The Beginning of Everything Book 1

Untitled Part 8

Chapter VII

Two months before Cali's graduation from elementary school, Cali, Marcus, and Joseph nervously approached the Muay Thai gym. The atmosphere inside was intense yet focused, with students of all ages practicing various techniques. They were greeted by Mr. Lee, their instructor, who welcomed them with a warm smile.

"Welcome! I'm Mr. Lee," he greeted them. "Are you three here for Muay Thai training?"

Cali nodded eagerly. "Yes, we are. We want to learn self-defense. There are bullies at school, and we want to be able to protect ourselves."

Mr. Lee nodded understandingly. "That's a great reason to start. Muay Thai isn't just about fighting; it's about discipline, respect, and building confidence. Are you ready to commit to this journey?"

Marcus spoke up confidently, "We are! It's something we've talked about for a while now."

Joseph added, "We know it won't be easy, but we're ready to learn."

"Excellent," Mr. Lee said approvingly. "Let's begin. First, understand that Muay Thai is about mental strength as much as physical. You'll learn to stay calm and focused, skills that will help you in any situation, including dealing with bullies."

Over the following weeks, Cali, Marcus, and Joseph immersed themselves in their Muay Thai training. They pushed themselves through rigorous workouts, gradually mastering new techniques. One day, after a particularly challenging session, they gathered around Mr. Lee for feedback.

"You've all made impressive progress since you started," Mr. Lee observed, a hint of pride in his voice. "It's not just about the techniques. What have you discovered about yourselves during this journey?"

Cali reflected thoughtfully, "I've learned that I can push myself beyond what I thought possible. I'm not as afraid as I used to be."

Marcus nodded in agreement, "For me, staying calm and focused has helped not just in training but also in dealing with challenges at school."

Joseph added confidently, "I feel more self-assured. I know I can handle myself if needed, and that's empowering."

Mr. Lee nodded approvingly. "That's the essence of Muay Thai—building inner strength. Keep practicing, stay disciplined, and respect each other. You'll continue to grow stronger, both inside and outside the gym."

As their confidence and skills grew, Cali, Marcus, and Joseph decided to supplement their Muay Thai training with boxing to improve their striking abilities. They found a local boxing gym and began attending sessions regularly.

After a Muay Thai practice session one evening, they gathered at Marcus's house to discuss their plans.

"Muay Thai has been amazing," Cali began, "but adding boxing could really enhance our hand techniques."

Marcus agreed, "I think focusing on punches for a while could make us faster and more precise."

Joseph chimed in, "Let's do it. We can go to the boxing gym a couple of times a week and train together."

The next day, they arrived at the boxing gym eager to start. They were welcomed by Coach Harris, an experienced boxing trainer.

"Welcome! I've heard you've been training in Muay Thai. That's great!" Coach Harris greeted them warmly. "Boxing will complement your skills. Ready to begin?"

Cali nodded enthusiastically, "Absolutely! We're eager to learn."

Marcus added, "We want to improve our punching speed, accuracy, and footwork."

Coach Harris smiled, "Perfect. Boxing is all about precision, speed, and movement. Let's start with some basics. Get your wraps and gloves on, and we'll begin with shadowboxing to warm up."