The Back Deck, Tuesday

[hexentotchen]

After her usual run, Hanna headed to the back deck to do her exercises: katas and forms and shadow-sparring. She'd heard there was a gymnasium here that might have more equipment, but she liked being outside whenever she could, and today was no exception.

[ooc: expecting one, but open all the same.]

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[tigerundercover]

At least the cold meant that Raven and Hanna would likely have the deck all to themselves, today. Raven didn't much care, and from what she'd heard from Hanna so far, she had no doubt that the girl was used to running around in all weather, too.

She came out onto the deck quietly, not wanting to interrupt Hanna mid-form -- and not wanting to lose the chance to watch her a bit. She'd always been at least a little fascinated by how other people moved; it was a big part of impersonating them properly, if nothing else. She found herself automatically falling into a semblance of some of Hanna's stances, trying the positions out for herself, and soon was mirroring the other girl as best she could.

Which was pretty good, really. Not perfect, but Raven had always had a good body-sense, and, well. Imitation was what she did.

[hexentotchen]

Hanna had realized Raven was there midway through the form, but she wanted to finish first. And Raven imitating her was good-- this was a stretching series, and both of them would be warmed up by the time they were done.

She brought her arms down from a sun salutation and turned to smile at Raven. "You learn quickly."

[tigerundercover]

"At the very least, I'm good at faking it," Raven said. "Copying other people comes pretty naturally."

[hexentotchen]

Hanna nodded, thinking of that-- she still slightly envied aspects of Raven's gifts. "What do you want to work on most?" she asked. "We talked about throwing your weight in different ways to fight, or defend yourself; but you would need to learn the basics first. I know aikido and karate, so... one is about grappling, and holds. The other is more about striking or trapping someone."

[tigerundercover]

"I think we did a little of both of those in my self-defense class," Raven said. "I mean, we did some grappling and some hitting. Which one do you like best?"

[hexentotchen]

"The karate," Hanna said immediately, balancing on one foot with ease. "You don't have to be as close to someone, and speed is essential. There is some grappling too, but it's better designed for women fighters."

[tigerundercover]

Raven nodded. "Let's do that one, then. I'm good at speed. "

[hexentotchen]

"Balance first." Hanna took a breath, thinking of her Papa, then let it out, assuming the first position. "Centerline is essential, and all of the attacks in wing chun karate are uncommitted." She shifted her balance back and forth, from her heels to the balls of her feet, making sure Raven was paying attention. "This way, no one can get you down on the ground as easily."

[tigerundercover]

Raven followed her lead again. She had no idea what a 'centerline' was, or what made an attack 'uncommitted', but balance she got. "I like no one being able to take me down."

[hexentotchen]

Hanna stopped, then moved forward again, then stopped again, then stopped to frown in thought. "You remember what you said about gliding, during class? This is... rooted, different. Your balance needs to be centered a little lower. Men's balance is in their shoulders, ours is closer to our middle."

[tigerundercover]

"Lower?" Raven tried bending her knees a little more, but she didn't feel very rooted. "Can you show me?"

[hexentotchen]

Hanna was trying to figure it out, and then she realized what part of it was. "Your legs need to be further apart. Like a balance for your shoulders. And yes, bending your knees. So." She adjusted her own stance, hips squared with her shoulders, arms close in like wings. "So?"

[tigerundercover]

Raven spread her feet out a little more, straightening her spine and pulling her arms in. It did feel a little more stable. "So," she agreed.

[hexentotchen]

Hanna gave her a relieved smile. "I've never tried to teach this before," she admitted. "It's more difficult to explain than I thought it would be." She smiled a little. "So, I think, punches first? Try to punch me, and then I'll show you how to block. And how to punch correctly."

[tigerundercover]

"So you want me to fail to punch you," Raven said with a small smile. She shifted to face Hanna, squaring her fists the way she remembered from her self-defense class. "Any preference where I aim?"

[hexentotchen]

Hanna shook her head, starting to look like she wanted to laugh. "You won't hit me. I promise."