Dojo

With nods to the traditional and popular predecessors of boxing and wrestling, Jones adds to the Dojo series a heavy dose of drama. Hector, on the verge of 18 and also his first big mixed martial arts fight, has a lot going on. His father's alcoholism has split the family apart, his girlfriend and his best friend choose each other when his commitment to MMA leaves little time for socializing, and his mother disapproves of his passion, constantly worrying about potential injuries. Hector bears all of this well, and he maintains his focus. But sometimes he finds himself giving in to his fears and rage. Flashing back to as far back as eight years prior, the narrative uncovers Hector's motivation inside the cage. Jones posits the titular strategic move as a symbol of Hector's adversity on all sides, including the battle he must wage with himself.

Jackson James wants three things: to succeed in MMA, to join the military like his father, and to protect his little brother from ending up in trouble like he did. But it's a challenge to stay in control of his life at school, at home, and at the dojo-especially with the distraction of Tyresha Harris, one of the new female fighters. When faced with tough choices, can Jackson learn to make the right ones inside the cage and out?

Nong Vang dreams that one day he'll be an MMA superstar. He can trash-talk with as much force as his deadly kicks. But being a hero in his real life hinges on more than his first amateur MMA fight-it means struggling through school and protecting his family from his bully big brother. Can he find the courage and skill to succeed inside the cage and out?

Meghan lived through the car crash that killed her mom, but it left her with injuries that ruined her school sports career. Now she's the dojo's toughest female fighter. She just has to avoid getting kicked out for her pain pill habit. As her first amateur fight approaches, Meghan will have to decide if she's ready to move on from the crash and the secrets. Can she find the courage to choose her moves wisely-inside the cage and out?