Taking the Center

A warm current surged through my joints. I planted both boots firmly onto the white mat, testing my balance under the dim glow. My knees bent cleanly, responding to my will for the first time. Standing directly in the ring's center, I rolled my shoulders back and reached forward, my knuckles tapping against the plastic chest of an opponent figure standing rigidly beside me. The figure remained static, but I held my stance, grounded and ready.