A cruel, arrogant smirk spread across Julian’s face. "Hey, Sensei!" Julian called out, his voice echoing in the quiet dojo. "I think I’ve fought enough martial artists tonight. How about a demonstration of practical self-defense? Against, say, an untrained civilian?"
He pointed a taped finger directly at Elias.
The dojo fell dead silent. Sensei Vance frowned deeply. "Julian, do not be disrespectful. Elias is staff."
"I’m not being disrespectful, Sensei!" Julian protested, playing entirely to the crowd on the bleachers. "It’s a controlled demonstration. We always say our art is about defending against the untrained aggressor. I just want to show the white belts how to control an unpredictable opponent. Come on, Elias! Just step on the mat for two minutes. I won't hurt you."
Elias paused. He leaned against the handle of his mop, his kind, crinkled eyes looking at Julian. "I appreciate the offer, young man," Elias said, his voice raspy and soft. "But I have a bad left knee, and I haven't quite finished the locker rooms."