Just as the crowd was noisily gathered around Jason Luo, a commanding voice suddenly boomed through the gym.
"What's all this commotion? Have you forgotten training discipline? Do you need me to give you all a lesson?"
The moment that voice sounded, the young fighters scattered like startled rabbits, quickly returning to their drills.
Jason Luo turned toward the voice and saw a sharp-eyed, energetic Asian elder striding briskly toward them. Philgen hurried forward.
"Coach Datchai, sorry! I was just showing a friend around. He's a professional boxer. Everyone wanted to spar with him—no bad intentions…"
"What? A professional boxer?"
The veteran coach—Datchai—was visibly intrigued. He stepped closer and gave Jason Luo a careful look, frowning slightly.
"So young, and already fighting professionally? Got any results yet?"
Jason could feel a powerful, intimidating aura coming from the old man.
"I've only just started competing—two professional fights so far, both wins."
"Oh? Which organization?"
"WBA."
"WBA?" Datchai's eyes widened, letting out a low whistle. "That's impressive, kid! Competing at that level takes real talent."
"Ha ha! Good lad! If I had a student as talented as you, I'd be smiling in my sleep. And these guys still have the nerve to challenge you? What a joke! Anyway, welcome! Even though our fighting styles differ, sports share a common spirit. It's always worth learning from one another."
Jason smiled. "Coach Datchai, my name's Jason Luo. I've only trained in boxing, never any other styles. Watching everyone's training today was really eye-opening. If my schedule weren't so tight, I'd love to join in myself."
Datchai shook his head with a chuckle. "You're already strong enough, Jason Luo. The boxing you practice is what we call Western Boxing in martial arts circles. Sure, boxing rules remove leg strikes, but that actually makes it more focused and practical."
"In stand-up combat, boxing holds a crucial place. When it comes to upper-body striking power, almost no other discipline can compare."
"Of course, boxing has its weaknesses too—its lack of grappling defense and ground fighting is a real issue. Rules shape the effectiveness of the style quite a bit."
Jason nodded thoughtfully. He wanted to improve his Boxing Technique by learning from other combat systems.
"Coach, if I wanted to refine my boxing tactics and techniques, which fighting styles would you recommend I study?"
Datchai thought for a moment. "Historically, boxing and Sanda share the closest connection. You could also borrow plenty from Muay Thai. Karate, though... not so much. It's too delicate. With gloves on, most of its techniques can't even be used properly."
Jason glanced at the Sanda fighters nearby. Their punches looked very similar to boxing—built around the jab, cross, and hook.
The Muay Thai practitioners, however, fought differently. They mixed punches and elbows fluidly, creating more dynamic combinations.
Seeing Jason's focused gaze, Datchai smiled. "Watching can only teach you so much. If you're really interested, you should try it for yourself. Don't worry about winning or losing—we all just practice different arts."
Jason's curiosity burned—he wanted to try but didn't know where to start.
"Alright," said Datchai. "Let's have you experience Sanda first. It shares the most common ground with boxing—both rely on distance control and timing. We'll split it into two stages, so each style can show its strengths."
He waved over to Tazim, who immediately jogged over from his sparring area.
"Tazim, you're about the same weight as Jason Luo. You'll do two rounds. First round under boxing rules, so everyone can see the power of professional Boxing Technique. Second round, you can use your legs to show Sanda's multidimensional offense. No throws allowed, understood?"
Tazim's eyes lit up. "Got it, Coach! I'll make it a good match!"
Datchai had Jason put on gloves and protective gear, then clapped his hands.
"Alright, everyone, take a break! Gather around. Jason Luo, a professional boxer, and Tazim will demonstrate a live sparring session. Watch carefully—this is a valuable learning opportunity!"
The fighters quickly gathered in a large circle, quietly waiting for the match to begin.
Datchai turned back to Jason. "Tazim has trained in Sanda for three years and achieved some decent results. He's got a bit of skill, so go all out. Don't hold back—his protective gear will keep him safe."
Then he looked at Tazim. "Be careful. A pro boxer's punches aren't a joke. Focus and show your own style's strengths. Just don't get knocked out in the first exchange, alright?"
Tazim gave a wry grin—did the coach really think he was that bad? Still, he didn't dare be careless and nodded firmly.
"Alright, to your positions. This is a friendly spar—no time limit. Follow my commands."
Jason Luo and Tazim stepped into the ring, while Tony Huo stood awkwardly outside, unsure what to do.
Once inside, Jason raised his gloves to bump fists, but Tazim instead offered a traditional martial salute. Jason returned the gesture politely.
The spectators chuckled softly, but Datchai's sharp voice cut through the laughter.
"The match begins!"
In the center of the ring, both men stood still, assessing each other. Jason knew the first round's rules favored him, so he took the initiative, testing with a lead jab.
Tazim defended well enough and immediately countered. The two began to exchange punches.
Within moments, Jason had already gauged his opponent's ability. Judging from his technique alone, Tazim was around the level of a third-rate amateur boxer. He managed distance decently, but his punch speed and power were weak. Worse, his combinations were predictable—no feints, no mix-ups, no distinction between lead and rear hands.
Tazim, on the other hand, could feel the pressure mounting instantly. Jason's punches were lightning-fast and precise. Though his movements seemed slightly unconventional, they were hard to read, making defense nearly impossible.
Then Jason began to turn it up. With a smooth Pendulum Advance, he slipped past several punches and closed the gap, unleashing rapid close-range attacks. Tazim immediately struggled to keep up. In Sanda sparring, that kind of distance usually led straight to grappling, so he rarely practiced in-fighting with pure punches.
Caught off guard, Tazim took two solid body shots. Even with protective gear, he staggered backward, grimacing. Datchai quickly stepped forward to stop the exchange.
"Everyone, pay attention!" the coach said loudly. "This is the advantage of professional boxing. Especially for you Sanda and Muay Thai fighters—many of you underestimate punches, claiming they're just setups for kicks. But fists are vital! They deliver power in short, explosive bursts. Used correctly, they're the most effective offensive tool in close combat. Remember this—train your punches seriously!"
Though the round had been short, everyone could tell Jason's front-hand precision, distance control, and backhand power were on another level. His fluid Pendulum Advance combinations drew murmurs of admiration and even a round of quiet applause.
Jason had clearly dominated the first round. Datchai began setting up for the next. He had Jason strap on shin guards.
"Jason, in the next round, watch your lower body—especially the straight shin kick. That move directly counters your offense, so don't take it head-on."
"Tazim, you can start using your legs this round, but keep it controlled. Make contact lightly, got it?"
Tazim's confidence returned immediately. Finally, he could use his kicks! Sure, he admitted Jason's punching was on another level—but once he added his legs into the mix, he was certain he could turn the tables!
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser