Red Belts Are "In"

We had reason to celebrate today in our house... Andrew received his red belt in taekwondo!!!

He performed very well with all of his testing... although, he still has room for improvement in breaking boards. Luckily, breaking a board isn't "required" to pass a test. But... it does show a level of ability and concentration learned from TKD.

Why does he have problems breaking a board? Self confidence... he looks at the board and doesn't think he can break it, even though he's done it before.

It was funny, though... when Grand Master Sosa took time after the test to work with him on breaking, he had Andrew close his eyes and follow through at the board... and... he broke it. (Which was quite funny seeing Andrew's reaction) But, when he tried a few more times with his eyes open, he wasn't able to break it. Again... it comes down to self confidence. His eyes tell him he can't, even though he can.

Here are a few snapshots from the test:

Grand Master Sosa works with Andrew on his form during the test.

Andrew performs his most recently learned form.

Andrew's best friend from church breaking a board with his elbow.

Another friend performing a running jump kick to break a board.

Andrew and his best friend after receiving their red and green belts.

We are so very proud of Andrew and what he's been able to accomplish in the almost 2-1/2 years that he's been doing participating in taekwondo. He's stuck with it and is determined to reach his goal of becoming an under-aged black belt (under 16). Andrew might not be the most aggressive kid, or the strongest kid, or the toughest kid. But, he's probably one of the most determined kids.

But most important... Andrew has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I've ever known... and that's bigger than any color belt he could ever receive.