Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 20011 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20011 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
I led Avery away from the scale to an empty corner of the gym. I wanted to focus all my attention on him without any distractions, and for him to feel at ease. “Before I show you any offensive moves, let’s work on your defense. Go ahead and drop into your defensive stance.”
Avery blinked at me, and I realized I needed to start from scratch with him. So I explained, “A defensive stance is very important. It’s your foundation of movement, strength, and protection. Here, I’ll show you; stand naturally.”
He relaxed his shoulders, appearing casual and comfortable. I placed my hands on his shoulder and gave a gentle push. Avery rocked back on his heels; I didn’t mean to knock him over, but sometimes I misjudged my own strength. Luckily, I was able to keep him upright by catching him with an arm around his middle.
He looked up at me and swallowed hard. A few silent moments passed between us before his cheeks pinked and he cleared his throat. “Guess that wasn't very defensive.”
“No worries; I'll show you. Are you right or left handed?”
“Right.”
“Okay, so put your right foot back and point your toe at a forty-five degree angle. There you go. Now bend your knees a little.” Once Avery was in position, I nudged his shoulder with the same pressure as before, but this time, he didn't budge.
“Wow,” he muttered with a blink.
“Pretty cool, right?” He nodded and I continued on with the lesson. “Now, put your fists up in front of you, with your left hand in the front. Bring them up a little so your face is protected.” I demonstrated, and he copied my stance. “Perfect.”
I stepped next to him. “I'm going to touch your back, okay?” Boxing was a physical sport, and the best way to teach someone was through touch and movement. But I didn't want to spook Avery; it sounded like he'd had bad experiences with bigger guys manhandling him. Something told me I needed to tread lightly with Avery.
At his nod, I settled my hands on his lower back. My fingers curled around his hips, and my thumbs overlapped on his spine. I could easily encircle his slim frame with my large hands.
“All of your power comes from your hips,” I explained while gently rotating his body to face forward. “When you throw a punch, turn like this and channel that strength up through your torso and into your hand. Try it out.”
As I twisted his body, Avery brought his right hand forward, punching the air. I tried to ignore how good it felt when his muscles bunched and rolled beneath my palms.
When I moved his hips quicker, Avery did the same with his fist. Eventually, I regrettably let him go, and he got the hang of the movement on his own.
“That's great,” I told Avery, stepping in front of him. “Now I want you to hit me.” His eyes widened as I raised my hands, offering them as targets.
“Shouldn't I be wearing gloves or something?”
If we were actually training, I would at least tape his hands, but he was interested in self defense, so I wanted him to experience the movements as he would actually use them. “I want you to feel our skin-on-skin contact.” I didn't realize how dirty my words sounded until Avery’s cheeks flushed, and then I was glad for them.
“Okay.” He let out a deep breath and copied the motions I showed him, lightly tapping his fist against my palm.
“That was good form, but hit me for real. Put all of your strength into it.”
Avery’s eyes bugged again. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” Every inch of my body had been pummeled over the years by some of the biggest and best fighters in the world. I wasn’t worried about an uncushioned strike to the hand.
He took a deep breath and swung as he pivoted his hips. His knuckles hit my palm with enough force that it made my skin sting. “Much better,” I told him with a smile. “Let me give you another tip; tilt your fist down a little when you hit. It will focus the strike into your first two knuckles and make your punch pack more of…well, a punch.” I was embarrassed of my dumb word choice until Avery chuckled, giving the most stunning smile I'd ever seen.
I was caught in a daze and unprepared when Avery struck me again. The tip worked; the sting was stronger, and he even hit a nerve that caused a tingling sensation to run down my forearm.
“Was that better?” he asked in a hopeful voice.
“That was perfect.”
I had him practice again and again, each time improving his form and strength. Next, I showed him how to jab and throw a hook, before we moved on to blocking.
As our lesson marched on, other trainers and clients left the gym one by one until only Avery and I remained. It wasn't a strange occurrence; I often stayed later than everyone else, and I had a key to lock up. Plus, I was selfishly thrilled to have some time alone with him.