Striking the Bell

I needed a heavier sparring partner than loose cord or foil. Sitting squarely between two paperbacks on the lowest shelf was a solid brass desk bell. I didn't hesitate. I dropped into a low fighting stance, channeled all my focus, and drove a clean palm strike right into its round top button. It let out a sharp, resonant chime that vibrated straight through my hand and shook the air around the wood. It stood completely immovable against my strike, but I held my ground without flinching. That is the kind of sound a true challenge makes.