The dojo went completely silent. Every student understood what Ko was proposing. A challenge match between an unarmed martial artist and a swordmaster using a live blade. Master Yamamoto stood immediately, preparing to refuse on Bruce’s behalf and eject Ko from the dojo for such a dangerous and inappropriate suggestion. But Bruce raised his hand politely, indicating he wanted to respond. I accept your challenge, but under specific conditions. First, your blade must be real and sharp, as you described, no training sword.
Second, you must attempt to strike me with genuine intent as you would a real opponent. Third, we establish a time limit of 3 minutes. If I cannot disarm you or force you to yield within that time, I acknowledge your point about traditional arts. If I succeed, you acknowledge that effective technique transcends style and weapons. Agreed? Ko nodded once sharply. Agreed. But understand, Mr. Lee, I have trained with this sword since I was a child. I have cut through rolled tatami bamboo and suspended targets.
