Friday, July 31, 2009

My Son is Yellow Bellied!

Well, on the day my 11 yo son was supposed to test for his yellow belt a few weeks ago, I sent Sensei an e-mail the morning of the test and told him that "Buddy" was just not ready. He would not have done himself justice if he had tested that night. "Buddy" even admitted it himself. So, we rescheduled and he tested last night.


And he passed! Yay, Buddy!


His problem has never been knowing the moves - it has always been in his execution of those moves. He usually gives no "purpose" to his form. Last night in watching him test, I have to admit, I was impressed. He really put the "oomph" into his blocks, kicks and katas.


Last night, he was presented with two patches for his kata. Next Thursday, he will receive his yellow belt...therefore becoming yellow-bellied! (And in this context, who wouldn't want to be called yellow-bellied?) Buddy did his mom and dad proud!


More importantly, he was also very proud of himself. I am hoping this might motivate him to work harder and more thoroughly than before. A little confidence can go a long way - take it from someone who knows that firsthand.

8 comments:

Dan Cosgrove said...

Congratulations! Regardless of what anyone says, yellow belt's the hardest one to get.

Slop -n- Goulash: Dinner of Champions! said...

I agree wholeheartedly, Dan, because at least in our school, it is your first earned belt and no matter how much you are prepared, you are nervous and really don't know what to expect. I know I was a nervous wreck when I tested for yellow. Now that the drama in my life has started to even out, I'm going to get back to concentrating on practicing and working toward my orange belt. TBTW, thanks for the congrats for Buddy.

Matt "Ikigai" said...

congrats to him. hopefully it is the first earned of many.

Meg said...

Congratulations to Buddy!! He will always remember that belt. He can be proud of his achievement!

Slop -n- Goulash: Dinner of Champions! said...

Thanks on behalf of "Buddy". I know I'm proud as punch! It's been a long time coming. I can't wait to see him receive his belt in front of the class.

Perpetual Beginner said...

Congratulations to Buddy! Yellow belt is the hardest, especially for kids, because they're at their youngest - still trying to figure out themselves as well as this weird martial arts stuff. I'm so glad it went well.

Diver Daisy said...

YEAH!!!! :)

Cheri said...

Congratulations to Buddy. I agree with Dan, getting that first colored belt is the hardest. At least it has been for me so far...