New Boy | Miguel Diaz

Always Rooting For You

I fixed my gi as we waited until we were called out on the mat. I was totally wrong— I'm a nervous wreck.

I thought fixing things with my dad was the only problem, but that wasn't it. If anything, that wasn't a problem at all.

The reason could be because this is my first time participating in front of people who aren't in my dojo, and this years valley has more people than last time.

I stare out into the crowd as Miyagi-Do heads out. Watching everyone cheer for them may have brought down my confidence.

Well like I had any to begin with.

I exhale deeply and I walk away from everyone else. I stand by the wall and stare down at the floor.

"You don't seem nervous at all." Miguel says, sarcastically. I chuckle slightly, gulping.

"Hey..." He puts his hand on my shoulder. "I understand how nerve racking this is, especially since it's your first time, but trust me, you'll do way better than you think once you're on that mat. I've seen you fight and I know you'll kick ass."

"Even your ass?"

He laughs, but he nods. "Yeah, even mine."

"Hailing from Reseda, defending champions and still the most badass name for a dojo, here comes Cobra Kai!" We hear the announcer shout.

"You're up." Miguel looks at me and smiles.

His smile gives me reassurance and comfort, and I find myself walking out onto the mat with the rest of Cobra Kai.

"And finally, this dojo is making their All Valley debut, though you'll recognize a few familiar faces. Every year, a new dojo rises up the ranks. Does this newcomer have what it takes to win it all? Please welcome Eagle Fang Karate, led by Sensei Johnny Lawrence and defending champion Miguel Diaz!"

As Eagle Fang walks out, I silently cheer them on in my head.

"At the end of the day, only one of these dojos can be crowned Grand Champion. Welcome to the 51st annual All Valley Under-18 Karate Tournament!"

—

"Alright, fall in. All your training has brought you to this moment. Remember, if you win, you don't just get a trophy. You get the glory. And you get to know forever that you are a champion. I have had students with all the talent in the world squander their moment. Do not let history repeat itself. Do not let your emotions cloud your judgement. And above all, do not let anything stand in the way of your victory."

Sensei Kreese surprisingly gives really good pep talks.

"Just to be clear— that's not a pep talk." Sensei Silver points at Sensei Kreese, and I realize I spoke too soon.

"That's an order. And we're all gonna follow Sensei Kreese's orders today, aren't we?"

"Yes, Sensei."

"Aren't we?"

"Yes, Sensei!"

"Let's go win this!"

So, once everyone was lined up, we started the skills competition.

The first group did good, but Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang were the first two groups on the leaderboard. Cobra Kai still had a chance to step up.

Robby was first from our dojo, then Tory, then me.

Robby did regular karate moves, while Tory showed her skills with a sword and I used a staff.

Eli was breaking boards, but when he got to the highest one, it didn't break.

Mitch nearly hit the judges with his staff, and ran off the mat immediately which was quite funny.