Once upon a time in a forgotten village, a young fighter begged an old Master wrestler to take him under his wing and show him the 99 tricks.
“I will not, I am too old” Said the old man
“If I showed you the 99 tricks, you would challenge me, they always do
– and just look at me, you’ll make mincemeat of me! Now please, leave me in peace!”
“But I promise I will never challenge you! Oh please teach me the 99 tricks! I fear the knowledge will be lost when you’re gone.” pleaded the young fighter
Reluctantly the old Master agreed to teach the young man his secrets.
In time, the eager fighter mastered the old man’s 99 tricks and became a famous wrestler.
One day he invited his old Master to his new home, and showed off his new wealth.
“You must see the view from the roof,” the young fighter said
The Old Master followed his student to the roof
the young man had not lied, the view was exquisite… and high
He looked down at his feet
to see that he was standing in the middle of a circle.
The old man sighed
“I knew you would do this – this is why I did not want to teach you.”
“Come now, old man, there’s just you and me here
let’s see what you’re made of
right away the old man threw the young fellow off the roof.
The crumpled up young man moaned from the street below
“you didn’t show me that one, Master!”
“That was number 100,” said the old man “It’s called talent!”
