"Life is lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road and we stand on the mountain looking back through the valley that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale.” Jill Savage

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Hump Day . . . Red Senior Belt . . .



“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” —Helen Keller


We are trying to help build the GS character here and his self confidence and of course for his own safety. It's healthy too.



This was the day of testing for hie red senior belt. He has brown, brown senior, and then Black to go - it won't be the end of it - but then they keep the belt and earn gold stripes on that - the highest amount of stripes is 9.

He started in Tiger Cubs and went through all the belts until black. Then he started over in the actual Black Belt Program. The red coat means he committed himself all the way to black belt.

He started then with the white uniform, earned his white belt, white senior, yellow belt,

yellow senior, gold belt, gold senior, orange belt, and orange senior, then . . .
(look at that kick - how high) green belt which was about half way.


Then green senior, blue belt, and then blue belt senior, and then on to ...

purple belt and purple senior, he is now being tested for his defense drills. Choi Kwang Do unless Tai Kwang Do is a defensive sport - not an offensive sport.

You never throw the first punch - in fact you have to try to say I'm sorry to the bully - then tell someone - then punch - unless of course it is to save your life or something.

No competition for trophies - it is all personal goals. You compete for yourself. This group or program is a family. They have sleep overs, go to movies, go swimming, all sorts of things like that.

Okay blue senior, purple belt, and purple senior, (I am going to have to think of something to do with all those belts.)

After purple senior comes the red belt - the one he just had and he was testing here for his red belt senior which he passed -


He tests in front of a panel of five judges. They also have to be doing good at school and at home and to be respectful.

The testing is over.


Here is the promise they repeat at the beginning of every class.

And they repeat these as well.
GS receiving his red senior belt!!!!!!!!!!


They all congratulate him - they shake hangs and bow - Now for brown, brown senior and black belt - either in June or September. We are having a big party for him then.


“Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them.” —Orison Swett Marden

Love Sandie

Baby News:
Okay DIL is in the hospital making no progress so it might end up a C section later on? I am very anxious.

Thanks also for letting me rattle on about my GS. Love that guy. And I will love the other one too - in fact I do already.

19 comments:

Unknown said...

I so love the little ones in this sport, our GS is also.

Special good wishes for the baby & daughter, hope all goes well.

Have a beautiful & blessed Thanksgiving holiday season ~
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Lois Christensen said...

I love what Karate has done for my son. He's a brown belt and will be able to go for his black belt sometime in the spring. Hope all is well with your daughter and her baby!!!

Together We Save said...

Your GS is amazing, that is alot to be proud of. Can't wait to see pictures of the newest edition!!

Ginny Hartzler said...

How totally cool!!! He is such a high kicker! The principles are Christ-like, too. What a wonderful thing! I have been praying for DIL, and to have a good safe delivery and a healthy baby. Keep us posted, it's almost time!!

Angela said...

Congratulations Andy! Way to go Boy!

I don't know how you keep up with knowing which belt this and which belt that! I know nothing about it but I am learning from reading about Andy's adventures in getting his Black Belt!

Can't wait to see pictures of the new baby!

Hugs,
Angela

Melanie said...

Great pictures!! Congratulations to Andy! What a proud grandma you are...and with good reason!
Hope you'll hear something about your new grandson very soon!! :)

Debbie said...

Well congratulations to him!! I think the whole program sounds wonderful. I love that they set goals and compete for themselves rather than compete against someone else.

The oaths are excellent.
What a worthwhile thing for your grandson to do.

And... I hope you have OTHER news soon too!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Oh GS is doing so well!! I know it is so good for him. Praying for the new baby and DIL that all is well. Let me know when it happens!!!

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

I have always greatly admired,
Hellen Keller. She was an Australia who progressed the knowledge on how to give polio victim's a better more valuable life.....through massage and exercise...

Then I look at all the wonderful photos of GS and see your pride in his achievements...and rightly so. I praise God for a healthy little boy who can conquer the world. Who can use agile movements.
And for so many other children who can also achieve so much... its a thrill for me to see....
God bless you all.

^..^Corgidogmama said...

It's neat that not only is he getting physical training, but moral training as well. Very good lessons as he continues to grow in mind, spirit, and body.
He's a lucky boy to have a grandma like you Sandie girl!

Pat MacKenzie said...

I'm totally impressed with GS's progress. You have enough belts there to make into a quilt!

It'll be a relief to all of you to finally see the new little guy. Hope all goes well.

Anonymous said...

That old lady cartoon made me laugh. I've seen her all over the internet for years but I can't remember her name?

The karate set of principles are a good set of principles for all of us to live by.

~Ron

BECKY said...

Cool photos! My youngest son took Tae Kwon Do for years. We started him young, too, because he grew up like an only child (older brothers MUCH older!) and I believe it helped his confidence and everything. Very cool indeed! And wow...that other grandbaby of yours just doesn't want to come out into this world yet, does she?

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, how neat! I'm so proud of him, Sandie, as this is hard, hard work!

And I hope you have some good news and a new grand SOON!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Velvet Over Steel said...

So excited for you!!! Can't wait to see pictures of the new little one!!

& loved all the pictures of your GS; the cartoon & the quotes too! But the GS is the most Awesome!!!!

Blessings & Hugh Hug,
Coreen

Susan said...

Oh Sandie...Hard day for DIL. Hope by tomorrow we will have great news! Congrats to GS. How wonderful he is studying the martial arts. Susan

betty said...

Congrats to GS!! That is such an accomplishment and a commitment to "go all the way!". I'm glad you explained the red uniform, I was trying to figure out why there was a girl there in white and the rest were in red. I do think all will deserve a party once he gets to his black belt!

(hoping the new grandson is here by now!)

betty

Rose said...

you are naturally proud of your GS. great photos. awaiting news about the Mom and baby. rose

Nikki (Sarah) said...

very cool. I think these classes are preparing him for life. And about Maxine...I'd love to meet the zany wacky brain behind those cartoons.