“And, nevertheless, I will become a champion,” said Ilyas, lying in the ring and wiping drops of blood flowing from his nose. The hero of this story was born in a country called the Soviet Union. His youth was spent in the turbulent 90s, when his country was no longer so great. But he was incredibly grateful to fate for everything that happened to him in life, for the people he met along the way. Ilyas will forever remember the words of his teacher, which will run like a red thread throughout his entire life: “If one day I am not next to you, remember: you are braver than you suspect, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. And one more thing - I will always be with you, even if I’m not there.” The book is addressed to everyone who is interested in martial arts and honors the traditions of their ancestors.