Green With a White Stripe (Green ONE)

On the last Friday of last month, Matthew and Nathan tested in taekwondo for their green belt with a white stripe. The white strips denotes a second level green belt.

I could not be more proud - because they are *good* and I am not bragging :-).

The testing procedure involves them doing their forms, their kicking combinations, their self defense maneuvers and their sparring combinations in front of a panel of instructors. At the end, they get called up one by one for a critique - what was commendable, and then something to grow on. It is nerve wracking for them, but a really great experience, I think.

They have learned so much from martial arts. For Matthew, it has helped him be more assertive and aggressive (in a good way). You all know how cautious he can be. The students all have to sound off in class ("Yes, sir!" or "No, sir!" whenever the instructor gives them instructions) which helps them learn respect and how important it is to RESPOND when people talk to them. For Nathan (who can be a bit of a loose cannon sometimes) it has helped him be more self-controlled. Each time they test for the next belt - it is cumulative. Matthew and Nathan have had to memorize numerous forms (each having at least 20 movements) and other combinations. It is amazing how much they can remember! This type of cumulative testing also emphasizes how you always need to have a solid foundation even when you go on to learn new things.

They seriously are awesome. I admire how strong, sharp, and poised they look when they do martial arts.