The Arena - Chapter 1

Unedited as it has been since 1999 first chapter.


Chapter 1: Early Fury

A Mariner never earned his reputation on a calm sea.
Aristotle Onasis

Adelaide, Australian Federation, May 2039

The rain pelted down furiously on the roof of the large gymnasium, within the protection of this old style building a large crowd had gathered around the blue and green mats, which covered a large portion of the surface within the gym. At the centre of the mats were two men each circling the other, one dressed in a white gi the traditional uniform of most oriental martial arts. The other was dressed in more practical attire. His muscular chest covered in a green singlet and which tucked in neatly to a tight fitting pair of trunks. The crowd around the mats jeered and watched on with great interest. Most of those around the mat wore similar white uniforms as the man in the gi. Each with a coloured belt around their waist only two others had Black belt's like the combatant circling the mat with the man in trunks. The man in the singlet and trunks feinted; the feint elicited a response from the black belt he fired out a front kick, missing the man in the trunks by a good half metre. Three others dressed in non-traditional uniforms stood watching on the outskirts of the mat, their attire casual, each one wore a jacket with dark blue sleeves and a grey chest region. On the jackets back was a circle with two figures fighting and the words ‘ Adelaide Submission Fighting Academy ‘.
The man in the singlet and trunks fired out two jabs, the first missing but the second found its mark, striking the black belt on the chin, it sent him reeling back slightly. The man in the singlet had made his opening, with cat like speed he pounced in, driving into the black belts legs. He seized them firmly, both his hands clasping the man from behind the knees. The Black belt desperate to recover threw a weak punch to the man's back it was too late. The Black belt had lost his balance and fell to his back, the man in the singlet still clasping the Black belts legs, immediately pulled himself into a mounted position. Desperate to protect himself the Black belt tried to grab the singleted man by the throat. The arm at his throat provided him with a perfect opportunity, the singleted man held the Black belts arm tightly to his chest, and pivoted smoothly, rocking back into a straight arm bar. His legs across the man's chest and throat locked the arm firmly into position. Slightly the singleted man raised his chest; the Black belt felt the pinching and strain in and around his elbow. He immediately tapped the singleted mans thigh. Releasing him from the punishing lock, the singleted man helped his defeated foe up. Both men shook hands and nodded. The Black belt lowered his head and walked shamefully towards his senior students, who had witnessed their great instructor defeated by an older man in a singlet and trunks.
The grey haired muscular man walked over to the three casually dressed crowd members on the outskirts of the mat.
“ Not bad for 59, eh “ He said smiling as a young woman covered his shoulders with a jacket similar to there own.
“ We never doubted you James “ replied one of the younger males patting the older man on the shoulders.
Over in the Black belts corner of the room, a Brown belt in his late teens approached the group, his face enraged as he approached them.
“ Sensei O’Brien was going easy on you, so you would know that Karateka’s don’t have anything to prove.” The young Brown belt said with tension in his voice.
One of the younger men in the small group turned to the Brown belt; he would have been of around the same age as the Brown belt.
“ Yeah Ok sure. “ He responded smiling sarcastically.
The Brown belt immediately stepped into a deep stance his right hand cocked at his hip, and his left hand held high in an exaggerated rigidness. The two younger males laughed at the Brown belt's actions. The Brown belt stepped forward and released a loud ki-ai. The casually dressed man from the old mans entourage stepped forward, approaching the Brown belt of similar age. The casually dressed man from the Submission Academy did not even bother to adopt a stance, as he got into the Brown belts range he fired out a devastating thigh kick, his fast kick went straight through the defence's of the young Brown belt. The deepness of the Karateka’s stance only intensified the blow. The Brown belt fell from the impact, clutching his pain soaked thigh he looked at the Submission fighter, uncertain of what was to happen now.
The casually dressed Submission fighter turned away and approached the group of his friends. The old man, James looked at the young man as he passed him, heading for the door.
“ Steve, you did not have to kick him so hard. “
Steve continued walking, his fair hair perfectly gelled into place, and he opened the door for the others.
“ I’m sorry James, “ he said to his older mentor, a man who had shown him how to fight and how to be a better person "but he was really pissing me off."

James smiled inwardly and turned to the group of Karateka’s behind him.
“ I am sorry for any inconvenience, thank you for the challenge and have a nice day.”
The beaten Black belt nodded, his pride still very much bruised, as he watched the small group leave and the sight of his Brown belt, lying on the ground clutching his now bruised thigh.
The four-left O’Brien’s Traditional Karate and Self Defence Centre. James London had just defeated the head instructor of one of Adelaide’s top Martial arts schools. Sad he thought to himself, it is sad that such men train others, and teach others such ineffective ways under the guise of real world self-defence and fighting. It had not been the first time he thought this, nor would it be the last time either.

The Australian Federation, was the largest and most stable power in the region, consisting of the Australian continent, the New Zealand islands, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, New Caledonia, Tonga and the Antarctic Colonies.
With a population of over 65 million the Federation is made up of diverse cultures of people and thus the system and federal support and services are under a considerable strain. Like most other nations, Australia is made up of several strong corporations and industrial powers, each controlling and running services and departments of the government. This system of Capitalist democracy provides sufficient stability and growth economically for the nation, it keeps a high margin of people unemployed, and the large cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Auckland are a Mecca for crime and unemployment. As was always the case with large cities, there are the regions of wealth and royalty, the modern aristocracy, those successful and with money whether it be hard earned, inherited or stolen and those without. Those without made up the majority, working hard for little, or attending one of the several education institutes, to get a long and lengthy degree for the most basic of jobs, and those without education nor work, which rely solely on the minuscule government hand outs each fortnight. To these their only solace was drink, drugs, prostitution and gambling. The Arena’s made a great venue for all of these, after the rise of few rules fighting, submission Fighting and reality events of the 1990’s and the early 2000’s the events began to become a legitimate sport. With large organisations and governing bodies sanctioning such events. Nations like Japan, Brazil, Russia and the Netherlands began holding large and international events, which became the Olympics of martial arts and combat sports. Boxing and pro wrestling the long time leaders in these fields began sharing the spot light with the new wave of exciting mixed martial arts events. In late 2015, the United States finally allowed these events to be held in their original purity on their soil. The politicians and athletic commissions were forced to give way to the desire of the people. With the United States holding such events most other countries began holding a deep interest, as the media began to become consumed with the events. With skilled and cunning promoters the events rose into mega events, and most companies began sponsoring fighters and teams. Large media companies fought desperately for the rights to these events.
Several other similar events began to appear it was the Arena organisation, though which stayed the brightest, the others as dim as distant stars, to the Arena’s intense brightness of a close Supernova. In late 2021, the Olympic committee recognised the Arena as a sport, and with Pankration as a combat sport in the Athens games of 2004; the Arena became the standard for which others were judged. Due to its commercialisation and mega status the Arena was too professional for the Olympics, and so the Arena Entertainment Group set up a large centre for the championships in Denver, the United States. Denver the city that was the original birth place for the modern Mixed Martial Arts movement, when in 1993 a unknown Brazilian Jiu Jitsu stylist became the first Ultimate Fighting Champion. Following this first and spectacular event MMA and Submission Fighting fought a long and hard battle before it became the sport it is today.
Nearly every country in the world had at least one arena set up. Nations began supporting and funding teams indirectly through large companies and youth programs. The competitors of these events trained intensely and there athletic prowess became legendary, that the sport became a pinnacle of human athleticism. With such a great popularity, smaller Arena like venues were set up in the larger cities, as each state held local and regional championships for local populace and aspiring local talent. These venues attracted the lowest denominator in most cases, with the better off enjoying the sport from large corporate boxes high above the Arena events. The Arenas became the modern Colosseum’s with true warriors testing their abilities against one another for the enjoyment of others. The sport became a legitimate test of human endurance and will evoking the greatest of human passion, like boxing and other such combat sports the Arena’s and other Mixed Martial Art’s events were without stiff opposition.
The biggest opposition to these events though was the traditional martial arts community, those, which saw such events as a threat to their centuries old styles and systems of combat. The Arena events quickly showed the ineffectiveness of such styles, when noted stylists were drawn into the Arena by massive media campaigns and public challenges, not to mention the fantastic pursues. Once God like masters and champions of traditional styles were quickly defeated and easily dispatched by not so great or famous up and coming arena fighters. With the defeat of their best fighters and masters at the hands of mediocre Arena fighters; The traditional martial arts community began opposing the events by organising mass rallies. As well as making outrageous claims stating that the events forced the athletes to use steroids and other such enhancement drugs, that most of the matches were works and how this style of fighting does not reflect reality, where as their rigid and dance like styles do.
Their voice of objection found deaf ears only extreme or ultra conservative politicians and religious extremists would listen and lend their support. Condemning the government and the masses. The Government of the Australian Federation, was at first greatly opposed to such events, when though, survey teams from the United States, Japan, Brazil and France returned the government was shocked. As after a year of survey’s showed that violent crime and street violence was down considerable when compared to prior statistics this was the opposite to what most specialist’s and government bodies had believed. The Arena style events had served as a pressure valve for the populace, and with such interests, most youth left the streets and flocked to academies, stables and training centres to learn the techniques and methods used in such events. The humility and dedication of a good majority of the Arena fighters also proved exceptional role models to most young people and old alike. The media taking full interest in the fighter’s private life and personality.
When in 2024 the Australian Federal Government had taken a deep interest in supporting the Arena style events, the once unpopular reality fighters and submission stylists began dominating the circuits against, boxers, and kickboxers, ex pro wrestlers and traditional stylists. Who all desired to make a name for themselves in the new sport? Personalities began to emerge; famous and admired the Arena fighters became as great as the Heavyweight Boxing hero’s of the last century did. Such men as James London, who in 2026, became the Australian Arena champion for years prior he had dominated the Australasian no holds barred and submission fighting scene with accolades spanning across 20 years of achievement and dedication. Managing to fight the whose whom of Reality fighting from the various nations, winning some and losing against others. When the Arena events arrived to Australia, and unified the various fighting events, James London decided to come out of retirement and prove to himself and the rest of the world that he was far from being over the hill. After months of intense training and rolling on the mats with some of the greatest grapplers from Brazil and the US, James entered the World Arena Combat Championships after facing a field of 16 competitors he managed his way through after fighting some tough and intense opposition. In his third fight of the evening after suffering from severe dehydration he managed to catch his opponent, a Freestyle wrestler who weighed in at a muscular 130kg (outweighing James by 40 kg), in a triangle choke after 18 long and intense minutes of strategic grappling. He then went onto face the tournament favourite, the Brazilian grappling legend Roymen Aguiar a young Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter with incredible technique and a monstrous endurance. Outweighing the Brazilian by 5 kilograms James managed to catch his skilled opponent in a kneebar after spending a good proportion of the 20-minute fight inside of the Brazilian's guard. James then went onto to become the world champion, after he defeated the champion in a super fight some months later. Achieving this feat at the age of 46. His great matches against younger opposition proved to most older people that size, strength and youth does not mean a thing when you posses technique, knowledge and that all important savvy. Now though years after his second retirement James was interested in training other local fighters while staying out of the media's limelight. He and his two children dedicated themselves to Arena fighting. Since the death of his only and truest love James found his to children to be his life passion. Both were becoming adults and were capable fighters. In both he saw characteristics from him and his late wife Emily.
Who at 54 left this world when her car was hit by another car. James was without purpose those few depressing and lonely months following the fatal accident. Forcing himself in seclusion he never stopped mourning her death. He after six long depressing months pulled himself together with the aid of his two loving children. Themselves suffering from the loss of their mother. Now two years later James and his grown kids had come along way, still though an empty void occupies their hearts. A void that belonged to their beloved wife and mother Emily Susana London.

James London, his beautiful daughter Jessica who at 20 was already a capable fighter, her brother Darren who was the current South Australian Arena, and Grappling champion and his friend Steve who dominated the Boxing competitions of the area as well as competing in the odd submission style event. All sat in the Ultra quiet and efficient fusion driven Audi sports coupe, which gracefully hovered a metre off of the Road as it neared its destination. The Metallic grey vehicle drove itself as the four passengers sat in safe comfort. Jessica watched as the scenery changed as the fast vehicle cruised at 150 km/h through the outer countryside. The four were going to one of James’ notorious training camps, there with other aspiring fighters James and his family would train, and train hard. No longer an active professional fighter the ageing James still participates in the fight game by training and instructing his young fighters. He still though along with his more senior of students defends Arena combat and his system against the likes of other academies, stables or traditional masters who hope to discredit the sport or the reputation of the fighters in no rules challenge contests. James looked across to his daughter he smiled. He was proud of his two children both had grown to be strong and kind. For his little princess though, he did every thing he could to make her happy. He didn’t like for her to watch him fight in these challenge matches, but she was very insistent, reasoning that she was a fighter and she had the right to watch such events.
He thought back to the fight, and how easy it was, he smiled inwardly, how little these traditionalists know about real fighting. The man who he defeated earlier at the academy was a Black belt in the Shotokan Karate system; the instructor had been making several outrageous claims over the past few months, discrediting the Arena style events along with the fighters. He was using the name of several famous Arena celebrities to gain prominence in the media. James hated it all, until the Instructor made a threat to his daughter one-day while she was shopping; James was infuriated that the instructor would dare involve his girl. The media immediately became involved, and one of the local martial arts magazines publicised a five-page article on the potential fight. James though was not interested in the publicity and decided to inform the local media that nothing would come of the fight, claiming that it was all hot air. As the hype died down, James along with his small entourage arrived at the large academy and accepted the challenge, at first Sensei O’Brien was uncertain of what to do. After a few minutes of ‘ discussions ‘ the pair agreed on the fight, no rules and no outside involvement, the fight would go on until one submitted either by tapping or verbally acknowledging defeat, by being knocked out or if their ‘ corner ‘ threw in the towel. The match had only lasted just under a minute, so much for street effectiveness thought James as he remembered the propaganda splashed all over the Karate academies walls. The Audi stopped at the front of the large farmhouse; James opened the door as the others followed him. The weekend was going to be fun he thought, he always enjoyed watching his students grow, and become better people through fighting and the training which he provided them.
..
As the sun began to fade into the darkness of night, Jack Robinson walked across the damp lawn towards the tall and large shed. His 185-centimetre frame and muscled 90-kilogram body soaked in sweat. He had just trained in his new simulator device, a large holographic simulator that can be used for various pursuits. While some would watch movies with it, others may simulate sex shows, or re-enact fantasies. Jack though, had a boxing program, which accompanied by a mobile figure, which was used by the computer to simulate a human opponent. His opponent was the great Joe Louis, the famous Brown Bomber of the early to mid twentieth century. The very man, who from 1937 through to 1949 held the much coveted world heavyweight championship, Joe managed to defend his title against some of the greatest fighters in Boxing’s history. The program in his Simulator was designed to mimic the Brown Bomber down to the most minuscule of details. With the right settings Jack was able to fight against a hard computer opponent who would be just as good as the great bomber, well at least in theory. Jack had the Simulator at the fifth setting, right in the middle, not too hard and not too easy. Even at this level the simulated Brown Bomber was a handful. Jack had just fought Joe, for twelve rounds at Madisson Square Gardens in 1938. Joe had won by a split decision, Jack did not feel to bad, after all he just went 36 minutes against one of the greatest fighters in history, even if it was a computer simulated image, accompanied by a highly agile and life like training figure. Which took punishment just as well as it could be programmed to hand out.
Jack was a decent boxer, his real forte’ though lay in Grappling, he loved to wrestle, the raw purity of the sport two men duel in a game of physical chess each anticipating the others move or moves. He had wanted a grappling program, for the simulator but the Boxing one was the only one he could afford. At 18, Jack had great ambitions to become a excellent fighter, both his parents had died when he was four, so Jack was raised by his Grandparents on their small outer suburbs property, only four hectares the property had on it Jack’s Grand father’s beloved Clydesdale Rocky.
Jack opened the reinforced titanium door to the shed, he watched as the room immediately illuminated. The climate control instantly adjusted to his preferred settings, in the centre of the shed hung an old and tired heavy bag. The same bag which his Grandfather had used way back in the late 1990’s and early hundreds and teens of this century. Jack pushed his already wrapped hands into an old pair of leather gloves, much different to his own pair, which instantly adjusted to your hand and wrist. The gloves were worn and smelled of sweat and leather, he secured them to his hands and approached the bag. His arms were tired but he thought he could do with the practice, he instantly fired out two quick jabs, and the bag absorbed the blows as it had done for years. Again he jabbed out again and sent out a fast right hook, the bag rocked with the blow. Several minutes past and Jack decided to go inside, he had done his training. His body felt heavy as his brow slick with sweat showed his nights efforts.
After he had showered, Jack checked on his grandparents, who had already retired for the night, his grand father had to attend a reunion, which meant he had to rise early the following morning. Now in his home attire Jack sat down in front of the multi media station, he switched on the holovision and instantly a three dimensional image flickered to life. Sounds boomed out as the voice of the reporter in the holographic projection began explaining the importance of the launch of the new mission to Mars. Jack watched with a sincere interest, behind the reporter he could see a large launch vehicle the fusion-powered engines lay idle as the craft sat gracefully on the tarmac at the launch site. Another screen appeared, an image of the Hawking V launch vehicle along with its statistics and development history. Another, this time smaller image papered of Stephen Hawking the physicist in which the vehicle was named after. Jack remembered reading about him during school; he returned his attention to the largest of the holographic images, now showing images of previous space missions. Ranging from the Moon landings, way back in 1969, to the Voyager missions, it even showed images taken from the Hubble telescope, as well as the Roddenberry probes launched in mid 2013 which was sent outside of the solar system, the probe returned some incredible images.
Jack disregarded the holovision and walked to his room. He dressed himself in some casual clothes, he was to go out with his friends tonight, to where he did not know but if he was a beating man he would have put his entire fortune on going to the Cinema.
An hour later two of his friends arrived, the white Hyundai Excelsior left Jack’s grandparent’s place and took the three to meet up with the others at the large interactive cinema.

Under the bright lights of the inner city several youths strolled menacingly through the easy going crowds. Dressed in baggy and miss-matched clothes the youths bumped into those too proud to move out of their paths. One old man while purchasing a news pad was knocked to the ground by a slender youth. His sickly thin frame easily knocked the elderly man over. Once the old man fell to the ground he defiantly yelled in anger.
“ You young bastards” Spitting he said in frustration as he watched two of them look down at him with sinister smiles.
The thin youth which had knocked the old man to the pavement stood over him and smiled, spitting down at the old man as he looked at him with no compassion.
“ Why don’t you get up you old fart “ He said as he kicked into the old mans ribs.
The news stand owner responded, “ You fucks better get lost before I call the Cops “
He said the wrong thing to the pathetic gang members, they had no respect for authority or decency, two of the young gang members grabbed the old man and started throwing punishing strikes into the old mans withered body. Another two started tearing papers from the walls of the old style news stand, the owner tried responding, his efforts were met by a pole bar being smashed across his face. The larger of the youths had removed a long cylinder metallic bar from inside his large baggy coat and struck the newsstand owner across the face. The man was out cold, this however did not stop the assault as the two youths who were destroying his stand began to lay into the fallen stand owner, like a pack of hungry dogs ravaging a fallen lamb. The three attacking the news stand owner only stopped their unchecked assault when a pink blood began to foam at the man's mouth, and several cuts from his battered face began engulfing him and the pavement where he lied. The pink blood was sign of internal bleeding; the powerful kicks into his stomach while he layed there had taken their toll. The old man though was in an even worst shape; his body was well and truly limp from the youth’s attack. The two youth’s beating him only stooped when police sirens began approaching. The five youth’s grabbed a few credits and personal positions of off the two beaten men and ran into the city night. The surrounding witness’ were to busy cowering to help and the numerous camera’s around the city square captured the whole incident, the police though without sufficient resources and raked by cut backs where unable to mount a sufficient response. The old man went onto die and the stand owner suffered too much nerve damage to ever be able to speak. The youth’s happy with their ‘ victory ‘ and effort went back to there park bench to hang about and gloat about their victories and how heroic they are.

Jack sat watching from the rear passenger seat of his friend’s car as the cruised through the city. Jack had always appreciated the immense majesty of the city at night. With over 4 million people the city was diverse and each corner was a different world. Tonight Jack and his friends were to visit the large interactive cinema, a movie theatre in which the audience is able to interact with the movie. Using complex holography, virtual suits and an incredible sound system the audience member feels as though he or she is actually inside of the movie. Costing 100 credits the experience was well worth it. Jack was more interested in boxing Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis or Evander Holyfield on his training simulator back home. The journey to the Interactive Cinema made him think of his new grappling program and how his grandparents might have enjoyed the cinema in the old days. From watching the old movies and listening to their stories, he learnt that you would sit in a large dark room with a lot of other people and watch a large white screen which has pictures projected onto it from a magnetic film. How times had changed he thought to himself.
Barry Andrews turned to Jack “ We are picking up tonight my friend “ he said as he turned the wheel taking the vehicle up a few metres of off the ground.
In the front passenger seat his other friend Daniel Wanting smiled and nodded his head.
“ That’s what he says ever weekend, your not going to get laid tonight or any other night.” Daniel said smiling.
Barry defensively responded “ Well at least ill know what I’m missing unlike you “
Daniel knew exactly where he was going, a little on the round side Daniel was hopeless with girls at 19 he had not even kissed a girl, unless you count his mother that is.
“ Well as they say Quality over Quantity “ Daniel answered back.
“ No I think you mean Quality in Quantity “ replied Barry “ Something you will never find out unless you start paying people “.
Daniel now becoming serious responded “ I am just waiting for the right girl, unlike you I can control my hormones and don’t need to prove my self sexually to myself because of any inadequacies or doubts I may have about myself. Unlike you who must grade ever female as though she were a piece of meat and you were the inspector.”
“ Sounds like you had that one planned out. Must be thinking in advance about your responses to some one else’s sexual supremacy.” Barry muggily smiled. The oldest of the group by a few months Barry was certainly cocky when it came to the opposite sex. His 175cm and 65kg frame was only average when compared to others, it was his attitude though which offered his potential partner a ‘ thrill ride’ as he was so fond of pointing out to potential partners.
Jack smiled to himself as he listened to the argument in the front of the car.
“ All I’m saying is that there are more important things out there than just screwing girls.” Daniel said as he ran his hands through his hair.
“ Like what doing guys?” Barry asked. “ You’re not a faggot are you?”
Daniel now frustrated replied “ See that’s my whole point all you think about is sex. Some one on your primitive level would never be able to understand where it is that I’m coming from. “
“ Well as long as you cum from a hetero sexual point and stay away from me, I don’t care what you do.” Barry replied, he smiled inwardly as he loved getting Daniel worked up in this way.
“ Barry do me a favour. Go stick your small dick into a black hole and then find a neutron star.” Whenever Daniel was losing he would always use his knowledge of astro and theoretical psychics to try to gain the upper hand. He thought well that this was always the best response and come back. It only served to show the others that he was arguing against that he had no real come back.
Barry looked at Daniel and smiled a large and singular grin engulfed his face.
“ Well last black hole I did was that South African exchange student back in Year 12, and she didn’t have any neutron star, what is that a position or something.”
Daniel looked behind him at the smiling Jack, desperate to recruit an ally in the argument. “ He probably thinks your gay because you wrestle other guys.’ Daniel said looking at Jack.
“ Hey I’m only a spectator keep me out of this one lads.” Jack replied smiling at Daniel’s attempt to bring him into the argument.
“ I don’t think that, He what is with that any way. Wrestling with other guys while sweating and barely naked in or in large white pyjamas “ Barry asked.
“ I don’t know, you don’t think about it in a sexual way, far out only you would think that. Trust me it is completely business you grapple to win. “ Jack responded smiling at his friends stupid question.
“ Okay here we are “ said Barry as he manoeuvred the Hyundai into the large sheltered parking bay of the Cinema complex.

The three exited the vehicle and headed towards the entrance, they were to meet two of their other friends at the game section of the large complex.
“ Should we leave our coats? “ asked Barry as he removed his long black synthetic trench coat.
“ You can, mines only lightweight so I should be fine “ Jack replied as he fondled his sporty jacket.
“ All right see you in there. “ Said Barry as he walked back to his car.
Daniel and Jack entered the complex, the pair walked directly towards the large game section. Standing at the entrance was William Lee and Russel Eddington Russel approached Jack and playfully shaped up to him, throwing a playful jab.
“ How are you fella’s? “ asked Russel as he stood in front of the taller Jack.
“ We’re good apart from the argument Wanting’s had with Barry, on the way here other than that we are good.” Answered Jack.
William approached his friend nodding to Daniel as he moved towards Jack.
“ How’s your training been?” He asked as he watched a pair of breasts walk by.
“ Good and your’s? Jack answered.
William also practiced the Fighting Arts, his interest in it though was more theatrical, more show than go.
Barry came running up behind Daniel, licking his index finger; he then placed it into Daniel’s ear.
“ Arrgh, Yuk “ Daniel yelled as he turned looking at the laughing Barry.
Daniel clumsily kicked out with his heavy right leg it caught Barry on the knee, the kick was only light but it unsettled Barry. In response Barry started playing around making stupid noises, mimicking classical oriental striking arts, like Kung Fu and Karate. Russel watched on as the two messed about.
“ Children have you finished?” Russel asked.

As Daniel and Barry clowned a group of menacing looking men watched on. The group of six, aged from 16 to 23 stood by a large credit access machine. They watched intently as Jack and his friends confidently joked around. Like a pack of rabid dogs, the other group saw them as a threat to what they perceived as to be there territory. For some reason, them like so many other youth’s both past and present seemed intent on loitering around public places and claiming them as there own. And when other kids or people neared or used these premises they saw it as their right to assault them. Tonight the pack leader of this rabble was intent on finding trouble, and he saw it, as he watched the tall Jack Robinson. The others in the troublesome group also stared intently at the four teenagers who had not yet noticed them.

Chris Sylvia stood and looked at the other members of his ‘ crew ‘ for 23 years Chris had done little to contribute to society. After dropping out of school at 15, he had spent the last 8 years living on the public welfare system. Working at some jobs here and there only to satisfy the criteria of his doll payments. Not only did he bludge, but young Chris Sylvia stole, vandalised and bashed his way to fortune. Since a young age he and his group of friends supported there addictions by stealing from others, it had only been four days ago since Chris and two other of his friends hospitalised a 12 year old boy for his lunch money, 3 credits. Now Chris saw a threat, he was not interested in rolling the five other young men but merely fighting them. His young heart black and corrupt saw only hate and vice. Aggressively he approached the four; behind him followed the other five members of the Mega Vandals Crew.

Jack noticed the group approach from the corner of his eye; he turned looking the nearest one dead in the eyes. Daniel and Barry stooped there mock fighting and looked at the six hostiles.
“ You Mudda Fukers better step of befour me and my crew kik da shit out of ya, “ said the nearest one.
Jack looked at the one that had just spoken, he was obviously the leader, and he carried himself with a cocky confidence, afforded only by his friends.
“ How about you guy’s find something better to do “ Jack replied looking at the shorter man straight into the eyes.
“ Shut the Fuck up you Toss bag, “ said the largest one in the group. Standing at around 186cm and easily weighing 100 kg the burly teen glared at Daniel and then at Jack.
Uncertain of what to do Barry stared at the lead thug and watched jack calmly control the situation.
“ We don’t want any trouble, “ said Russel as he edged closer.
The leader of the group saw Russel’s passive comment as a weakness; he drew confidence from it. People like Chris and his group of scum thrived on others fear, other’s pain. Jack noticed the leader clench his fist lightly, he also noticed his eyes glaze. Jack felt the adrenaline; he knew what he had to do.
“ What’s the time?” Asked Jack using a trick, which his Grandfather had taught him.
For a split second Chris thought about the time, instead of thinking of hitting Jack or Russel the young punk thought about the question, even if it was only for half a second. Jack seized the opportunity, with a sharp sidekick Jack snapped through Chris’s right knee. The pathetic punk fell to the ground in shrieking agony, behind him the other members of his low life crew rallied to attack.
Russel reacted instinctively as a gang member approached him he threw a wide hook it caught his opponent on the chin, the shot though was not sufficient enough to drop the young MVC thug. Recovering from the shot, the broad shouldered MVC member swung out at Russel. His wild and erratic swings thumped into Russel who brought his hands up to cover his face and upper body. With a countering left hook Russel now managed to crack his opponent’s jaw, the broad shouldered MVC member stumbled, and Russel went in for the kill. As his opponent attempted to regain his balance Russel launched a soccer style kick into the crewmembers groin. It was enough to stop the most determined of attacker’s. The broad shouldered MVC member fell backwards tears welling in his drawn eyes as his man hood exploded in thousands of painful bursts.
Jack was by now warding of two attackers who had seized him immediately after his pre-emptive assault on their leader. Jack clinched with the biggest of the group keeping close to him, as he did so though the other attacker a scrawny 17 year old threw wild and poorly timed punches into Jacks side and back. With a fast and powerful elbow Jack bloodied the big MVC members face. The elbow gave him an opening, instantly he lowered himself and double leg shot the bigger fighter. Raising him of off the ground, Jack plowed the MVC crewie into the hard surface of the floor. Instantly back onto his feet Jack covered up and launched a swift assault against the scrawny kid which had been hitting his back. Shooting out an open palm Jack plowed the 17-year-olds nose back into his face, with a swift movement he followed up with a devastating knee into the sternum of the gang member.
Barry and Daniel both were fighting of an opponent each, Barry with his relatively smaller frame was on the ground with his larger opponent hitting down at him. Barry using his legs had managed to keep his opponent at bay, still though sporadic kicks and punches continued to batter his body William was finishing of the leader who had made a poor recovery after Jack had kicked him. As the crouched leader attempted to stand, he reached into his pocket to remove a item, William uncertain of what it was assumed it to be a weapon and immediately kicked the crippled crew member with a powerful front kick directed at his sternum. The crewie fell backwards winded and with a cracked sternum and left clavicle. He reeled in obvious agony.
Daniel normally passive and withdrawn had transformed into a potent fighting machine, his soft and ham shaped fists had now become a strong hammer of destruction. His opponent a chunky 18-year-old was cocky when he first started attacking the round and over weight Daniel, he thought Daniel to be an easy victory. He thought wrong, very wrong. With tightly clenched fists Daniel plowed through the MVC punker sending him to the ground in pain. The chunky 18-year-old wore the brunt of the storm; Daniel managed several heavy shots into his face and body. With his full 110kg behind him Daniel managed to pacify the once very angry looking and intimidating youth As soon as He had dispatched of him Daniel went after the punk which stood over Barry. From behind Daniel picked the lighter man up in a tight bear hug and dumped him onto the ground. Daniel’s weight not only winded the punker but also cracked his ribs.
With few injuries the five stood over their battered opponents, the very youth’s which had time and time again attacked the weak and frail. Now these pathetic low lives felt the wrath of another’s fury. It had only lasted a few and very intense seconds the intimidating gang known as the Mega Vandals Crew now layed like pathetic lumps of flesh on the cinema entrances floor. Although Jack threw the first ‘ punch ‘ it was pre-emptive, he knew all to well what the leader and the rest of the gang were intent on doing. The talking phase had proven futile and the leader had shown signs of potential escalation, so Jack immediately acted.
Jack looked down at the leader who was bleeding from several nicks on his face and said, “ I hope you enjoy the rest of the night.”
Jack and his friends walked past the crowd, which had gathered around the scuffle and entered the cinema. A few moments latter several puffed up security guards rushed to the fallen youth’s applying first aid and carrying them out. Barry smiling at himself looked over at Daniel, “ Thanks big guy.” The cinema surveillance would most likely find Jack and his friends guilty, Jack though was not worried, as his grandfather had once told him when he was still a young lad, ‘ It is better to be judged by twelve than to be carried by six.’ Jack smiled he was not to be carried tonight.
The night went on, as the group enjoyed the Cinema and the movie, which they participated in through the large and complex interactivity computer enhanced reality system, which enabled them to not only watch the movie but also partake in the adventure with the characters.

London Training Farm, Outside Adelaide

Sweet glistened on the foreheads, and soaked the thinly clad bodies of the James London, his daughter, son, and a few other’s who train as fighters under his experienced guidance. James turned as he gracefully jogged on the grassy track, to the very rear of the small pack struggled his daughter, Jessica. Her face red and her body covered in perspiration, he smiled, although she was desperately trying to keep up, with the boys and him they had a clear advantage. Yet she was trying, and that is what made him so proud of her, she had an iron will, a determination that he saw in only one other woman, his late wife. He turned and quickened his pace, his son jogged next to him. Her turned to his right, facing his son, who also was covered in sweet, but who was keeping up with much more ease than his little sister. His only son, Darren looked at his Dad and gave him a cocky smile.
“Two more laps “ James said as he increased his pace mildly.
Behind him Steve, Darren’s best friend sighed with relief. Steve was no slouch when it came to roadwork, being a boxer that though did not mean he liked it. To Steve he only ran because he had to, he would much rather drill into a heavy bag, or dance with a sparring partner.
Darren caught up with his Dad; the others in the small group were 3 or so metres behind James and Darren. Jessica was another 2 metres behind them.
Darren smiled at his Dad. “ Only two more, what’s the matter you getting old?” He said between breaths. James increased his pace again, almost sprinting. Darren also started to run harder, catching his old man. The two raced one another leaving the others far behind. Circling the large 400metre running track, James and Darren lapped the others in the group as the completed their final exhausting lap.
James and Darren though had some how found a second wind, and were ruthlessly competing against one another.
James began to slow, he felt fatigue weigh his ageing legs down, Darren still pressed him, began to overtake his old man. James still kept running he watched though as his son, left him for several metres.
James reached the end of the track; he hunched over as his body tried desperately to regain its much-needed oxygen. James continued running, he tried desperately to run faster, but he had nothing left. His body was long past its prime, and his son, was just to fit, to fast, to young. Darren smiled as his Dad reached the end point of the track.
“ I won,” said Darren smiling as he continued sucking in wind. James leaned forward and rested his hands on his knees. His body was hot, his heart pumping, he sighed with every breath, James felt something that he had never felt before, and he felt old. He looked up to his son, and forced a smile. “ Good run, I let you win though.”
Darren smiled back, he looked at his old father suck in the air, he knew that his Dad, thought himself to be much younger than what he really was. Still though not many 59 year olds could run 14km, and sprint the last 800metres. Nor could they still hold their own against world class fighters like Darren’s dad could.
The others reached the end, each one breathing heavily and exhausted from the 35 laps of torture that they had to undergo. They had just run 14 km, and had felt like they had done it after a long fight. James recovered as his son took the others through a stretching routine, each cooling their muscles down and prevented blood from pooling. James also stretched his legs, still though he felt worse for wear. He was glad though, that his fighting days was over. His life now lay in the training of other great fighters, but most importantly his life was for his family.

Adelaide

Jack approached the entrance to a large and advanced looking training academy. Above the impressive entrance a holographic sign glowed in the overcast surrounding’s of Adelaide. The sign read “ Yuki Kondo’s Modern Submission Fighting International” Next to the impressive sign was two holographic flag’s one of the red sun of Japan and the other of Australia. Jack took a moment to look at two holographic figure’s fight one another in swift and realistic fashion. Jack entered the building, an attractive young Japanese woman met him at the entrance, and she smiled and welcomed him.
“ May I help you?” She asked in a mixed accent of Japanese and American English.
“ Ah, Yes I’m here to arrange lesson’s.” Jack replied.
“ If you wish you could have a free lesson now? One starts in about ten minutes, Mr Kondo will be leading it.” Replied the petit Japanese lady.
“ Sure I’d love to “ Eagerly answered Jack.
“ Follow me please.” She smiled. Jack immediately followed her. He couldn’t help to admire her compact figure as she led the way.
The two walked down a long corridor which was well lit, its walls were covered in framed pictures and Holographs of Fighters past and present as well as scenes from famous fights. Jack noted some pictures of epic battles fought in the early days of Mixed Martial Arts. One such picture was of a Gi clad Royce Gracie elbowing the back of the neck of a muscular Ken Shamrock who was tucked in Royce’s guard for the most part of their second fight way back in 1995.
He followed the lady while also trying to take note of the numerous interesting wall decorations.
At the end of the long corridor was a well-lit room its floor covered in green and red mats. In the corner of the large training area was a boxing ring with several bags and dummies surrounding it. Jack smiled as he saw 12 young males standing around dressed in Thai Boxing shorts or Trunks and wearing the academy sports jacket. Several were speaking to one another as they wavered their arms around limbering themselves up. A short Japanese man approached Jack and the woman, he was no taller than 160 cm and would have weighed no more than 65kg, but Jack could see it was a weight of cut muscle. The short Japanese man smiled and reached out his open hand to Jack, both men shook hands.
“ Hello I am Yuki Kondo, were you interested in training with us?” Asked the Japanese man.
“ Yes, I am sorry that I came without a prior arrangement” answered Jack apologetically.
“That is fine, we are about to start. Have you done anything before?” Asked Yuki as he adjusted his Wrestling trunks.
“ Yes, I’ve done a fair bit of Boxing and Grappling at home. A few nights of training at various clubs are here and there. I’m interested in fighting in the Arena. “ Said Jack as he looked the confident man dead in the eyes.

Yuki Kondo was an attractive Japanese man, his Jet black hair was only starting to grey still very active and fit for a man in his late forties. Yuki was at one time the World Arena champion bringing the coveted crown to the shores of the land of the Samurai. After defeating the heavy Johan Dresel of Holland, a heavyweight Kickboxer and the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world light heavyweight champion Pedro Xavier among other competent fighters Yuki earned a great deal of respect and admiration among the general public and the Mixed martial arts community.
In one of James London’s last fights he encountered the younger Kondo, the two fought for a staggering 68 minutes, as both men fought for supremacy in what was surprisingly an action orientated fight. James had scored several takedowns on Yuki in the earlier stages of the fight but the smaller Japanese fighter used an open guard. (The guard is when one opponent is placed on his back, and has his legs wrapped around their opponent. A strong defensive position it provides the fighter on his back with several options to gain a submission or reversal. The open guard is when the opponent is between the legs, but the legs are held loser and more open. This guard is much more offensive and flexible especially when fighting a heavier opponent who has a good base.)
James managed to pass Yuki’s guard after exchanging several solid head and body shots with the Japanese fighter. As Yuki went for a triangle choke James seized the opportunity and escaped the guard and attempted submission. James stood back up opting to fight on his feet; Yuki however stayed on his back with his legs protecting himself keeping distance from James. Yuki trapped James’s leg after the tall Australian attempted a solid body kick from standing. Yuki immediately locked up James’s leg his smaller body trapping the Aussie’s knee. James though cool headed and resilient pulled his leg from the Japanese fighter’s grasp.
After several more exchanges the two returned to their feet. James was dominant in the stand up game. His longer legs and arms kept Yuki at bay as he attempted shoots. James at around the 50-minute mark of the fight scored a powerful thigh kick, which caused a standing interest from the intense crowd. Yuki limped through the rest of the fight protecting the battered leg, sensing this though James continued hammering the leg, following the thigh kicks up with jabs and cross’s. Determined to win by submission James shot in on Yuki both men fought savagely in the clinch, each trying to take the other to the ground. Yuki was tyring by this point and outweighed eventually lost the clinch skirmish. James achieved the mount, positioning himself above Yuki he pounded him with several shots. Each time James went to punch though Yuki bucked and bridged, almost throwing James of off the mount. Both men drenched in sweat and tired began to slow down, occasionally throwing punches to one another’s head or body. Yuki from some almost spiritual source found within himself a fantastic spurt of energy. Tucking his elbows in he fought furiously for an elbow escape, slipping his legs from beneath James. James tried countering Yuki’s escape but the smaller Japanese fighter was too fast and furious. Now inside of Yuki’s guard James stood up, stacking his weight down on Yuki. As he did this he punched sharp hooks into Yuki’s ribs. Yuki though seemed impervious to this pain, just continued to work his legs into James’s side. Keeping a distance and preventing James from bearing his full weight onto him. Yuki hooked his arm around one of James leg and swept him as he did this he pivoted his body, trapping James right leg between his legs. Yuki applied pressure, and James had no option other than to tap Yuki had got him with a kneebar. Both men stood sluggishly up and embraced complimenting one another on a great fight. It was a fight that any man could have won on any given day. Yuki was that man, on that day in 2029. Both James and Yuki still think back to that epic battle. Several years later in 2036, Yuki retired from fighting; his record in Arena fighting stood at 60 fights, with 15 Knock Out’s, and 30 wins by submission. Most of his fights were won in the first two minutes, only against men like James London would the dynamo Yuki go the distance.

Jack Robinson was well aware of Yuki Kondo’s history he had studied him among other legendary fighters. When Jack found out that Yuki and his senior students had located to Adelaide to train, Jack had to take up the opportunity.
Yuki turned to Jack. “ Well we will start now “
The veteran fighter and trainer saw composure in Jack that he thought was unique. It had been a long time since Yuki had seen such an assurance in one’s abilities. It was not cockiness more competency. Yuki was curious he wanted to see how well this young boy would go tonight.
Yuki stepped out onto the mats, the other students followed. Jack stepped out also, he watched as he quickly removed his shoes and jacket. Luckily he was wearing loose clothing. He stepped out and formed up behind the other students. Yuki spoke in Japanese.
“ Class Ready “ as he said this in his native tongue the students stood to attention. Jack was a second behind them.
“ Bow “ was the next Japanese word Yuki spoke. Jack followed watching what the other students did.
“ Ok, Now lightly jog on the spot,” Yuki said in perfect English, “Everyone this is Jack.” He said as he gracefully jogged on the spot. Several of the students turned and faced Jack each nodding or acknowledging him.
“G’day” Jack replied also nodding.
“Now get into right lead fighting stance” snapped Yuki.
Each student brought their right foot forward and raised their left heel as it positioned itself behind the right. Their hands raised with open hands ready. Each was solid poised ready for action. Jack mimicked their posture.
“ Lead uppercut elbows” Yuki said as he began perfectly striking upwards with his right elbow. Jack followed.
“One, Two, Three….” Yuki commanded as he led the class through the movements. Until he reached twenty. He then got them to change sides so that now their left was leading. They then went onto do twenty more. Each elbow was delivered at speed and with power. Yuki took the class through several more stand up techniques leading in each stance. Front Kicks, Jabs, Roundhouse kicks, knees and so on. After an intense thirty minutes Jack and the others were drenched in sweat.
Yuki still composed then took the students through various stretches. They had just completed the warm up. During the warm up Yuki had observed Jack’s technique, he was impressed Jack had looked more impressive than some of the regular student's and young fighters. This though meant little; Yuki was interested in seeing if he could string it all together. That would come later.

The group broke up and had a brief rest and drink of water. Yuki approached Jack.
“How are you feeling?” He asked.
Jack smiled “ Good, thank you. That was a intense warm up, I’m use to a little jogging on the spot and a light stretch”
Yuki laughed lightly “ Then wait for the sparring.”
Jack nodded, their was one thing Jack loved and that was sparring, he was looking forward to impressing Yuki he had to make an impression he thought.

As the training session bore on, Yuki announced to the students to get padded up, as they were to finish the night of with grappling and sparring. Jack helped his partner remove a pair of focus mitts. His training partner was a tall well-built Japanese student named Hayato. First up was sparring the group stood around the ring as two students entered the ring. Each wearing a pair of fingerless gloves which protected the hands from injury with resilient padding, while also allowing the wearer to grapple. On their shins was thin padding, which protected the shins from injury and to take the naked power away from the kicks. And of course they also wore a cup to protect their groin from any intentional or stray shots.

The two in the ring circled each other, one threw a few jabs and the other moved away from them. Eventually the pair found themselves in the clinch, with knees, elbows and punches being exchanged until one managed to throw the other to the ground. Two others got into the ring and sparred for five minutes, then it was Jack’s turn.
He entered the ring; his opponent was a big muscular man easily 115 kilograms with a height of around 183cm. Yuki watched as Jack nodded respectfully to his bigger opponent. Yuki had intentionally sent Jack in against his biggest student.
Jack was not intending on exchanging punches with this guy, he had noted him earlier during the warm up and pad work. And this guy new how to strike, Jack circled around his opponent and threw a harassing round kick. He threw another one but this time his opponent raised his leg to check it. Jack seized the initiative and shot in. At that instant that his opponent had his leg raised Jack plowed into the man’s legs. Rocking him backward Jack quickly worked himself up onto the big opponent. With a swift recovery the big guy locked Jack into a half guard. His muscular legs wrapped around Jack’s left leg and upper thigh. Determined to win by submission before the end of the five minutes Jack managed to slip out of the guard. He found himself in a side control position, his opponent though outweighing Jack by 30 kilograms. The muscular fighter flipped Jack over onto his back; Jack though had anticipated this and managed to trap the big man’s arm. With a fury he locked and hyper extended the elbow, instantly the big man was tapping.

Yuki stepped up and smiled.
“ Very, very good” he looked at his big student, “ are you ok Carl?”.
The big muscular man named Carl looked up at Yuki and nodded.
Jack reached his hand out to help the big guy up. “ Good fight” He said as the two shook hands respectively.
As Jack left the ring Yuki came up to him.
“Very good you just beat my top heavyweight”
Jack turned white, “you mean he was, and I. “
“ He is fighting in the state titles next month “Yuki replied.
Jack shook his head not believing that he had just defeated a state contender for the Arena Heavyweight title. When he had gone in Jack assumed the big fighter to be just someone who trains now and again for self-defence or whatever, not an actual Arena fighter.
Jack watched the other’s fight; his body still nervously trembling with excitement and anticipation. After 15 minutes Yuki led the group to the mats.
“When you’re not grappling I want you to keep warm by moving. We don’t want any cramps or pooling blood,” Yuki said as he pointed to Jack.
“You and Hayato” Jack stepped out and so did his partner from earlier in the night.

Jack crouched low his hands open ready to grapple. Hayato also poised himself ready to grapple; the two tapped hands and circled each other. Jack feinted and Hayato backed up, the two continued to circle. Hayato shot in on Jack, grasping him low at the knees, Jack slid back, sprawling in an attempt to stop the shot. Hayato positioned himself to manoeuvre through Jack’s attempted sprawl. Now both men had each other’s head next to one another’s in a classic head to head position. Hayato clasped his hand behind Jack’s head and pulled down, Jack slipped away. The two fell to the ground after several attempted takedowns. The pair scrambled for control, Jack mounted Hayato, and keeping himself low Jack positioned himself high on Hayato’s chest. Hayato held his arms tightly around Jack’s back. Hayato arched his back in attempt to dismount Jack; no good Jack’s base was to strong.
After a few more long seconds, which seemed more like hours Hayato managed to reverse the position, he had locked Jack’s right leg and bridged his back. Now Jack was on the bottom, Hayato though was in his guard. Jack wasting no time wrapped his legs around Hayato’s neck and caught him in a triangle choke, grabbing his ankle he applied pressure. Hayato though a senior Yuki student was no slouch in escaping such positions. Planting his arms onto the mat He turned to his right, his left knee moved onto Jack’s stomach. He continued to twist releasing the pressure from his neck. Hayato then spun securing Jack’s right ankle. Hayato quickly applied pressure; Jack twisted, trying to escape the impending ankle lock. Hayato trapping Jack’s other leg had prevented him from escaping. With the lock secured Jack had no other option but to tap. Hayato helped Jack up; Jack took hold of his hand.
“ Good match “ Hayato said shaking Jack’s hand.
“ Thanks You certainly changed things to your advantage” Jack replied.
“ Good, Very Good” Yuki said as he patted both men on the back.

Yuki had watched keenly as his top grappler Hayato fight a toughly contested match with the new comer. Yuki was impressed, Jack had shown a lot of control during the match but Hayato was easily more experienced and came through in the end.

By the end of the night Jack was exhausted two hours of tough training was likely to do that to you. As Jack put his shoes on several of the students stood around speaking with him. The large muscular fighter Carl came over to Jack and again congratulated him.
Several of the students left thanking Yuki for a good training; Jack waited around and spoke to Yuki thanking him.
“ You said you were interested in fighting?” Yuki asked Jack.
“ Yeah sure” replied Jack.
“ How would you like to fight next week, one of the other academies students pulled out, so there is a spot open. I could pull some strings to get you in. You weigh, what 88, 90 kilo?”
“ 90 at the moment, well probably 80 with all the sweat I’ve lost “ Jack smiled.
“ Well how about it? You come here and train with my boys and we improve your abilities “ Yuki said as he tapped Jack on the shoulder.
“ I would be honoured to train and fight for you Mr Kondo “ Jack answered looking at the shorter man. The man who Jack had the ut most respect for the man who held the World Arena Combat Championship title for two years.

Jack lay in bed unable to sleep, his mind was working in overdrive. He analysed his performances at Yuki’s. Happy with himself but he was also frustrated. Although he was already a good fighter, he only wanted to be better and at times this was counter-productive, as he ignored his accomplishments and pushed himself to hard to better his skills. While other’s may think him to be great he thought of himself to be mediocre, comparing himself to the international fighters and competitors. Now his mind thought of the coming tournament, the fight he may face. He had set his luxurious bed so that it would wake him at 5 AM. He hated to get up early, if he wanted to win then he had to sacrifice he decided, and at 5 in the morning he was going to run 4km and then shadow box for a while. Several more minutes later his eyes began to fall heavy and he eventually fell to sleep, finally. In the morning he would begin his next phase, he had taken the next step he had bumped up his level two more notches.