Recently I got a chance to take Amara to her Tae Kwon Do class — you know I loved it! I was so impressed by how much better she had gotten and by how serious she takes it. When she started back to school this year she had to make a choice between Tae Kwon Do and Girl Scouts. She studies Tae Kwon Do three nights a week and there would not be time for both. I thought it was really smart of her parents to leave the decision to her. I’m a big fan of Girl Scouts and I was worried she had made the wrong choice and would just get bored and quit. Boy was I wrong!
We got to her class a little early and she was the first person there. With no encouragement, she started stretching and warming up for class. It wasn’t long before others started arriving. They started practicing together and soon Amara was helping all of them practice with the breakaway boards. They are so much fun to watch and I am so impressed by her. She is such a little teacher! She gave them pointers; encouraged them when they didn’t succeed and congratulated them when they did. I think much of this is as result of the example that the Masters set themselves. They are always teaching, always challenging and always praising and encouraging the students. She has been working extra hard getting ready for the upcoming Belt Testing.
With all the excitement, cooking and eating last week I haven’t had a chance to blog about it. The night before Thanksgiving Amara took that belt test and we all got to be there! There were nine other students testing that night and there was a crowd of parents and grandparents. Our girl was testing for her orange belt. Master Sohn, who would be judging them explained that all students start out as white belts. Amara had already passed her tests for her yellow belt and her senior yellow belt, all of the senior belts have a stripe. They had all practiced so hard.
Look at her focus! One of the things they are taught and were tested on are the Three Rules of Focus: eye focus, mind focus and body focus.
There was so much excitement in the studio and there were cameras everywhere!
They use plastic breakaway boards for training but for the testing they use real boards, which they all keep as trophies of their success! Each level is required to break the board a different way.
It really is more than just kicking and blocking. The Masters teach the students about respect and it is constantly reinforced that the students should obey and respect their parents and others.The Masters also stress that students must do well in school and for the next belt test they will have to submit their report cards with their testing application. This won’t be a problem for Amara but I think it is so great that the Masters teach them to be well rounded and respectful children.
Amara not only passed her belt test she also received a special trophy for having worked so hard. Their new belts were awarded to them on Wednesday!
We are all very proud of her.
I am very proud of her too! Keep it up Amara!
She’s growing up to be a determined, focused young lady – wonderful qualities! Congratulations, Amara!
Congratulations to Amara and the whole family for their support. By the smile on her face, she really enjoys it. Orange is a beautiful color for a lovely young lady.
That smile is amazing. This kind of confidence will serve her well in life, i am quite certain.
I heard all about it!! Way to go amara!!
I had no idea this was available for children this young and I am so impressed with the discipline it teaches! With the family involvement, too, no wonder the children are so self-confident about what hey’ve accomplished. Amara is so pretty!
How exciting! None of my grandchildren have taken Tae Kwan Do, although my son took lessons for a while when he was needing some extra confidence. It’s a great discipline for youngsters.
that is awesome and you have such wonderful pics of her that capture all of her concentration and ability!
Congratulations to Amara! Girl Scouts is an excellent activity/group (I was a leader for 8 years) but I think girls may get even more out of what’s taught in Tae Kwon Do. Such an empowering skill with many positive attributes and benefits all tied up it.
Our hearts are bursting with pride for our great niece! Congratulations to Amara from Uncle Mark and Aunt Sandy! Keep up the great work!
A three night a week commitment is a lot for a little one. Though those choices are tough, I’m glad the parents are on top of it. I believe so many kids are exhausted. Not from the physical activity, but the mental activity that just goes on and on. She can focus on one thing, and it’s a good thing.
Did you get your Hallmark cards?
That is great! Congratulations Amara – and what wonderful photos to help remember the day!
Congratulations, Amara.