A new belt

Isaac has been taking taekwondo for several months now and the other night, after class, he took his yellow belt test.  He has been studying Korean terms and practicing his forms (the pattern of moves he needs to know for each belt).  He had it all under his “belt” as test night came.  I took him to the dojang and he was cool as can be for his normal training session.  After class, most people headed out until only black belts and the 5 people being tested remained.

Each student had to do two of their forms and answer Grand Master Kang as he asked them questions about Korean terminology.  Isaac did great on the items as he had studied so much.  I knew that he would also have to break a board with a kick but I figured there was no way to safely practice that at home.  So, the moment of truth came and it was Isaac’s turn.  He lined up and positioned the poor guys who had to hold the board and took a practice kick to make sure his aim was right.  And then, my poor helpless son kicked the board so hard that it cracked perfectly.  In fact, I heard the board, long since dead, come back to life, just so it could scream in pain.  His eyes lit up and I have never seen him more proud.  I think I was also as proud as I have ever been.  He didn’t know what exactly to expect so he just jumped in with both feet…well, really with one foot..but he went for it!

Each student got to keep their board pieces but had to line back up for another round of questions…this time the hard ones about family life and respect and helping one’s parents by doing chores and obeying, etc.  This was probably the toughest part of the whole test, especially for the kids.  Kids had to think on their feet and speak extemporaneously.  He answered every question (though, now I have some leverage!) and was passed with no hesitation.  Grand Master Kang awarded him a yellow belt with a green tip.

The last few evenings since that night, Isaac has done almost nothing but practice his forms and think “taekwondo”.  His pride is warranted and I am delighted that he has found something he enjoys so much.  I think I may have to toughen up some for his teenage years though…

11 thoughts on “A new belt

  1. Awe you must be so proud. Thats one of those moments you’ll always remember. Congrats to Isaac!

    Lily can earn a medal in gymnastics if she climbs the rope all the way to the top of the rafters. She has gotten about 3/4 of the way but hasn’t conquered her fear of heights. It is still fun to watch her!

  2. It’s funny. Before the yellow belt testing, Isaac only wanted to go to Tae Kwon Do 2 nights a week to practice. Since the test, he wants to go 5 nights a week to make sure he can pass his green belt test! More work on the parents but it is worth it.

  3. Awesome. Congratulations Isaac.
    This has been a great week for student success, and I cannot say enough about how amazing our children are, and can be.
    ***big cheers*** from our home to yours.

  4. congrats on the yellow with green belt. I think you will take after your dad in being good at what he does. Good work!

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