Karate Test

Skyler has been doing karate for over a year now. He really enjoys it...he doesn't 'win' or 'lose'. He doesn't feel the pressure of being first or the down from being last. It's really perfect for him. He loves the karate place where we have been going. But it's kind of far and the classes with all of the kids his age are held later in the evening, way past my expiration point for getting in the car, yet again. So, he kind of has a private lesson earlier in the day. considering he's the only one. They told me about the test and then the lessons became a little too intense for my taste getting him ready. As it turns out, until they are 7, the tests are just a motivation for moving ahead. They don't actually get the real solid belt until 7, so before that it's just 'practice'. After doing a little freak out(me, not Skyler) and finally letting him take the test, I realized that it really is just for fun and Skyler had a blast. He is now a gold belt with a white stripe. Next up? Yellow belt with white stripe. 3 months to go!

Practicing his kicks before we left for the test. Poor Sadie didn't have a nap and was beyond exhausted.

A quick squeeze for good luck before we left.

Daniel told all of the kids to come out and stretch. Skyler literally held this stretch for 10 minutes and just walked around. He made me laugh...so incredibly cute and serious.

Yep...there he is....still stretching....

Lining up...can you spot him?

Group stretch.

Getting closer to the test!

His 'jab cross' which he totally nailed:)

His 'jump kick', which he was awesome at.

And...the dreaded board break. He only had one practice before this and it didn't go too well. He was a little timid with the pressure he put into the board in practice, and the same thing happened here. He tried lots of times, didn't give up, and was so psyched when it finally broke with Mr. Daniel. He honestly didn't care that there were a zillion eyes watching him. I learn so much from the person that he is...so pure, confident, sweet, and loving.

BIG sigh of relief from his mom:)

Receiving his new belt from Mr. Daniel.

So proud of himself and WE WERE SO PROUD OF HIM!