Let The World Turn.
"Way to work this Summer, AJ. You've come a long way since training camp started. Hard to believe today's the last day." Tendo exclaimed.
"Thank you, Sensei". I replied as I began to stand up from bowing to him. He had been my instructor in an intense 8-week jiu-jitsu course I enrolled in at the start of Summer.
"I'm learning so much. This class has changed my perspectives & attitude in way's I didn't imagine."
He grinned. Tendo was highly respected in the martial arts community as he was a direct pupil of Rorion Gracie, & also was a full-time instructor at the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
He tightened his belt as he looked at me with a serious question.
"How far do you wish to go in fighting, AJ?"
"As far as I can go. I was recently offered to sign with the WFA so we'll see how I handle that level of opposition. If I can't hang, then I guess not far." I replied with a chuckle as he also smiled back.
"I know you've heard it a thousand times but there's real potential inside you to make it to the top." Tendo interjected.
"Thank you. I've got big dreams but I guess I'm just too humble sometimes."
"You want to know something I've noticed about you? You possess one of the calmest minds I've seen when visibly losing a fight." Tendo said.
"You always know what's going on. You never panic. You can't teach that level of calmness. That's special. That's something champion's possess."
"Thank you." I said with a nod.
"When I'm locked in I'm locked in."
"You've got tremendous opportunities in front of you. I can't wait to see where your career takes you & the accolades you'll earn along the way. Good luck in the WFA. I'll be watching."
We said our goodbyes & I began to pack my stuff to head back home to New York from California.
--
At The WFA Headquarters.
"Welcome, AJ! We're so excited to have you joining our roster." Pierre Sanmiguel, the owner of the WFA, said as he greeted me when I arrived at the facility.
"If you would please fill out this form, & we'll have the promotor get you scheduled for your first WFA fight."
--
Name: August "AJ" Jimenez
Born: New York, NY
Nationality: American
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 115 lbs
Division: Strawweight
Reach: 67"
Style: Striker/BJJ
I handed the form back.
"AJ come from your first & last name?" He asked.
"That's right. AJ for short. I go by AJ."
"Jimenez. Is Tiny your father?"
I gave him a nod.
"I can see it. Your old man had one hell of a fighting career. One of the greatest strikers ever."
"I guess you can say I'm trained by the best then." I shot back.
"I feel bad for whoever you face off against first. Speaking of which, let me reach out to the promotor & so we can book you a fight."
Pierre asked me to wait in the lobby while he made a quick phone call.
"Looks like we've found a fight for you on December 26th against Hana Yoo. We'll forward all of the information to your gym."
"Thank you again. Can't wait to put on a show for you & prove this was the right decision."
"AJ, I hope you dominate the division."
We shook hands as my signing became official. I'm now a member of the World Fighting Alliance.