For almost 10 months, Patrick has been taking Taekwondo lessons here on base. He has the most fantastic Sensei (instructor), and he is very lucky to be able to take lessons from him over here.
Every Friday afternoon, Patrick went to his lesson, and each week, he was one class closer to Sensei telling him he was ready to take the first test to get his yellow belt. Finally in early December, Sensei told us that he felt Patrick was ready. We started taking him twice a week (Wednesdays to Ikego, which is about 20 min away and Fridays in Yokosuka).
On December 20th, we took the train to Ofuna, about a half hour train ride. It was really interesting to watch everyone testing for their belts. All different levels were being tested. Sensei warned Patrick that the test would be tough. It would be judged by a 4th degree blackbelt. There was absolutely no room for goofing off or not giving it your best.
Patrick was so disciplined and focused. He gave it everything he had, so we were very proud of him. The test included a written essay, which had to be turned in ahead of time. He also had to do at least 30 sit ups in a row (Patrick did 50), sparring with a partner, and the four seven step patterns that he had worked on for 10 months.
Unfortunately, no one finds out the results the day of the test, and you have to wait until the next class. However, because it was the holidays, there wasn't class until today.
I made sure I had my camera today in case Patrick received his yellow belt. Sure enough, Sensei presented it to him at the beginning of class, and the smile on Patrick's face was one of true accomplishment. Way to go Patrick...next goal- green belt!
Patrick with his Sensei, Aoki San
Patrick with the Judge, a fourth degree Black Belt
Friday, January 9, 2009
One Step Closer to a Black Belt!
Posted by nwkinjapan at 1/09/2009 04:27:00 AM
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8 comments:
Way to go Patrick! We are so proud of you and cant wait to see your moves when you come back to the states. I bet you have some tricks you can pull out on Uncle B! Miss you guys! G,B,O,Z & BS
Great pictures of Patrick. Congrats to you, Patrick! You make us all proud with that accomplishment. We will look forward to seeing what you can do when you get back to the states. Keep up the hard work!
Nana
What a great thing Patrick! You the man! Can you also try those moves on Uncle Pat? Great Job!!! We are so proud of you!
Aunt Kelly Uncle Pat and your cousins
Congratulations Patrick! From the pictures of you and your Sensei, you look so proud to achieved your Yellow Belt. I am so proud of you. You have accomplished an important milestone in this martial art. But more importantly, you have learned an important lesson. And that lesson is to be persistent, stay focused, listen carefully, and work hard to complete the task. Now, it's on to the Green Belt. Go get em'
Papa
Our boy matured another step on December 20th. I watched Patrick hone his focus in the last month of his Tae Kwon Do practice; his is an accomplishment about which any dad (and I'm one of them) beams pride. Patrick, I watched your concentration, dedication and athleticism--you earned that Yellow Belt!
Congratulations Patrick! I am quite impressed!
Amberswook
Congratulations Patrick! That is an awesome accomplishment! We can't wait to see you guys when you get back to the states. You will have to do some of those moves on scottie! Miss you!
Love,
The Gordons!
Hey Japanese Friends, we are finally able to view your blog!!! We have just spent the last 1/2 hr enjoying the pictures and videos. We want to Skype you and will have to set up a time! The pictures are very cool and Mrs. I and Mr. D want to visit...Mrs. Rozeboom thinks she'll pass:) Hope you are all good and we will talk to you soon!!!!
Love~
Classroom 200!!!
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