Isabel
Isabel was the best bunjitsu artist in her school. She could kick higher than anyone. She could hit harder than anyone. She could throw her classmates farther than anyone.
Some were frightened of her. But Isabel never hurt another creature, unless she had to.
“Bunjitsu is not just about kicking, hitting, and throwing,” she said. “It is about finding ways NOT to kick, hit, and throw.”
They called her Bunjitsu Bunny.
The Floating Rabbit
“I have a new challenge for you,” said Teacher to his bunjitsu students. He pointed to two hoops on the floor, one on either side of the room.
“Each of you has to take a turn standing in one circle.”
“That’s too easy,” said Wendy.
“And,” continued Teacher, “you must move across the room to the other circle without touching the floor.”
“Rabbits can’t float,” said Ben.
“No, but we can jump,” said Max. He stepped inside the hoop and ran in circles to build up speed. Then he leapt in the air, toward the other circle.
He didn’t even come close.
“Me next,” said Kyle. He picked up a long stick and entered the circle.
“WAHOOOOOO!” shouted Kyle, and he pole-vaulted toward the other circle.
He didn’t even come close.
Ben took his turn. He sat in the circle. He sat and sat and sat.
“Well?” asked Betsy.
“I’m thinking,” said Ben.
“You can think outside the circle,” said Betsy. “Let us try.”
Hmmm, thought Isabel. Think outside the circle.…
Soon it was her turn. Bunjitsu Bunny sat in the circle.
“Kyle and Betsy, will you please do me a favor?”
“Of course,” they said.
“Will you carry me over to the other circle?”
Everyone laughed as Isabel was carried across the room. They set her down inside the other circle.
“Well done,” said Teacher. “What did you learn?”
“Sometimes,” said Isabel, “friends can help us do things we cannot do on our own.”
Copyright © 2016 by John Himmelman
