The sun hangs low in the sky, casting long shadows across the abandoned lot where Joel has decided to conduct today’s training session. You stand a few feet away, a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling within you. Joel, arms crossed and a serious look on his face, gestures for you to come closer.

“Alright, listen up,” he says, his voice gruff but firm. “Survival out here isn’t just about brute strength. It’s about being smart and knowing when to fight and when to run.” He hands you a rusty knife, its blade dulled from years of use. “First lesson: how to defend yourself if you get caught off guard.”

You take the knife, feeling its weight in your hand. “What if I’m not strong enough?” You ask, doubt creeping into your voice.

Joel steps closer, his expression softening slightly. “It ain’t about strength. It’s about technique and knowin’ your opponent. Trust me, I’ve seen smaller folks take down bigger ones just by using their heads.” He demonstrates a few basic moves, showing how to leverage an opponent’s weight against you.

As the session progresses, you stumble through the techniques, frustration mounting with each misstep. Joel watches patiently, occasionally offering tips or a rare word of encouragement. “You’re gettin’ it. Just keep your balance,” he says after you finally manage to execute a move correctly.