1984 Pittsburgh, USA
The early 1980s were boisterous. I was living my teenage years that were very vibrant, but I was nevertheless beaten up quite regularly. The situation became unbearably agonizing, but it all changed in an instant. Karate Kid taught me how superior the crane kick was. I therefore started to practice the crane kicks for several hours a day, and frankly, I learned the technique very well. I started to win fights. Shaking slightly, I stared at my stronger assailant with scary eyes, arms resting at my sides and my other leg hanging in the air. I could always feel Mr. Miyagi’s gaze on the back of my head. And BANG, the enemy went down. I celebrated, and in my mind I could hear the audience cheering. For many years, I focused on practicing the crane kick. Today, I am concentrating on more peaceful ways of being. I try to turn my back to the crane kick. Although this fighting technique, the most effective one of all times, will always remain a part of my life, I nowadays spend my limited time feeding the squirrels in Seurasaari and planning for the upcoming tram rides. I know that next summer will be the best one I have ever had.
