Green Stripe Belt Test

Shane had his belt test today. He said he wasn't ready last time GM Kang asked. This time, he was told.

If you're not ready for something, do you think you should prepare? 

That's how I think at least. I'm not talking anything crazy. Ten minutes a day? 

Well, every time I asked Shane hissed (That's something he likes to do nowadays).

I didn't force the issue...much. I made him practice his form a few times on Sunday and then Saturday morning, but that was it. He tries to do it sloppy in 12 seconds or less and gets annoyed when I insist on doing it well. 

Good news: Shane aced the form.

Bad news: There's more to testing than a form.

There's sparring, board breaking, and some questions they give you the answers to on a study sheet. Shane flubbed the answering. 

It all worked out well, though. GM Kang knows how to put kids on the spot without making them look too bad, and made it multiple choice with a couple tries. The dojang's atmosphere is about growth and Shane is growing. 

I was proud of Shane overall even if I did wish he'd put a little more effort in ahead of time. I made sure to tell him how good his form looked when he was done!

Shane was happy and bouncing around. He's trying a shy/reluctant thing lately, so I was happy he got to experience working through a challenge.

Here's a clip if you want to see him get excited!

It was a good way to start the day!

We're averaging about one belt color a year. Shane's got a few to go before he can test for a black belt. I want Shane to get that far and experience a long term, earned success. However, if we quit tomorrow I'd still be happy with the experience Shane's had so far.

Congrats on the green stripe belt, boy!