. I just want to be able to defend myself and those I love. And if that means getting myself out of a dangerous situation, I'm fine with that. No wounds to the ego here. And all I want to do is keep myself and my girlfriend especially safe.

I guess that extends to all of Trench, if you really think about it? We all deserve to be safe.

[miyagimagic]

[ The man ducks his head for a moment, letting out a slight laugh. ]

You know, someone I know actually thought we were similar before. [ Him and Sasuke, he means. Though that person didn't.. necessarily seem to mean it in any positive sort of way, hence why Daniel is laughing a little at her making the same comparison. ] I wasn't necessarily sure I saw it, but.. I guess there's got to be something there if you're saying the same thing.

[ He shakes his head. ]

Besides, if he was all for keeping people safe too, then I respect him as a teacher. [ What more important thing is there than keeping your students safe, after all? ] It sounds like he's already taught you well so far.

[thisislife]

Really? [but Lexi means it in a positive way, that they're both thoughtful, seemingly both in word and deed. she likes that in a person. she can relate to it. and if the other person didn't mean it positively, that said more about them than it did about anyone else] It can be hard to see yourself objectively. At least it's always been hard for me. I think that's why I struggled with my abilities for so long.

He was all about that. He knew too well what happened when he didn't have that goal in mind. [which might be a bit too TMI, but it didn't stop it from being true] He did. And I'm confident that you will, too.

[miyagimagic]

Thanks for the confidence.

[ There's still something faintly bashful about the way he says it, since Daniel definitely feels the responsibility of teenagers opting to trust you like this, but he's mostly just smiling at Lexi as he says it.

Then he slowly moves to stand up. ]

So, how about we look to see if we can find a gi that fits you among the supply? And if you're up for it, we could already start with some training today.

[thisislife]

Sure. I've--well, I've heard good things about you.

[and something bashful in the way Lexi replies. she's been here for over a year, but still has trouble believing she's wanted around at times.

she stands as well]

Sounds good! Both parts, actually.