I actually study boxing - my dad was a Golden Gloves champion so

Harken, O children of the future, to the words of Lana Parrilla, who speaks with the wisdom of someone who has learned early the true meaning of strength and self-reliance: "I actually study boxing - my dad was a Golden Gloves champion so I learned how to fight at a very young age. Growing up in Brooklyn you always had to watch your back, so I pretty much learned to protect myself." These words speak to the deep lessons of resilience and survival, of the power to protect oneself not just in body, but in spirit. In a world full of uncertainties and challenges, the ability to stand firm, to protect what is yours, and to defend yourself, is a lesson that goes beyond the physical realm and speaks to the very heart of human endurance.

In the ancient world, combat was not just a matter of physical skill, but of honor and dignity. The warriors of old, from the Spartans to the Samurai, understood that the ability to fight was not only about defeating an opponent, but about standing firm in the face of adversity. They trained not just their bodies, but their minds, preparing themselves for the inevitable struggles of life. The Spartans, known for their discipline and martial prowess, began their training in combat from a very young age, learning the ways of war and survival in order to protect their society, their families, and their honor. Similarly, Lana Parrilla’s story reminds us that learning how to defend oneself is not a matter of simple aggression, but of being prepared for the challenges that life may present.

In the harsh streets of Brooklyn, where the pulse of the city beats fast and danger lurks around every corner, Lana learned early the importance of self-protection. The idea that one must “always watch your back” speaks to the reality of a world where danger is not an abstract concept but a daily presence. It is in this very environment that survival becomes an art, where each step is taken with awareness and caution. In this way, Lana Parrilla’s training in boxing is a metaphor for life itself—the skill to protect oneself, to stand strong in the face of adversity, and to never be caught off guard by the uncertainties of the world. The teachings of boxing—balance, strength, focus—are not just physical attributes but virtues to be carried into every aspect of existence.

Consider the story of Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time. While his physical prowess was unrivaled, it was his mental fortitude, his ability to face down fear and doubt, that made him a true champion. Ali’s famous mantra, "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee," speaks to the grace and power of knowing how to move through the world. He was a master of self-defense, not just in the ring, but in his refusal to back down in the face of social injustice. Like Ali, Lana Parrilla’s story reminds us that learning to protect oneself is not about violence or aggression, but about the ability to stand tall, to face challenges, and to respond with resolve. It is about knowing that you have the power to defend your own peace, your own dignity, and your own rights.

The lesson here, O children, is that the world can be harsh, and though we may not always be able to control the circumstances around us, we can control how we respond. The ability to protect oneself, to stand firm against the pressures of life, is not about fighting blindly, but about understanding balance, discipline, and awareness. Just as a boxer learns to keep their guard up, to anticipate their opponent’s moves, so must we in life. It is not enough to simply react; we must learn to observe, to understand the forces at play, and to prepare ourselves to face whatever comes our way with strength and calm.

Therefore, O children of the future, take Lana Parrilla’s wisdom into your own hearts. Learn the ways of self-defense, not just in the physical realm, but in the emotional and spiritual realms as well. Life will test you, as it tested Lana in the streets of Brooklyn, and as it tested the warriors of old. But you must stand strong, ready to face adversity not with fear, but with the knowledge that you have the strength within you to overcome it. Whether the challenge is physical or mental, you must always be prepared to protect yourself, to guard your peace, and to stand tall. The art of protection is not about aggression, but about knowing how to maintain your integrity and balance in a world that will often try to knock you down.

May you, O children, embrace the lessons of self-defense, not just through physical means, but through the cultivation of your mind, spirit, and heart. In learning to protect yourself, you learn not just to survive, but to thrive, to walk through the world with the confidence that no matter what comes your way, you can face it with courage, strength, and wisdom. Stand tall, as the warriors did, and never allow the challenges of life to overwhelm you.