My younger brother is preparing for his first "official" fight.  He's a mixed martial artist, trained in the arts of kick-boxing, kempo karate and kung fu.  He's trained for the past 12 years in one of the above art forms or another, and also has a backbround in wrestling in high school.  He's only 149lbs tonight, not that beefy for a 5'7" dude, but he's wiry, quick and very strong.

My brother - soft-spoken, quiet, educated, spiritual, peaceful.  I asked him tonight how he felt about this, his first venture into the ring.  He seemed excited, but quietly so.  He confessed to me, "I'm a little bit nervy, but I'm ok."

Earlier today, we had just a little bit of time to chat about his thoughts for the upcoming match  He has been training for a very long time, and has sparred and fought in the many dojos and schools he's attended, for years.  But, this, his first real venture into the competitive fight ring, had him a little apprehensive.  I asked him if he felt that his preparation had been complete.  He said he felt prepared...if not "over-prepared...I have had several fights cancelled in the past year, so this, my debut match, is a long time coming, really...I'm ready."

Just before I left him to go get dressed, I presented him with a poem he had written for me many years ago, prior to my first state level bodybuilding contest.  I share it with you tonight as well:

A WARRIOR'S PRAYER

"let not my weapons be sword and axe,

but rather my spirit and trust in fate.

And when I am to raise my arms, let the eagles scare;

when I clench my fists, let the darkness flee;

and when I walk amidst my enemy's host,

let even the grandest mountains envy my foundation.

For when they tire, I will not falter;

when they stumble, I will not err;

and where they hesitate, I will not fear to tread.

So when I stand, let me stand proud.

Let me stand true, and let me stand tall.

For I am A WARRIOR...and WARRIORS take all.

Like the sharpened arrow, so too shall I cut through mine

enemy's heart...achieveing victory."

-Tom Ciccone