TOURNAMENT

Arena buzzing, shoes on concrete

Breath stays calm, mind stays clear

Gi tied neat, name on the board

Crowd around, but I hear my own voice

I don’t know every move or chain

Still learning timing, still in range

But I showed up, stepped on the mat

That part matters. That’s a fact

Hands ready, stance locked, eyes ahead

I trust my training, locked and ready

Hands slap, fists bump, here we go

Not rushed, just letting it flow

Coach nearby, voice comes through

Guiding what I’m trying to do

I move, adjust, stay real

This is how competing feels

Scrambles quick but under control

Focus sharp, no overload

Crowd fades back, focus ready

Match in sight

Muscles ready, mind alert

Every move counts, I stay in the work

Every round adds something new

I leave the mat knowing more than I knew

Sweat drips, breath steady, heart awake

This is the part I work to take

Hands slap, fists bump, here we go

Not rushed, just letting it flow

Coach nearby, voice comes through

Guiding what I’m trying to do

I move, adjust, stay real

This is how competing feels

Podium stand, medal earned

Proof of progress, lessons learned

Orlando mats, memory clear

I leave prouder than I came