Post by Diabolik on Aug 15, 2008 11:59:46 GMT -5
Kyoto, Japan. It was one of the tournaments. Master Lu had signed me up for this, and as I entered the arena, my breath was taken away. I had signed my name and continued into the room, expecting a large and formidable fighting arena, but nothing like this. It looked like a nondescript building on the outside, but inside it was styled like a traditional dojo. The brightly lit room had everything one would expect from this setting, from the wooden beams to the ornate lamps hanging from the high ceiling. "Master, it's beautiful." "Indeed it is, but don't let it distract you. You are due to face your first opponent soon." "Yes master." (End of Flashback) |
The gym was filled with the odour of sweat, the aromas of hard work and exhaustion mingling in the air. The scent hit me in the face, and reminded me of the past, the present, the future. Blood, sweat and tears, baring my soul in the ring for all to see. Once a warrior, always a warrior, and I was a warrior, without a doubt.
"Right, time to get going..."
I grin as I step into the gym, over to the empty room with the punching bag. My taped fists made a couple of light jabs at the bag, making it swing. Just the motion of the bag made me feel happy.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
The sound of my fists hitting the bag, making a savage beat, almost like drums.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
I was in the middle of the floor, facing my opponent. He was smaller than me, thin and wiry. He looked weak. I smiled as we bowed, and the bell was rung, signalling the start of the fight. Quick as a flash, he darted to my side and kicked me in the gut. Pain throbbed in my stomach as I aimed a punch at the smaller man. He quickly dodged out of the way, and that was when I realised my disadvantage. He may look weak, but he had speed. His fist found my face, my stomach, my back, but his attacks were weak. Yet, he was still slowing me down further. I had to find a weakness and exploit it. (End of Flashback) |
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
The rhythm of my punches kept me going, I didn't miss a beat. The rhythmic pounding of my fists on the bag.
I had music in the background, my fists kept in time with the song. I would have to keep going, to be on top form for my match. Triple threat in a stel cage against The Eh and Ryan Firestone... It would definately be a challenge.
My fists started to ache as the song continued.
Fading, falling, lost in forever
Will I find a way to keep it together?
Am I strong enough to last through the weather in the hurricane of my life?
Can it be a conscious decision?
That I look for ways to alter my vision?
Am I speeding towards another collision in the alleyways of my life?
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
Memories don't lie
You know better than
Memories don't lie
You know better than
Memories don't lie
You know better than
Those who have fallen in
Memories don't lie
You know better than
Memories don't lie
You know better than
Memories don't lie
You know better than
Those who have fallen in
"Damn..." He continued the fight, attacking with such speed, and I found I could barely keep up. Soon the fight was over. My opponent had used his speed advantage well, and I had barely landed a hit. I walked slowly to Master Lu, hanging my head and knelt at his feet. "I am sorry for losing, Master." "It is not the losing I care about. What matters is how you take the defeat. Will you hang your head in shame, or will you learn, and see it as a challenge to overcome in future? You have discipline, but you need determination. Do not come to me apologising for your loss. You tried, and did the best you could do. I did not bring you here to win, I brought you here as a lesson. Yes, he beat you, but you must lose with grace and honour. One way to be a great martial artist is to always win, the other is to lose with grace and improve. Which will you do?" "I will improve, Master." I stood up, and walked over to my opponent, and put my hand on his shoulder. He turned around to see me there. He was startled, but not surprised that it was me. "You put up a good fight, Chris." "Thank you. You did very well. Thank you for showing me my weaknesses. I hope to see you again in the future." "Yeah, let's have a rematch some day. Maybe you'll beat me." "Maybe." We shook hands, and when I walked away I found myself smiling. I trained hard afterwards to improve my speed, and next time we met, I won. (End of Flashback) |
