Growing up is hard enough, but it’s worse as a pacifist whose country is at war. Jim and Brian are neighbors, best friends, and high school graduates heading for college. In 1970 the Vietnam War raged, and Brian and Jim, both pacifists, worry about being drafted. To make matters worse, both men are gay and far from out. When Brian finally admits his feelings for his friend, he’s surprised and pleased Jim feels the same. Brian’s father teaches jujitsu, and the two men learn the ancient art, though neither believes in fighting. They struggle to overcome their pacifist tendencies amid racial tension and homophobia that threatens to tear their lives -- and their love -- apart. Can Brian and Jim turn fear into courage and learn to defend themselves, and each other, to create a life of love?

Fear and Courage

Sensei showed more escapes from the same hold. He had the boys take turns trying to choke him. Once he stepped in, shooting his arms high to break the grip, then he kneed to the groin, safely, but the point was made. Another escape was to slam a palm into the attacker’s face while stepping back. Then a side kick to a knee was used. In all, he showed half a dozen escapes.


Sensei clapped his hands, and the boys came to attention. “Sit.” Sensei sat on the mat with crossed legs, and the boys faced him in the same posture. “I’ll count to eight slowly and you breathe in. Hold it for four seconds. I’ll count. I’ll count to eight again and you exhale slowly. Clear your minds, or if you can’t, stare at one point. It can be a spot on the wall, the flame of a candle, my black belt, etc. Focus. When thoughts slip in, use the exhale to gently blow them away.”


They nodded and went through the sequence a dozen times.


Chapter 31