By Spartan law, Liam refused to quit, refused to surrender, refused to take a backward step. It’s no wonder he’s the longest surviving Spartan in the Agoge.

Last Wednesday, those present witness the personification of determination. Liam was to be tested for his brown belt, after nearly three year’s training with us. As usual, there was the build up and anticipation. Liam – being one of the smallest and least physically developed of the Agoge, was pitted against bigger and stronger children in greco clinch – in which he gave strong battle, taking down children you wouldn’t normally expect him to beat.

Liam was gassed after round one, his raspy breath highlighting the energy he’d expended to put in a good show. For the freestyle, he didn’t back down, nor did his skill level falter and become frustrated dives. If anything, his skill grew as his grading progressed.

This showing continued during his ground fighting, at times it looked as if Liam was going to explode with the effort. For his competitive matches, tears of exhaustion seeped from his face, but no complaints were made. Liam maintained a steely gaze ahead and a barely perceptible nod let his coaches know he understood the task ahead of him.

Afterwards, Liam lay there – exhausted, gasping for breath, his lungs to fatigued to even expand fully. If people gaze half as much determination as Liam – they’d never fail. Liam – should he continue, will surely rival Rocky Balboa in his heart and determination.

Well done Liam – Brown Belt of Sparta!