Pooms

Shane and I went to TKD Monday this week. He had a red day at school.

"You're lucky you have a place to go on a red day!" I said.

It didn't go as well as planned.

Shane spent much of the practice gazing at himself in the mirror. He made faces from afar. He peered into his eyes and stuck out his tongue from up close. There were nose prints. It's a miracle he didn't lick the mirror.

Here, you see Instructor Papa amused and telling Shane to look forward every 5 seconds. 

I let Shane know I was disappointed after class about the mirror and the lack of focus. I showed him this picture.

"Who's running ahead of everyone?"

Shane responded, "[The little blue belt on the right]."

"Where is she looking?"

"Forward."

"That helps her run faster. Where are you looking?"

"In the mirror?"

"Look again."

"To the side."

"Keep your eyes on where you are going to go your fastest."

Shane's very competitive. He really didn't like that he wasn't the fastest in any of the races. It was no surprise with him running with his head sideways. I would have launched into a conversation on aerodynamics and the length vs the width of his head, but one point at a time.

Shane's form looked decent. Once again, the mirror proved to be his Achilles' heel.

Not that Shane knows who Achilles is. Narcissus may be more important to tell first.

I'm not mad, though. This is why Shane is in sports and TKD. Carrie and I figured his ability to focus would need training.

Final result: Shane did not earn his form stripe. I thought he did pretty well, but the standard was higher. Fourth try is the charm.

When Shane passes, he'll be eligible for the next belt. I plan on making him practice at home some to get over the hump. Then I'll make a big deal about how his effort paid off (hopefully!).