His black belt was tied tightly around his waist.
Four red stripes marked the rank on the belt.
He had won regional Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitions.
His medals were displayed in the reception area.
His name appeared on tournament posters hanging along the walls.
Ryan had become accustomed to attention.
He looked at Angela as though she were a mildly entertaining interruption.
"Come on," he said.
"If you want to see whether our training works, pick one."
Angela said nothing.
Jason Mercer folded his arms.
He was twenty-nine and had the restless energy of a man who enjoyed competition even when there wasn't one.
"Ryan's too nice."
Several students laughed.
Jason nodded toward Angela.
"She should pick me."
Ryan looked at him.
"Why?"
"Because I don't give people a free pass."
That produced more laughter.
Derek Sloan stepped forward.
At thirty-five, Derek was the oldest of the three.
He was also the largest.
Nearly fifty pounds heavier than Angela, with thick shoulders and powerful legs, he looked less like a martial artist and more like someone who could move furniture without asking for help.
He pointed toward himself.
"Take me."
His smile widened.
"Then nobody can say we gave you the easy one."