Moderators dtel's wife Posted April 19, 2009 Moderators Share Posted April 19, 2009 Our grandson, Buddy, who is eight years old tested for his black belt in martial arts Saturday, April 18, 2009. We will not know whether or not he passed his test until this coming Friday, although we think he did very good. The testing included fasting for 24 hours prior to the test, five hours of meditation overseen by the instructor, a written report on "What Being a Black Belt Means to Me" which was read aloud to the audience attending the test, completing one of the forms learned while blindfolded, a complete testing of all forms learned to date and several breaks, including a cement block, a triple break (front kick, elbow and fist break) and a flying side kick where the student must jump over four students (kneeling side by side) and execute a flying side kick and break a board with the kick. While Buddy's form while executing these breaks was excellent he only broke one board. The examination also included sparring....three students against Buddy. This is the area we had our greatest concerns. As late as Wednesday Buddy's instructor told me "We have to find the happy medium...between Buddy letting the other students beat the crud out of him and then Buddy getting so mad he wants to knock the other student's teeth down their throat." Well, Buddy was working out with his punching bag Thursday and he was really giving the bag a work out. I told him "Buddy that's it".....That is how you are supposed to spar, if you don't get in there and do that you are going to get the crud beat out of you everytime. Well....during the sparring part of the examination the instructor had to pull the other three students to the side and remind them to "work as a team" because Buddy was "beating the crud out of them"! Buddy completed the exam while suffering from a severe pulled groin muscle...quiet an accomplishment for an eight year old. Even if he doesn't pass, we couldn't be prouder of him. So....for Michael and others here's a couple of pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators dtel's wife Posted April 19, 2009 Author Moderators Share Posted April 19, 2009 The beginning of the blindfolded part of the exam: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators dtel's wife Posted April 19, 2009 Author Moderators Share Posted April 19, 2009 One more. This is the part of his class that tested on Saturday. There are a lot more students, these are just the students testing: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators dtel's wife Posted April 19, 2009 Author Moderators Share Posted April 19, 2009 Grandmaster Parks the owner/founder of Oriental Martial Arts College is in plain clothes in the picture. To the left of Grandmaster Parks is Master James Morrison and to the left of Master James is Mr. David McSwain. Master James and Mr. McSwain are the co-owners of the Oriental Martial Arts College in our area. Mr. McSwain is 2nd Dan Black Belt and has one child a boy, who is a green belt. Mr. McSwain runs the day to day operations of the school, while Master James develops the training programs. Master James, is 5th Dan Black and has one child, a daughter, who told her daddy "she likes dancing better than karate". Master James has taken Buddy on as his "protege". Besides homeschooling, and church, we believe this is the best thing we could have ever done for Buddy. Instruction in martial arts goes hand in hand with the discipline and respect we expect from Buddy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Besides homeschooling, and church, we believe this is the best thing we could have ever done for Buddy. Instruction in martial arts goes hand in hand with the discipline and respect we expect from Buddy. Plus, he can help Paw-Paw chop firewood without tools! [] Buddy looks very determined there. I'll bet you're very proud!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colterphoto1 Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Good job Buddy! You look very serious there, hope you're having fun. your buddy, Michael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Professor Thump Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 What good form! Congrats Buddy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coytee Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Besides homeschooling, and church, we believe this is the best thing we could have ever done for Buddy. Instruction in martial arts goes hand in hand with the discipline and respect we expect from Buddy. I agree, as well as instill some (or some more) self confidence in him! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrWho Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 Even getting to the point of being allowed to test for your black belt is quite an accomplish - and getting through the whole exam too. That exam sounds pretty hardcore - especiall for an 8 year old. Very cool. Congrats and best wishes on promoting. Can't wait to hear the good news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSport Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 Great News!...you must be proud...this is quite an accomplishment!...I think that training in the Martial Arts gives you so much more than matrial training...confidence, honor, sportsmanship...great news indeed...black belt...wow! Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coytee Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 Even getting to the point of being allowed to test for your black belt is quite an accomplish - and getting through the whole exam too. That exam sounds pretty hardcore - especiall for an 8 year old. Very cool. Congrats and best wishes on promoting. Can't wait to hear the good news. Don't you also have some kind of martial arts belt? I know it's probably pink but still... [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommyboy Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 Good stuff! My neice got her black belt in Taekwondo when she was 9; she's 10 now. Her dad, is a 3rd degree black belt. 3 of their 4 kids are in Taekwondo now, so I call them the karate kids............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrWho Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 Don't you also have some kind of martial arts belt? I know it's probably pink but still... It's brown now....lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.