July 1997
*** Emiliano ***
I stare at my opponent, looking for any weaknesses in his stance just like Karina taught me. As we size each other up, I notice a slight hesitation in his right knee when he steps on the balls of his feet. It was slight, but a weakness nonetheless and all I needed to know to formulate my attack.
He charges first, swinging his fist towards my face. I block him with my forearm, leaving his chest wide open for me to attack and I throw a punch at him. He stumbles back, allowing me to gain the upper hand as I kick at his knee and knock him to the ground. In a split second, I'm on top of him, getting him into a choke hold. He struggles in my arms but when it becomes evident I have him locked in, he slams his fist on the mat, effectively ending the challenge.
"And
