Chapter 5 - Basic Fist Techniques
Lin Zhiqin's move instantly stunned the entire scene.
The few youngsters who were chatting and laughing with improper attitudes immediately sobered up and became obedient.
Lu Yuan was also quite surprised.
In his previous life, he had read novels describing martial artists having different levels of power like thunder fists, silent fists, and explosive fists. Their attacks sometimes sounded like firecrackers going off or thunder crashing, while other times there was barely any sound at all.
He didn't expect to witness it in person now. The crisp, crackling sound of the air punch Lin Zhiqin unleashed just now was indeed like a firecracker, quite mystical.
"I wonder how the cultivation levels of martial artists in this world are divided. Is Lin Zhiqin's strength considered strong?"
In his mind, Lu Yuan compared Lin Zhiqin to the imposing Coach Qin that he met at the entrance of the martial arts school yesterday, whom Cheng Peng also deeply respected.
He felt the latter was likely stronger. Although Lin Zhiqin's gaze was also sharp, it didn't give him that hair-raising, jump-in-your-seat sensation of intimidation.
However, his feelings may not be accurate since he was a complete outsider to the martial arts world.
"You can only practice on the punching bag after you've learned the first techniques. Before you've mastered them, you must first practice the moves without contact," Lin Zhiqin said.
After that, he formally began the lesson.
As he said, the first thing he taught everyone was strength training methods and techniques. This part was relatively simple, consisting of exercises commonly practiced in school P.E. classes.
Things like plank holds, sit-ups, leg raises, crunches, push-ups, etc., targeting muscle groups in different parts of the body.
Lin Zhiqin had everyone do one set of each exercise, correcting any mistakes in their form. Then he said, "You can also practice these exercises on your own after you go back. Start with 2-3 sets for each exercise at first. When your physique improves, gradually increase the intensity.
Feel free to use the equipment in the gym if you need it. Next, I'll teach you all basic fighting moves."
Upon hearing Lin Zhiqin's last sentence, everyone's spirits were invigorated, including Lu Yuan who also grew excited. Many had enrolled in the martial arts class for this very moment.
"In the first phase of the course, you'll need to learn basic fist techniques, leg techniques, and footwork. I'll teach you all these three parts. Let's start with fist techniques first."
Without further ado, Lin Zhiqin jumped right into demonstrations.
"The fundamental fist techniques in fighting include jabs, straight punches, hooks, and uppercuts. Among them, jabs can be further divided into left jabs, left jabs to the head, left jabs to the torso..."
As Lin Zhiqin explained, he also demonstrated the moves. His punching speed was not fast, but the smooth transitions still gave Lu Yuan a dizzying feeling.
The basic fist techniques didn't seem numerous, but there were many variations. Lu Yuan reflexively wanted to take out his phone to record a video, afraid he wouldn't remember them all. But he realized the martial arts uniform had no pockets, and his phone was currently locked away in the locker.
Fortunately, after the demonstration, Lin Zhiqin said, "Next, I'll break down each move and teach them one by one. Once you've learned all the techniques, you can practice them on your own."
What followed was the step-by-step breakdowns. With Lu Yuan's 10 points of intelligence and decent memory, he was able to grasp each fist technique taught by Lin Zhiqin with ease.
The only real difficulty was that his strength and physique attributes were truly too low. Though he understood many moves clearly in his mind, his execution would instantly crumble.
Clearly, he was not the only one with this issue, as many others also struggled while one person performed the techniques with high proficiency.
"Have you practiced before?" Lin Zhiqin asked the one whose moves were the most standardized and smooth.
He was a youth with a somewhat silly demeanor. The latter didn't deny it and readily admitted, "I learned boxing for a while at another martial arts school previously. But that instructor's skills were lacking. I beat him down after just three months of practice."
As he spoke, a trace of pride appeared on the youth's face.
Lin Zhiqin didn't say much, just nodded slightly, indicating he would assess the youth's performance later and allow him to advance to the intermediate class early if qualified.
After all the techniques were taught, it was free practice time. Everyone practiced diligently at first, but after Lin Zhiqin left the room briefly, the group of youths began joking around again.
"Siqi, look at this punch I'm throwing. If I land it on the manager's face, do you think I can knock his glasses crooked?"
"Haha, I recorded that. I'll show the manager later."
"Oh no, you're trying to get me killed!"
"Treat me to a meal, or else someone's gonna be unlucky."
As one of the few females in the class, the bantering from the males inevitably gravitated towards the bun-haired girl to some degree, which she seemed to relish basking in the constant attention.
Lu Yuan, however, only found it noisy.
"Why not try [Absolute Focus]?" A thought suddenly popped into his mind.
Although [Absolute Focus] was a skill under the [Student] profession, its usefulness was certainly not limited to academics alone.
He decided to just try it out. "Activate! [Absolute Focus]!"
In an instant, all the clamoring around Lu Yuan swiftly faded away. The buzzing flies were gone from his ears.
All that was left in his mind were the few basic fist techniques, as his brain swiftly processed like an efficient, precision engine, commanding his body to keep throwing punches, constantly striving closer and closer towards the perfect form ingrained in his memory.
"Alright, I'll remember to go pick up our son."
Lin Zhiqin hung up the phone and straightened his martial arts uniform before heading towards the training room.
He was not in the best mood.
Teaching new students was an extremely dull and tedious task, especially when there were troublemakers displaying laziness and disrespect during the lessons.
Usually, having beginner classes was not the job of veteran instructors like him. They were arranged for younger coaches and ordinary martial arts disciples instead.
However, some issues came up at home recently that suddenly put greater financial pressure on him, forcing him to reluctantly take on this work for the money.
"Haha, Sun Fei, are you doing the dog fist? I bet the instructor will be pissed seeing you turn his techniques into this mess when he gets back!"
"Wow, nice punch!"
"Yo man, Zhang Shibin, that one was for real?!"
Right as he reached the doorway, Lin Zhiqin could hear the noisy commotion inside.
He couldn't help frowning slightly, his mood turning even more foul.
So, he stopped at the entrance and gave two loud coughs.
"Uh oh, the instructor's back!"
Seeing his arrival, those who were horsing around and watching the fun immediately scrambled hurriedly apart, assuming stances as if they had been practicing the whole time.
With an expressionless face, Lin Zhiqin's sharp gaze swept over the problematic students, intentionally exerting his martial artist aura to intimidate them.
As their faces grew awkward and their moves increasingly stilted, he finally eased up on the pressure.
"Might as well just let them practice on their own this session and go chat with Old Liu over tea instead."
Lin Zhiqin was planning to just briefly correct one or two people before slipping out.
But suddenly, a figure in the corner caught his attention.
"This is..."
Lin Zhiqin's eyes fixed onto someone as faint surprise flowed through them.