Since Braden became a green belt, he’s been in an Intermediate class. This means that belt tests are handled differently. Before, it’s been a couple of people going into the small room and a few black belts helping, with Jason being the main reviewer. It’s a low-key affair.
This time, it was all intermediate and advanced belts. And I believe every single black belt was there! It was so awesome. I cannot describe to you how amazing this belt test session was. There was a good representation of the intermediate and advanced belts: green, blue, purple, brown, red, and red & black. Two red & black students were testing for their black belts. Again, so amazing. The forms, moves, etc., they had to do were like a dance. A beautiful, wonderful, artistic dance. And one of the red & black students has 2 older brothers who are also black belts. What a legacy!
And though Braden was terribly nervous, he showed so much poise and determination. At the end, he said, “This is just like a class!” I’m so happy he felt this way. He even got up to do some sparring even though his friend and partner didn’t want to do it. He got up in front of everyone to spar with a smaller kid who was a purple belt. It was amazing to see him leave his comfort zone.
Braden did get his blue belt. Braden’s friend got his purple belt. Everyone got a new belt, including the two who tested for black. And the ceremony they put on for those two was fascinating. What a special way to include two new inductees in the club!
I cannot thank Jason, Summer, Rex, and all the instructors we’ve met with or worked with over the last year…well, nearly a year. It’s been a great ride, and we can’t wait for the next class.
Here are some pictures from the test.
Again, this is a wonderful program. We absolutely love it here. We love the classes, the instructors, Jason and Guy Poos. And we aren’t alone. the classes keep getting bigger. And other parents we’ve talked to also love it. Especially those that have been to other places first. So click the button below to check them out.