For many, the new year brings with it a rededication to goals that may have gotten lost in the shuffle. In my house, the goal for the past few months has been helping my boys graduate from “No Belt” to “White Belt” status in Tae Kwon Do.
Trust me when I say this was no small task.
For 3 months now, they’ve heard “No Belts…back line please” “Yes Sir!!” they reply scurrying to the back of the class, often tripping over one another to get there in time. The back line’s a lonely place as the new kids muddle through counting in Korean, various kicks and punches….and the Student Creed. Oh, the Student Creed. If it doesn’t kill us, here’s hoping it makes us stronger.
For those of you who have never had the Tae Kwon Do experience, the Student Creed consists of three very important vows that the students are expected to live by.
“I intend to develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that will reduce my mental growth or physical health”
“I intend to develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others”
“I intend to use what I learn in class constructively and defensively and never be abusive or offensive”
Perhaps now you understand why it was a group effort memorizing these and why it took several months for an 8 and 5-year-old to do so.
Well, long story short, their big day finally came. Belt Testing. The long-awaited graduation from “No Belt” to “White Belt”. It went very well..aside from my little one vowing to use what he learned “destructively” and to be “offensive”. A minor technicality in the grand scheme of things.
So, they’ve moved up to the next line in Tae Kwon Do…but more importantly achieved something they worked very hard for. A very proud moment for all!
Sarah Caldwell
Congratulations to both of them!!!