Owner	Pose
Stephanie Brown	No matter the type of community of interest, people talk. So it was that those with a deep interest in the martial arts might catch discussion about developing styles and techniques. One such matter was that of a newly developing style developed by a martial artist on Guam. It was difficult to separate rumor from truth about the matter, but to a deeply interested practitioner, some of the tales might spark interest about how he'd integrated a few hard and soft styles together. It was just a single comment in a martial arts forum that the martial artist, Carlos Aguon, would be visiting New York soon, but word had spread amongst those with an abiding interest, along with which dojo he would be working out at and doing some demonstrations. Today is one of those demonstrations. Stephanie Brown arrives, running later than she'd intended. A hot dog from street vendor up the street is hurriedly finished off by the blond college student. She wipes mustard from the corner of her lips with a napkin and then disposes of it and the wrapper in a trash can. Dusting her hands off on her jeans, the young woman, clad in a t-shirt and an old leather jacket, heads over to the dojo. She steps inside, seeing a small crowd of about 25 to 30 has come to watch the demonstrations.
Richard Dragon	Richard Dragon tries, usually with success, to keep updated on pretty much everything that happens within the martial arts world. Not necessarily using computers, even if he has one, but he's more the kind of person that goes someplace because the friend of a friend told a friend that a friend heard about some stuff! Still, the important bits are that Richard Dragon is currently in the dojo where the demonstration will take place, standing slightly to the side, with his wild red hair flowing down almost to shoulders covered by a black shirt with short sleeves. On his legs a pair of simple jeans, and black sneakers on his feet. A look that's simple and even unassuming, if the fact he's with short sleeves no matter the weather is ignored, of course.
Stephanie Brown	Stephanie glances about the crowd, giving a nod back to someone who meets her eyes as she moves to slide past them. The young woman is not the tallest, and the dojo wasn't really set up for having spectators, result in mainly just standing room along the edge of the training surface. She begs apology and slips between two other people, moving over towards the fringes of the group. Stephanie finds a spot she can actually see the mat, and then someone else steps in front of her. The young woman gives a quiet sigh, an exasperated exhalation given to blow some strands of blond hair away from her eyes as she slides over further. Trying to see between the man who just moved, and the red-haired man who she might recognize as Richard Dragon once she notices him as more than 'the guy with red hair'. But she hasn't yet. Meanwhile a few people come out onto the mat and begin stretching and warming up.
Richard Dragon	Richard Dragon is leaning against one of the walls with the most serene expression ever, trying to be as unassuming as he can considering he's not exactly here for being recognized by people, even if some could probably identify him! He, for sure, identified many of the current spectators, even if of course not all of them. And indeed, the hint of the start of a smile is curving the right corner of his lips upward, especially noticing who just slipped next to him!
Stephanie Brown	Stephanie has been drilled on faces worth knowing by her mentors. Of course many of those are Gotham villains. The majority of them even. But also some heroes and allies of Batman. So when Stephanie tires of watching the warmup and glances around the crowd a little more, Richard Dragon's face eventually stands out to her. With the red hair, he's easier to place than many would be. Stephanie perks up a little bit. Her training with Lady Shiva was cut very short as the woman was pulled away, but it was enough for Stephanie to get an even better sense of just how far she has to go in her training. "Pardon me," she asks Richard, keeping her voice very quiet so it won't be overhead and draw any attention. "Would you be Mr. Dragon?" she asks him quietly. They are still warming up on the mat, not quite ready to start.
Richard Dragon	Richard Dragon turns his head slightly as someone next to him speaks, especially as she's speaking to him, and especially since she knows who he is! His smile expands from the corner of his lips to be a bit more, well, like a full smile and not just the hint of it "I am, but just Richard please!" he whispers back, casting a quick glance towards the other people in the room to make sure there's no eavesdroppers.
Stephanie Brown	Stephanie is pleased she recognized him, and also just a little disappointed at herself she was standing beside Richard Dragon for several seconds before she did. Well, she's never claimed she didn't need a lot more training and practice at Bruce's methods. She smiles to Richard Dragon though, the 21 year old having a genuine warmth to the expression. "I'm a big fan," she admits to Richard quietly. "Didn't expect to run into someone like you here. Guess it tells me it's worth being here," she comments to him if the elite martial artist also thought so. Out on the mat, a black man steps forward. "Welcome to Mikono Dojo. It's nice to see interested faces here. My friend Carlos Aguon has been kind of enough to offer to demonstrate some of his techniques, blending internal and external arts." He motions over to a man who might be thought to be Latino or perhaps Phillipino, though he hails from Guam. "Hello everyone," he says. "I appreciate the interest. If you have any questions along the way, feel free to just speak up. This is very informal," he says.
Richard Dragon	Richard Dragon chuckles slightly and smiles again at Stephanie "well it could also be I had nothing else to do! Ok ok, I admit, I'm curious as well..." he whispers back "and how's that you're a big fan? My name is not exactly that known, and, well, I don't give out demonstrations to just anyone, so..." he leaves it hanging there, clearly hinting at the question 'who told you?'
Stephanie Brown	Stephanie Brown is standing over on the fringes of the crowd with Richard Dragon, the pair talking very quietly so they won't be overheard. "I'm still a student by any measure. Not that, any of us stop being students in a way I suppose," she says. "Though I was fortunate enough to meet Sandra Wu-San and some others along the way, and heard of you as well," Stephanie says. Meanwhile out on the floor, Carlos is explaining some of the details behind the techniques that he's worked on blending. "Many people have sought to use the internal techniques to fuel their external power. But I've sought to go the other direction. With varying degrees of success," he admits with a rueful laugh that several of the crowd join in on. Carlos seems a likeable enough man. Carlos motions to the dojo's owner, who moves over to a position to conduct a demo, apparently going to charge at Carlos in an attack.
Carrie Kelley	Another red head makes her way into the dojo a bit later than intended, really. It was that darn New York traffic likely. Carrie slips through the crowd with a particular ease that makes her neither get in the way, nor unable to get to her target: The blonde that was speaking to Richard. Her own attire was rather simplistic enough: Jeans, a hoodie, and just socks on her feet as she'd abandoned her shoes at the door. She'd had enough grilling in dojo etiquette to not risk getting called out for dirty shoes on the mat or surrounding areas. Perhaps a hint for Richard as to their identities is emblazed on her hoodie: Gotham University. "Thanks for the invite, Steph," she whispers to the woman even as she then goes quiet to look around the room. Her expression was less than cheery in spite of her words. In honesty she just looked tired.
Richard Dragon	Richard Dragon nods in understanding towards Stephanie, and even glances towards the other redhead that makes her way towards them! To Carrie, Richard offers a smile in greeting as well, his eyes though move towards Carlos, ready to observe the demonstration. "now now, lets see..."
Stephanie Brown	Stephanie's face lights up at seeing Carrie. There's also signs of concern for her friend in Stephanie's expression, clear enough that Richard might note it. "Glad you made it," Stepahnie says, sliding her arm around Carrie's shoulders if allowed to give her a side hug. One that will stay in place if Carrie seems to welcome it, as if Stephanie just wants Carrie to have that reminder she's got people here caring about her. Stephanie follows Richard's gaze back towards the mat. The man rushes towards Carlos, who starts with what might be considered more of an attacking throw, though he then converts some of the energy from the movement into a wrist lock that takes the attacker down. It requires extra motion, but someone with a better eye than Stephanie might sense the effectiveness of the joint lock was enhanced by the combination of the techniques.
Carrie Kelley	Carrie Kelley tips her head at Richard's silent greeting in turn, her eyes momentarily lingering on him. They were here to see a demo though... And as Steph puts her arm around her shoulder she leans in slightly against her friend accepting the closeness. Her attention is locked on the mat as they begin and a soft 'hm' comes during a few parts. Finally she just mumbles, "Sifu would like this," more to herself than anyone else.
Richard Dragon	Richard Dragon studies the technique, or rather the quite succesful blending of the two techniques and styles, even giving an almost involuntary nod of approval. Probably his mind is figuring out how to counter such a technique, as another part memorizes it perfectly. His attention though is temporarily shifted towards Stephanie and Carrie, the latter observed for a second or two more even if in a discreet way, and most likely because of the expression she has! Though, he asks no questions, probably out of respect.
Stephanie Brown	Stephanie's eyes study the move. She could use seeing it a few more times, and probably isn't alone. Carlos realizes this too, and his partner backs up again and they repeat the move a few times, then change the angle so the crowd can see it from the other side. The more she sees, the more that Stephanie picks up on. "The difficulty is while the move increases the joint lock's effectiveness, losing the conservation the original move has means it is more difficult to apply. Timing is more important," Carlos says, doing a slow motion demonstration to show what could go wrong. He looks to the crowd again and gives another rueful laugh. "I've found far more failure in combining such methods than I have success. But with practice, I find the effects to be worth it on the successful ones. Any questions? If not, I'll show a roll to a leg lock that incorporates a traditional takedown to make the leg hold more effective."
Carrie Kelley	Carrie Kelley crosses her arms lightly over her chest as she just watches from this point on. After the third or fourth demonstration of the first move she allows her gaze to wander over the crowd looking at the various faces present. Never knew if there might be someone recognizable. Of course, her attention shifts back toward Richard Dragon as well to stare a moment longer than others. Some inkling of a memory in the back of her mind which had been thoroughly distracted with other issues as of late. It seems something clicks though, and she looks up at Stephanie with a silent arched eyebrow questioningly.
Richard Dragon	Richard Dragon shakes his head briefly, signaling that at least from him there's no questions. "people are finally understanding about how to integrate various styles, that's actually good" he murmurs, probably more as if he were thinking out loud
Stephanie Brown	Carlos spends more time on this one going into the intricacies of the movie. Explaining the leverage involved as there's quite a bit more movement in going from the standing position down to the leglock on the ground with the attacker. Stephanie glances over to catch Carrie's significant look and she gives a tiny nod back before waiting for a moment she can whisper over to Carrie and Richard without interrupting the demo at all. "Richard, this is my friend Carrie," she says to them both softly. "We were just chatting a little bit earlier," she explains to Carrie. Stephanie motions towards the female redhead. "Carrie picks this stuff up so much quicker than I." Stephanie has always had to struggle with technique, getting by more on spunk and sheer stubbornness than some of the team. Though, she's learning.
Carrie Kelley	Carrie Kelley smiles faintly at the compliment even if she still has that exhausted-trudging-through-life look otherwise. It was hard to shake at the moment. "Memorizing is easy, getting it right takes practice." A little friendly nudge is offered to Stephanie's side as she adds, "It's the muscle memory you need to work on." Granted her method of learning was usually doing it till she couldn't move again... That was how she was taught.
Richard Dragon	"I think, another method could be knowing what you want to achieve with the technique, and analyzing how it could be obtained..." Richard offers towards the two. "if you know how the human body works, should you ever forget a technique, with a sharp enough mind not only your muscles will help to remember it, but also the logical deduction of how to obtain what you want..." he smiles, bowing then his head in greeting "nice to meet you, Carrie"
Stephanie Brown	Stephanie Brown smiles over to Carrie as she offers the advice. "Learning Through Bruises, 201. Pretty sure I have had that every semester," the college student says with a small grin back to her friend. Stephanie glances over to Richard, and listens closely, playing the man's words the respect she realizes they are worthy of. "Thank you, that's something I'll try to keep in mind," she tells him. Stephanie glances back as Carlos does the take down a few times and then does more slow motion examples of it, and takes some questions from the crowd on details of the technique. The blonde young woman shifts her weight from one foot to the other, looking like she'd like to go out on the mat and try it herself. Instead she glances over to Richard and asks, "If it isn't prying to ask, how did you end up getting involved in all of this?" she asks motioning towards the dojo as if to suggest, martial arts in general.
Carrie Kelley	Carrie Kelley chuckles quietly but with a nod of agreement that bruises were definitely a thing. Immediately after she stifles a yawn. Not due to boredom so she quickly covers her mouth trying to avoid being seen with such a gesture. "That might work for you. We're getting bao after this, right? I'm starving."
Richard Dragon	Richard Dragon just nods and smiles at the girls, then answers Stephanie after contemplating the right words to say for a couple of seconds "well, lets say, as a very very young and indisciplined kid, I found myself somewhere I was not supposed to be in, with some object I was not supposed to have, by a martial artist who started teaching me... And, well, a bit more than three decades later, there's where I am" he smiles some more, and he doesn't look at all more than mid twenties! The marvelous work of chi.
Stephanie Brown	Stephanie gives Carrie a quick nod. "My stomach was like a black hole, grabbed a hot dog on my way in but I'm still hungry," she says. But then she's a college student going through the kind of training that military special forces might consider excessive. The two girls burn through the calories. Stephanie resumes watching the demo, which is starting to wind down. "Richard, would you be interested in getting something to eat with us after?" she inquires. "It's a long trip back to Gotham for us," she tells him. The demo wraps up and people clap softly, and some go to ask Carlos questions or just introduce themselves.
Carrie Kelley	"Easier to talk, too," Carrie adds. Nevermind it'd be bewteen mouthfulls. A sidelong glance is cast back toward Richard as she asks, "Know any good places around here?" Otherwise there was always the 'Find Food in New York' way where you would find a restaurant name, loudly declare 'it's the best in New York' and wait for a New Yorker to correct you with the ABSOLUTE best place. Nine times out of ten it worked.
Richard Dragon	Richard Dragon hmms, seeming to consider more carefully the matter of a restaurant "well, I can point you towards a couple of decent places nearby perhaps, even if I'm fairly new to town as well, so..." he shrugs "though, I'm afraid for this time I will unfortunately have to decline the invite, there are a few things I should really attend to, and I should also have a word with Carlos, I recognize a couple of things in his style and I think to know where they come from... And I want to know how that person is doing!"
Stephanie Brown	Stephanie's face breaks out in a grin at Carrie's technique for finding a good restaurant. "That's so martial arts. Using New York's own argumentative energy against itself to further your needs," Stephanie tells her friend with a warm laugh. The blond looks back to Richard and smiles over to the man at his response. "It was nice to have bumped into you. Glad that we made the effort to get over here. We'll have to get into the gym, Carrie, and see what we can make of it," she suggests. Then pats her stomach. "Thank you for the advice as well, Richard," Stephanie tells the male redhead.