I’d like to first thank my former editor Cheryl Klein, who years back brought me an idea about a troubled high school wrestler and then gave me the space to make the story my own. When the project was handed over to Nick Thomas, I was skeptical anyone could fill Cheryl’s shoes, but his steadfast optimism, perceptive eye, and stalwart intransigence on key aesthetic elements have proven invaluable. He got this book into fighting shape.

I’m in debt to Natnaree Junboonta, Michael Jerryson, and Dan Fethke for their expert insights into Thai culture and Buddhist tradition, as well as Julie Francisco of the Kalpa Bhadra Kadampa Buddhist Center of Harrisburg for her wisdom and generosity of time and spirit. For sharing their keen understanding on matters of meditation, I thank Toru Sato and Tomoko Grabosky.

I drew inspiration from many individuals I met through my involvement with wrestling and judo, among them Dave Holmes, Hachiro Oishi, my nephews Jerrod and Brian, and my brother John. A special nod to his son Keegan, whose combination of ferocity on the mat and gentle kindness outside the arena struck me as an interesting character core long ago.

This book was helped greatly by a sabbatical from my teaching post at Shippensburg University, and I should like to thank the committee and administration. I must also note the support of my colleagues, among them Nicole, Kim, Rich, Shari, and Sharon.

I also need to give a shout-out to Chris Naddeo, long-time reader, for his unreasonable encouragement of my writing and his impenetrable defense to a tai otoshi.

Finally I’m grateful beyond words to Beth and our boys, for continually giving me reason to write.