The following afternoon.
Physical Activity Center, Martial Arts Training Ground.
More than eighty Martial Arts Program students assembled in a neat formation. Mr. Newman, his expression slightly indifferent, leaned against the edge of the ring.
Andrew Han stood in the lineup, deep in thought.
He needed to confirm his martial arts rank. If there was no sparring, verification could only be done through certain training apparatus... At the edge of the training ground, a variety of equipment for testing strength and agility was set up.
Mr. Newman suddenly coughed twice and said calmly, "Practice as usual. The college entrance exams are approaching—there's no need for sparring. If your strength and agility improve, your martial arts rank will naturally rise. Once you get into university, you'll learn martial arts techniques and combat methods."
"However!"
Mr. Newman paused, then sneered, "If you can't even pass the martial arts proficiency exam for an ordinary university, then stop practicing martial arts—you're just wasting your life."
The Martial Arts Program students were silent.
Even the Martial Arts Program Student with the highest martial arts rank listened obediently to Mr. Newman's reprimand, not daring to retort, let alone contradict him outright.
Mr. Newman said calmly, "One last reminder: the martial arts proficiency exam consists of a physical fitness test and sparring! The physical fitness test is key. Even if your sparring skills are at the seventh rank or higher... if your physical fitness doesn't meet the standard, you won't pass the martial arts proficiency exam."
With that,
Mr. Newman waved his hand, signaling free practice.
The students dispersed around the area, beginning their usual routines. Sam Sun walked over to Andrew Han and whispered, "Let's practice together. I'll explain the methods to you."
"Alright."
Andrew Han felt a bit grateful.
As Sam Sun continued to explain and demonstrate the movements, Andrew Han studied diligently. First came exercises for body control, then strength training routines, and finally instruction on the equipment at the edge of the field.
Each martial arts apparatus served to train a different part of the body.
Sam Sun walked along, briefly introducing each piece of equipment until he stopped beside the last one. Smiling, he said, "This is the simplest device—the Arm Strength Ring. You pull it using only arm strength... I'll show you the posture first, then you can try it yourself."
With that,