Purely by coincidence, Professor Amanda Bell met one of her Literature students on the mat during a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class for beginners. During the past 10 years, she taught students in a university setting; now she was actually about to grapple with one.
Her usual academic attire was typically a dowdy skirt and blouse combination. Now she was currently barefoot and dressed in a grappling gi. Stepping onto the mat, she was shocked to see one of her students, dressed the same way.
"Hi Dr. Bell! Is this your first time rolling?" Mei Wu asked, while crouching to get into position.
Amanda forced an awkward smile. "It's actually my third time rolling. I've only trained drills for a few months."
"This will be fun," Mei replied with an open and genuine smile.
At that moment, Amanda regretted switching from early morning weekend classes to weeknights. Even before the Jiu-Jitsu Instructor called for action, Amanda felt uneasy. Sure, for a woman in her mid-30's, she was in great condition. But her body was built for long distance running as opposed to grappling; she lacked upper body strength.
On the other hand, the Literature student was in her early 20's and looked like a feminine ball of youthful energy. Mei's raven black hair was tied in a ponytail and the girl was ready for action. Her body was long and slender, but toned by years of competitive sports.
Amanda was plagued by one overriding concern... what if she lost to her student? Surely it would surely be embarrassing, even though this was not a campus related academic activity. Professors are supposed to guide and mentor their students, not struggle for physical domination.
Noting the playful smile on Mei's face, it was clear the student viewed it as a friendly match. Amanda was determined to keep this light and focus on fitness, rather than competition.
"5 minutes!"
the Instructor called out, in his deep booming deep voice touched by a Brazilian accent.
"Then alternate partners. Ready!? Go!"
The buzzer rang in the gym, and while they were both crouched in position, Mei slowly approached with her hands out.
Once they locked horns, Amanda immediately realized she was totally outmatched by her Asian student. Using every technique she had, Amanda managed to put Mei on her back, making the student smile in appreciation.
"Nice one," Mei said, enjoying the gamesmanship while in the bottom position.
Amanda, on top, tried to act natural. "Thank you."
Sure enough, just as the Professor recovered energy from the physical endeavor, Mei swung her legs up and went to an armbar, quickly and with grace. Amanda used basic maneuvers to shimmy her way out, but the submission was methodical. A slight amount of pressure was applied to her joint and it was over.
Her student was so good it seemed effortless.
Amanda had no choice but to tap her student's thigh. Defeat was signaled, and when the submission was released, Amanda tried to hide her embarrassment as she peered at the grinning student beneath her.
"You're so talented," Amanda said, taking a breather.
Mei remained flat on the mat. "Mind if we stay in this spot?"
"You like the bottom position?"
Mei nodded. "My legs are flexible and I'm working on my full guard techniques. Let's go again, if you don't mind."
They shook hands and resumed their grappling. With the student content on her back, Amanda's only option was to go for a submission by way of passing guard and getting side control.
Sadly, the result was likely to be the same. Mei was stronger and more experienced. Amanda struggled when the contest seemed futile, sweat forming along her brows.
"Watch for my triangle," Mei cautioned in the middle of a scramble.
The warning seemed pointless, since the Professor was outmatched. Legs were thrown up and Amanda found herself in a humiliating position, while one of her brightest students applied a choke. Mei's athletic thighs wrapped around Amanda's neck and shoulders, then squeezed.
Just like that, Amanda tapped again. The palm of her hand patted her student's thigh three times.
Thankfully, the legs released immediately and Amanda could once again breathe.
Mei sat upright. "Going easy on me, Professor? It's okay, I can handle it."
Mercifully, the buzzer rang, and the BJJ Instructor called for everyone to change grappling partners.
"Alternate! Grab a new partner and go again,"
he called, with his voice echoing in the gym.
"Go! Go! Go!"
The women looked at each other.
"Thanks Professor, I hope we get another chance to grapple," Mei said, offering the traditional handshake before switching partners.
Locking eyes as their hands touched, they both lingered. Amanda was struck by the warmth of Mei's brown eyes and her relaxed manner; she was confident but not cocky. Mei's youthful enthusiasm for the sport put Amanda at ease in what could have easily been an awkward situation and for that she was grateful. But Amanda couldn't help but wonder, were they now rivals on the mat, or were they becoming friends?
~~~
Amanda was relieved after making it back to the female locker room at the conclusion of class. Like everyone else, she was covered in sweat as she sat on the bench preparing for a shower. Still barefoot and in her gi, she checked the messages on her phone. There was an invitation to a retirement party for another faculty member, which she hoped to attend. And as usual, there were several emails from students regarding assignments.
"This is much different than Literature studies, right?" Mei called out, with her ever present smile.
By coincidence, Mei had walked in front of Amanda's locker. The student held a large white towel, bath sponge, and shower gel. She wore a black sports bra with pink lining and matching workout shorts that were form fitting.
Amanda couldn't help but admire the student's body. Not only was she incredibly toned, her flawless skin glistened with a fine sheen of sweat.
"Well, this is far more exhilarating," Amanda said, putting down her phone. "No one ever snoozes through a BJJ class."
Mei laughed. "People can pass out in BJJ... from being choked. But I've never seen anyone take a nap during your lecture."
"Trust me, I notice a lot of things."
There was a moment of silence, as they both looked towards the single empty shower stall, thinking the exact same thing.
Mei gestured towards the shower. "So.... there's one left. What should we do?"
"You go ahead. I have some messages to check and can wait a bit."
"Oh, okay. I'll be super quick, Professor Bell."
With that, the student hurried into the open-space shower with several other naked women. She saw Mei's quickly strip out of her skimpy clothes and hang them on a rack before entering the shower, naked. Amanda knew it was wrong to stare at her student's backside, but for some reason was unable to stop.