First time," I replied.

"You don't stand much chance," he said. I've tried three times. This is my fourth attempt."

"What!" I said, aghast. Why is that?"

"Because this is a very severe test. They take this dan level very seriously. It is what they term the "fighting dan." It is a big break- though, like passing from amateur to professional level."

"What does one have to do?" I questioned

"Very simple. Do your favorite kata and than fight five men in a row." He boxed me lightly on my shoulder and grinned. "It's tough, my friend, really tough. I know."

Whom do you have to fight?" I asked.

"Two new second dans, two from your own group of examinees, and an instructor ranked fourth dan or above. And you fight him last, when the others have already thrown everything at you."

"Wow!" I responded. "It must take a lot of stamina to get through that."

"Not only that. There is something else."

"What ?" I demanded.

"Control often seems to go out the window. The guys get over-excited, and it can become dangerous. You fail to see what is going on. I made that mistake and ended up with a broken nose." Gary paused. His face was deadly serous. "All I can say is, remain calm in the face of the face of the storm. My advice to you is to fight strongly and fairly, but if someone happens to lose his self - control and make contact unfairly, then hit him back immediately; an eye for an eye. This I found to be the soundest ,method of restoring order."

As I walked down the long, narrow, bamboo-lined driveway toward the Asia Center , I knew I was within grasp, but at what price?

I found Gary and seto. Gary looked pale. "When do Gary and I go on?" I asked Seto.