Читать книгу The Fighter Within. Everyone Has A Fight-Insights into the Minds and Souls of True Champions онлайн

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I tried going for a key lock, but he got out of it quickly. From there, I transitioned to trapping his arm with my leg, getting him in the crucifix position. Now I had his arm and head pinned so I could use two hands to submit him, or so I thought. I was trying to transition, looking for a Kimura, but he almost actually threw me off of him. I managed to maintain position in the side mount. He was trying to push my head with his inner hand against my jaw, and I figured that maybe I could get an arm bar; but, before I could collect my thoughts, my instincts took over and I put his hand across his face, placed my weight on it, clasped my hands around his trapped hand and head, and squeezed. I had him in the head & arm triangle. I squeezed as hard as my weakened muscles could and with only one minute left in the five-minute round, he tapped. I felt a surge of emotions, followed by complete fatigue, coupled with happiness. I had finally done it, and against some tough seasoned competition.

The next morning, I made my way to the Carling Heights Community Centre with a sense of anxiety of what was to come. Once in the building, which was a newer, modern center for almost any sport imaginable, there was a long line waiting to enter the gymnasium for a seminar. Over 200 spectators and practitioners filled the oversized area, with mats in the center and large bleacher-style seats surrounding the area. I bought a Suffer System long-sleeve shirt from the merchandise table, as did most people there, and awaited the champ. Matt Hughes walked in from a side room, with a half-smile and wearing a Suffer System shirt himself. He walked with confidence, his stocky image mirroring what I was used to seeing on television.