The bullies were behind the fence as I came home. Returning from a birthday party, I had a balloon, a piece of cake on a paper plate, and some still wrapped take-home goodies.
It was a fun day. Lots of other kids, games, food. Not a care. Then came the two block walk home. I collected my things and was on my way.
At the halfway point, two of them got between me and home, looming in that way bullies do, looking big and mean and hard and intimidating... I slowed to a stop.
The third one hit me from behind with a rock. I fell down and watched dully, as they grabbed and ate the cake while groping through my goodies and breaking the balloon.
There was a last kick to the stomach, and they ran away laughing as I gathered my wits and walked home.
Mom was heartbroken and kind. Dad was outraged.
I was shocked that such a thing could happen. But it didn't take long for me to form a thought: "Never Again!"
I found a book in the library, Judo Boy, by John Ball. It was about a young man who was beat up by bullies and looked for a way to defend himself...
Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, Ai Ki Do, TaiJi... A long, martial path which began with the vow, "Never Again!"
When I met my teacher, he said, "Why are you here?" I told him about the bullies and the book. He stopped me, smiled, and said, "Wait! Judo Boy? Me too!
Surprised by what's in the shadows? Never Again!
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