Breaking the Pattern

A new kid, bullied at every school, proves his skill in a karate class showdown.

Nathan Kido was used to being “the new kid.” His father’s army transfers meant new schools, new faces, and, unfortunately, new bullies. It always followed the same pattern, he’d walk into a cafeteria or a classroom, and someone would decide the quiet kid was an easy target. After too many black eyes and scraped knees, his dad finally enrolled him in karate.

Now, in yet another city, Nathan found himself in a dojo that smelled faintly of disinfectant and old mats. The instructor, a stern man with a thick mustache, eyed Nathan like he was a blank slate.

“We’ll start you at the basics,” the teacher said, handing him a white belt.

Nathan tied it without argument, but his fingers itched. He’d been practicing for two years, earning his way up steadily. Basics weren’t beneath him, but he didn’t want to be underestimated yet again.

The class lined up for drills, simple punches, blocks, stances. Nathan followed along quietly, his movements sharp and precise. Still, the teacher barked corrections as if Nathan were flailing. After the third unnecessary critique, Nathan’s patience snapped.

“This class is boring,” Nathan muttered, loud enough to carry.

The room went still. The teacher raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Then perhaps you’d like to demonstrate something more exciting?”

Nathan nodded, stepping into the center. He took a deep breath, then launched into a flawless sequence, a fluid kata with crisp strikes, balanced kicks, and a spinning heel that landed with a thunderous stomp on the mat. His movements were fast, focused, and deliberate, ending in a low stance that radiated confidence.

The room broke into whispers. The teacher’s mustache twitched, but finally, he gave a small nod.

“Perhaps,” he admitted, “I'll need to kick it up a notch for you.”

Word Count: 293
Prompt: Write a story that includes the line: “This class is boring.”
Written for: "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"