Purple Belts!!

The kids made a big leap forward yesteray in their karate training by earning their purple belts! Moving from the orange to the purple means a few things. First, you are officially no longer a "beginner". You take classes at a different time with the upper belts, and (most importantly to the kids) you begin sparring. Sparring is where you wear all the crazy protective gear and actually start making physical contact with your opponent. (Yes, I'm cringing as I type that.)

This graduation was with Master Dickman, who the kids have had for graduations before. It was definitely not a touchy feeling day like their last belt. This was their first look into somewhat hardcore discipline that was a little startling at first. I'm pround to say the kids handled themselves amazingly well against the added pressure. They were on their A games and showed excellent respect, self-discipline and self-control.

To give you an example, there is a karate tournament coming up in May. Both the kids are signed up for it and are excited about their first tourny. When you take class, you use your class Kiyah (the loud yell you make when you yell, for power) but you use a different, louder one for a tourny. Master Dickman demonstrated this louder kiyah (releasing the tiger from its cage as he referred to it) RIGHT in Julia's face, about 4 inches away. She didn't even flinch. That's our girl!

Stipa, Mima and Auntie Heather came to cheer the kids on. Mima got so into it that she showed us some "moves" afterwards. Picture also with one of the instructor's assistants, Jessica, who we all adore.

It was a good look at what's ahead as they work towards their black belts, and we still couldn't be prouder!