The Lost Scroll of Fudo Shin Read Online Free PDF Page A

face first into the dirt.
    “Rage,” she said then, “is the negative manifestation of anger.  Anger itself can be useful.  But rage blinds us and makes us vulnerable to attack.  We cease seeing the traps that lie in wait around us because we are consumed by the uncontrollable aspects of the emotion.  Always remember, if you’re not in control of yourself, someone else is.”
    Jimmy got to his feet.  For a moment he thought about trying to attack Vanessa again.  But then he tasted the dirt in his mouth and felt the ache in his backside and thought better of it.
    Vanessa regarded him.  “Had enough?”
    Jimmy looked down.  “You don’t have the right to say their names.”
    “You’re wrong about that, mate.  I have the right to do anything I believe necessary in order to prepare you for what lies ahead.”  She took a breath.  “You’ve just had your first lesson in manipulation.  Learn it well.  I dislike teaching it.”
    “I don’t like learning it,” said Jimmy.
    “A skillful warrior makes use of whatever tools he has at his disposal.  In some situations, a punch might suffice.  But in others, a subtle bit of psychological warfare is all that’s needed to make the enemy implode.”  She smiled.  “Don’t think this is all punches and kicks, Jimmy.  It’s not.  When you’re in combat, you need a strategy.  Always.  Without strategy, you’re just another fighter.  With strategy, you become a warrior.”
    “Strategy…right.”
    Vanessa popped another smile across her face.  “Good.  That’s settled then.”  And in the next instant, she launched a hook punch right at Jimmy’s face.  Without thinking, Jimmy intercepted it with the block, stepped forward and shoved her head back.  Vanessa’s back arched and at the right moment, Jimmy sank.  Vanessa fell to the ground and rolled backwards, coming to her feet as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
    “Good,” she nodded.  “Very good instincts.”
    “How’d you roll like that?”
    “Why – you interested in learning?”
    “Well, sure.” Jimmy shrugged.  “I mean, it’s not like I’ve got a million other places to be, you know?”
    “Indeed.”  She glanced at her watch.  “Right, off we go.  Follow me,” and then she trotted off down a small rocky trail that wound its way through the forest, over a small stream, up and down hills, and over lots of fallen trees.
    Jimmy tried to keep up, but soon found himself wheezing, gasping for breath and his stomach hurt.  As he leaned against a nearby tree trying not to retch, the voice spoke to him again.
    Bend your knees and keep them bent.  Keep yourself upright, let your arms swing naturally, and keep your feet moving in short rolling steps.
    Jimmy tried it and found his stride changed.  He was able to adapt his body to the terrain, almost like he was more in harmony with it than fighting against it.  He still couldn’t breathe right, though.
    Keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth behind your top front teeth.
    Jimmy did and found his breathing gradually came back under control.  He grinned around his breaths.  Hey, it works.
    This is called mu on no ho -  flexed knee running.  This is how ancient warriors ran.
    Jimmy followed the trail and emerged from the forest at the other end of the house.  Vanessa was already there stretching.  She took Jimmy through a series of exercises designed to keep his muscles warm and pliable.
    “I’ll get breakfast going then,” she said when they were done.  “Grab a shower and find the clothes I bought for you in your room.  Meet me down in the kitchen in twenty minutes.”
    “Why are you so critical about time?” asked Jimmy.  He expected her to ignore him again.
    Instead, she looked at him with a serious expression on her face.  “Because one day, perhaps very soon, someone’s life may depend on you being exactly where you say you’re going to be, when you say you’re going to be.  What good