Defenders of SMASH: Every Hero Has a Beginning (A Martial Arts Adventure Story)

By Joel S. Levinson

In a world not so different from our own, a young man named Justin finds himself battling for his life as he attempts to rescue children from the evil Governor Mont’s Selection process. As his odds of success dwindle, a chance meeting with two strangers, Cassie, a young lady with a mean left hook, and an ancient mentor called the Professor, reveals a secret that might help save his world. May their hope to succeed prevail!

As you can tell, this story is about HOPE. The hope to succeed. The hope to thrive. And In the world of Defenders (as in real life) hope requires help. Justin's friends, the martial arts, and Justin's ultimate belief that his world could be better if he did something drives his quest to give hope where none existed. Justin learns that it's all about having the confidence, commitment, and compassion to fight for what you believe in, to use your talents to give hope to others and to learn from everything (and everyone) around you to become a better human being. Justin has to believe that he is capable of success, NO EXCEPTIONS!

So to ensure that the world hears the message “All children are capable of success, NO EXCEPTIONS!” part of the proceeds of this book will be donated to the Kids At Hope Organization (a 501(c)3) - KidsAtHope.org

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joel S. Levinson
• Release date: Jan 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463513804

Joel S. Levinson

“Can’t is only true if you never take action to prove you can.”Joel S. Levinson knows what it’s like to walk to the abyss, get sucked in, make excuses, stare his future self in the eye, and pull himself back out. He knows the personal and professional pressures of being told he would certainly fail, and yet achieve success.Without succumbing to his critics and with great support from family and friends, he has gone on to author or co-author four books, create five entrepreneurial companies, and been president of multiple $100M business units in the Fortune 500. He earned his Masters from Southern Methodist University, and his black belt in American Kenpo. He is privileged to sit on the board of directors for two non-profit organizations: Kids at Hope and Your Heart, Our Hands.Joel strives every day to be the consummate catalyst for generating actions that accelerate positive results in his family, friends, and clients’ lives – he wants everyone to achieve their goals and dreams!He is humbled to be the dad of two beautiful daughters, Jaime and Sarah. And he is blessed beyond belief for the 34 years (and counting!) of marriage to his bride, Jackie.

Book preview

DEFENDERS OF S.M.A.S.H.

Every Hero has a Beginning

(A Martial Arts Adventure Story)

By Joel S Levinson

Inspired by Lawrence E. Robinson II

Defenders of S.M.A.S.H.: Every Hero has a Beginning

(A Martial Arts Adventure Story)

Copyright © 2018 by Joel S. Levinson. All Rights Reserved.

Defenders of S.M.A.S.H. title and concept are copyrighted by Lawrence E. Robinson II & Joel S. Levinson. Used with permission.

Published in the United States by Expanding Star, Inc. Phoenix, AZ.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without the prior writing permission from the publisher, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.

No activities from this book and story should be replicated without appropriate expertise and/or supervision.

For information about this title or to order other books and/or electronic media, contact the publisher at: [e-mail]

Printed in the United States of America

Cover and Interior Design: Expanding Star, Inc.

Editor: KM Creative Design ([e-mail])

Cover character copyright: Shutterstock / zeber

This book is dedicated to all that take action to help others achieve a better life.

To all of my mentors, instructors, and teachers…

Each have shared their knowledge and experiences without limits or expectations. Each of you are a great example for the next generation to learn from. I would not be who I am today without you.

A special thanks to the Attitude First Martial Arts kids, members, parents, and instructors that encouraged me to complete this story on that downpour of a day at summer camp. Thanks for listening; it meant more than you know. You’re the best! I’ll see you on the mat!

FOREWORD

WOW! It’s so cool to see a simple idea for a kid’s summer camp become a full-length martial arts adventure story. A tale that shares with the reader the internal conflict of knowing what needs to be done but not understanding the confidence and courage required to accomplish it. A story that displays the heroes having struggles like we all do and displaying the conviction to follow through.

I was happy to see that the characters gave us all a peek behind the curtains. It helps us to understand the values and responsibility associated with practicing an art. How important it is to share with and inspire others. How we need to protect the weak and helpless without taking advantage. And how we must always be ready to work with others to help them identify their strengths and to confront their weaknesses.

This adventure brings to light the vastness that Martial Arts training holds for its practitioners. Depending on one’s commitment level and interest, the facets of the Martial Arts range from personal defense to an incredible history full of important and interesting personalities, and to a healthy activity that benefits both the mind and the body.

Personally, I have spent over 40 years of training, competing and teaching in the martial arts and yet this story has inspired a new curiosity. It reminds me that skills require developing and honing. And even though we would all love an easy route, nothing can replace dedication and discipline.

May you enjoy Justin and Cassie’s inspiring adventure as much as I did!

Lawrence E. Robinson II

41-year active participant in the Martial Arts

6th Degree Black Belt

Attitude First Martial Arts, Phoenix, AZ

Chapter 1: Saving Humanity

I don't want to be selected, Teddy whispers to the kid next to him as he wipes his forehead. He’s scared.

Don't make us go back! Sal pleads from the rear of the line as he takes bigger steps to keep up with the other kids ahead of him.

Justin, a dark-haired 16-year-old, waves the kids along the fence line as they follow him. Keep low; I’ll protect you, he tells them seeing the fear in their eyes. His own brow sweats despite the coolness of the evening as he hopes and prays that he can deliver on his promise. He wants all of the kids to have the same freedom he has.

Justin had parents not guards, and he has always been able to live under the open sky and sun. There were no cages that held him, no rations being fed to him, just space to be able to enjoy life and grow up. Justin’s parents were able to keep him safe until that fateful day last year. They were all on a mission just like this, right down to the stillness before the storm. That was the first time his parents finally let him join in to help save the kids from Governor Mont. This is the first time he is trying to do it alone.

Don’t lose sight of me, he tells the children. He is committed to being their beacon of hope to help them escape their plight. We have to get away before it starts raining! He looks up at the darkness knowing the rain the clouds hold and that it will slow everyone down. It had been an overcast day, which had brought night on faster and had masked their movement thus far. Yet, time is not on their side.

As he leads the line of kids toward what he hopes is safety and freedom, he thinks about what he heard Governor Mont blast over a loud speaker that horrible day when he and his parents had tried to save those locked up: You are enemies of the territory and are not required to further our society. He remembers the four teens that had attempted to escape with them. One had followed him to safety, two had been brutally recaptured, and there had been one that he still mourned for… what was her name again?