It has been a long time coming, but Andrew finally did it – again. Tonight he tested for his 2nd degree black belt and instructor certification. It was a tough test, but he did it. It is hard to believe that he’s a 2nd degree black belt at the age of 12. Of course, it was hard to believe that he was a black belt at 10.
I am so stinking proud of him. He has come a long way in the last 6 years. He was once the uncoordinated child that could not stand on one foot to save his life, let alone kick. Today, however, he has precision and remarkable balance.
He was presented with a nice embroidered gi top with an instructor patch on the sleeve.
He’s got the bruise across the bridge of his nose and a little black eye starting to prove that he did it. He’s got this big bruise on his shoulder and arm and a few on his chest. Yes, he took a beating. He got kicked in the face.
Kyle went and helped with the testing. They have to do an endurance drill. This can be one of many things. With the kids, however, he likes to have them spar continuously (small breaks every so many minutes) for an extended period of time. In some ways this is better, in others it is worse. Sparring means more bruises. Anyway, Kyle was an animal sparring tonight. My goodness the child had the owner and other instructors surprised. Way to go, Kyle! I have NEVER seen him spar that energetically.
For me the, the worst part of the test to watch is the board break. I can’t imagine how much it hurts. The kids never get through the board on the first try. Most don’t break the board on the 2nd or 3rd try. Ouch!
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