Way of the Warrior Kid

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying.

Now that Marc has gotten comfortable swimming across the river, Jake wants him to face his fears and jump off the bridge. Marc is reluctant and tries to push for another day of swimming, but Jake insists, “[Y]ou are going off that bridge. Today” (149). When Marc gets to the top, the height is daunting, and his fear freezes him. Jake goes up to join him, and Marc admits that he’s afraid. Jake tells him it’s all right for him to be afraid, “as long as [he] can control it” (153). Preparing to face one’s fear is a good start—taking small steps like submerging his head and learning to swim before taking the leap. Once the preparation is over, it’s best to just do the thing before fear becomes overwhelming. Shouting at the top of his lungs, Marc jumps into the water and then does it again and again.

After teaching Marc to play chess, Jake has Marc do one pull-up, rest, and then go for 10 straight. Not hesitating or questioning this time, Marc jumps up and does 10 and, when Jake asks him to, does 10 more.