The Grass Family Chronicles

Today was a very big day for Caleb and Andy. In November, they started Tae Kwon Do lessons, and they loved it right away. Their teacher, Master Park, is equally scary and funny, which is very good for teaching this kind of sport. They started in the Tiny Tigers class, which is a special white belt class for 3-6 year olds, but quickly moved up to the regular white belt class. They are among the youngest in their class, Andy definitely being the youngest. Today was belt test day, where they took a test to see if they would move up to the yellow stripe belt. Before they had their test, we had to wait for all the upper belts to complete theirs. It took over an hour! Then it was finally their turn. First they had to do the white belt form, which is basic form #1.




Then they had to do their one-step sparring and self-defense moves.







The final test was the one we were all nervous for; they had to kick a board and break it. I didn't get video of Caleb, but he was the first one in his class to do it, on the first kick! Andy did it on his second attempt. He was so scared!








Then it was over. There was a ceremonial bow to your parents and put on your new belt thing, but then we were done. It took two hours and they were so focused the whole time. I couldn't believe it! Afterward, we went out for ice cream, even though it was past bedtime. You have to live on the wild side every once in a while!

We are so proud of Caleb and Andy, but even more important, they are proud of themselves. I can't tell you how many times this evening Caleb said, "I LOVE that I broke that board!". Tae Kwon Do has been so good for them; building self-confidence, self-discipline (they have to do chores at home and excel academically in order to be able to take belt tests. Believe me, I fill out lots of forms every week!) and athleticism. We love Tae Kwon Do!

Posted in: on Friday, March 13, 2009 at at 9:55 PM