The All Valley Tournament had finally arrived, and my excitement was through the roof. Over the past few days, I had focused on resting and replenishing my strength, engaging only in light exercise to ensure I was in peak physical condition. I had also been practicing meditation, enjoying its benefits, such as reducing stress and enhancing self-awareness.
The Morning of the Tournament
On the day of the tournament, I jumped out of bed, took a cold shower, and headed to the kitchen. There, I found a note from my mom that read:
"I'm really sorry, honey, but something urgent came up at the hospital, so I won't be able to watch you at the competition. We can watch your fights together when I come home. I know you'll do great. Good luck, and be careful. Love, Mom."
I sighed, reflecting on how her recent promotion to head nurse at the hospital was an amazing opportunity, but it meant she was often away. After breakfast, I donned my gi and left the house.
Picking Up Robby
I had agreed to pick up Robby from his house, and then we would meet outside the venue for the All Valley. When I arrived, I saw him in our gi, jumping up and down while fighting imaginary enemies. I yelled through the window, "Keep that excitement for the competition! Now get in!"
He grinned and hopped into the car. We sped off, and upon arrival, we spotted the LaRussos waiting for us. We went to greet them, and before I could say anything, Sam rushed forward and jumped on me. I caught her effortlessly, and she exclaimed, "Are you ready? The competition is tough this year!"
I replied playfully, "Look at you underestimating me!" and pouted. Just then, I noticed Anthony running toward us. I adjusted my grip on Sam, holding her with one arm while picking up Anthony with the other.
"You're gonna crush them!" he said excitedly.
"Thanks a lot! At least there's one LaRusso still supporting me," I teased, glancing at Sam, who pouted playfully.
Daniel, noticing his kids showing more affection to me than to him, said, "Let's get inside; we'll be late." We all replied, "Yes, Sensei," and I handed Anthony to Amanda before heading inside.
Inside the Venue
Inside, we were greeted by an Asian man who said, "There he is, the former champion! I didn't know you had a team this year." Daniel responded, "That's how things go, from student to master." He and Amanda then went to greet some people at the entrance, while Robby, Sam, and I explored the competition hall.
Posters from the 1984 All Valley adorned the walls, showcasing Daniel in the crane stance. Students from various karate schools filled the space, but I noticed one dojo was missing.
"Where are the Cobra Kais?" Sam asked.
"They may have chickened out," Robby replied with a grin.
"Or they're just waiting to make a cool entrance," I added.
"Such show-offs," Sam remarked, and Robby and I nodded in agreement. We walked around, chatting with competitors while waiting for the matches to begin.
The Opening Ceremony
As the crowd began to gather, a black man took the microphone. "Welcome, everyone, to the 50th Annual All Valley Under-18 Karate Championship! Let's start by welcoming all the local dojos competing today." He began announcing the various karate dojos.
The LaRussos took their seats, and we waited. The announcer continued, "This year is special because two dojos from the past are returning." He paused dramatically before shouting, "The former champions from Miyagi-Do Karate!"
We stepped forward, and he added, "And Cobra Kai!" But he was cut off as Cobra Kai students jogged in, chanting, "Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai!" They took their positions, and the announcer exclaimed, "Now that's what I call an entrance! Give it up for Cobra Kai!" The crowd cheered, and the Cobra Kai students shot glances at us. As the leader of my team, I responded with a chilling glare, making most of them take a step back. Johnny clenched his teeth, witnessing his students cower in fear.
The announcer continued, "It will be fights one-on-one; the first to three points wins. Now, get ready, it's karate time!" With 64 fighters, there would be three preliminary rounds, followed by the round of eight, the round of four, and finally, the championship match.
My First Match
My first opponent was a Cobra Kai kid my age. It was clear from his stance that he wasn't anything special. We bowed, and the referee started the match. He lunged in with a head punch, but I caught it and retaliated with a punch to his stomach, making him fold and grunt in pain.
"Point!" the referee announced, and we took our stances again. This time, I took the initiative. I rushed forward, sweeping his legs before he could react, and landed a punch to his head, earning my second point.
We got back up, and the referee declared, "Match point, fight!" He came in for a head kick, but I caught it, pulling him toward me and delivering a punch to his face for the final point. We bowed, and the referee raised my arm, announcing, "Winner!"
I continued through the second and third fights with similar results, no losses. As the preliminaries wrapped up, only Sam's match remained. The fighters advancing to the round of eight included: me, Xander, Miguel, Robby, Hawk, two kids from Topanga Karate, and the last spot was between Sam and Aisha.
Sam's Match
Sam and Aisha faced off, and the referee called, "Ready, fight!" Aisha initiated with a low kick to sweep Sam's legs. Sam jumped over it, delivering a kick to Aisha's chest that knocked her onto her back. Sam secured the first point.
As Aisha got up, they resumed their stances. The referee restarted the match, and Aisha immediately went for a head punch. Sam deflected it, countering with an elbow to Aisha's stomach. Aisha grunted but regained her stance.
"Match point, fight!" the referee declared. This time, Sam attacked first, going for a head punch. Aisha blocked it, but Sam quickly swept her legs, sending her crashing to the ground. Sam followed up with a punch to Aisha's face.
"3-0! Winner: Samantha LaRusso!" The crowd erupted in cheers, with most dojos celebrating except for Cobra Kai.
After the match, Sam approached Aisha, saying, "Good fight," and extended a hand to help her up. Aisha, however, gritted her teeth and yanked Sam's arm with all her strength. Sam yelled in pain, prompting the referee to rush in and separate them. The crowd booed Aisha and the Cobra Kais vehemently.
I quickly rushed over to help Sam to the medics waiting in the arena. The announcer stated, "We'll take a 20-minute break, folks, and then we'll return with the results." He hurried offstage.
Medical Update
After a few minutes, a medic approached us with news. "The damage isn't serious; she'll be able to continue fighting, although I wouldn't recommend it."
Daniel nodded, understanding the situation. Sam stepped forward, saying, "Dad," but Daniel cut her off, "It's your choice. You're a grown girl now, and you should start making your own decisions."
Sam smiled, determination in her eyes. "I want to fight."
Daniel nodded, saying he would inform the announcers, and he left to do so. After a brief wait, the announcer returned to the stage.
"Samantha LaRusso will be competing in the next round! The matches are as follows: Miguel Diaz vs. Tyler Cobra, Robby Keen vs. Tonny Smith, Jack Levins vs. Xander Stone, and Samantha Larusso vs. Eli Moskowitz."
I turned to Robby and Sam, saying, "This should be interesting," and they both grinned, ready for the challenges ahead.
Leave comments and review and tell me your thoughts. Next part will be released most likely on Sunday.