Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. I had to share what happens after the review with you all. All opinions expressed are my own.
I have been meaning to write this piece for what seems like forever… I have put it on my list about a million times and something keeps on coming up. I wanted to update everyone on (A)’s progress with Tae Kwon Do (mostly because I am more than pleased with his progress and the program itself). As you may recall we went for a trial back in April and he loved the class. He kept asking to go back so I signed him up. He did well and learned the value of hard work when it didn’t come super easily to him (he actually had to come home and practice forms with ME so that he could go back and earn his first stripe!).
Well, it’s been 5 months now and I wanted to show you all that he has learned.
When I first reviewed the class there was so much I wanted to say, but there is only so much I can write (mostly because you all don’t want to read a BOOK). One of the things that blows me away about Sensei Arnie is how he holds the kids accountable for themselves and their actions. I love it. He isn’t just teaching the kids “Martial Arts”. He is teaching them how to be good citizens and leading them towards self-realization. Much, much more important lessons.
My little man.
So does Sensei Arnie. If (A) should forget his belt, it wasn’t mommies fault, it was his. He is responsible for his own actions and his own gear. If he should have his feet in the wrong position Sensei often says that “someone” has the wrong foot forward and it is (A)’s job to figure out that it is him, and self-correct. Seems like a lot for a 4 or 5 year old doesn’t it? But it isn’t and I have seen the difference at home as well. He is moving on to Kindergarten this year and he needs to be held more responsible for himself and for his actions. (A) is also careful to pack his Tae Kwon Do bag in advance, and his swim bag too, knowing that if something is missing, it is his responsibility.
(A) has also learned the value of hard work and dedication. He practices on his own, and is so proud to earn stripes. He loves to be asked to demonstrate in front of the class (and he gets so serious its adorable when he does it). Sensei is helping him to learn to take a leadership role, and to use his eagerness to please in a positive manner. Through this, (A) is starting to realize his potential.
(A) breaks a board.
One of the most exciting times in class is when students are allowed to “test” for the next belt. Having worked hard and earning his high white belt and required stripes, (A) needed to test in front of the Grandmaster to earn his yellow belt. When the evening of the test came he was very nervous, and had been having difficulty remembering which direction to turn, so RNYD and I were too. When it was his turn to perform for Grandmaster we were on the edge of our seats. I was blown away to see how he stepped it up. He did a fabulous job. He got through his forms without mistakes, and the sparring too (I had to hold my breath). He received some constructive criticism from Grandmaster about his kicks (higher and a little sharper) that he now works on at home.
THIS is the face of a proud boy who has accomplished a goal.
Since earning his Yellow belt the real transformation has begun. He offers to count during class at least once a day. He remembers how to turn all of the time and he demonstrates his forms on his own with ease (in fact he is on a three strip streak these past two weeks). I am so proud of my little man. I adore the little serious guy face he makes and of how he feels when he has accomplished something. I love to watch him glow.
Since I wrote this post, he has earned his high YELLOW belt and is not eligible for his green… WOW
The Workout Place offers classes from KinderKarate through Adult classes, as well as various other fitness classes (yoga, teen fitness, self-defense). Free trials are offered for each class. For more information you can check them out on Facebook, on their website: www.theworkoutplace.org or give sensei a call at 845-624-2244.
