Qiao Zhi tapped the flat of his sword near the guard, causing his grip to shift, then used her foot to move a loose practice board beneath his leading heel. He lost his balance and had to drop one knee to the floor. She stopped her wooden sword beside his shoulder and waited for him to concede.
He looked embarrassed, but not angry. Once the match was over, Qiao Zhi helped him stand and explained that his stance was strong when he advanced, yet too narrow when he tried to turn. He thanked her and admitted that his teacher had warned him about the same issue. Qiao Zhi told him to listen more carefully to his teacher next time. The exchange made a few nearby competitors laugh, and even the judge's stern face softened.
