The Black Belt

Kyle entered the world of Martial Arts back in August, 2010.  Dressed in a (far too big) white uniform and white belt, his mind was ready to hit the mat - even if his feet weren't!  It took him a long, long time before he learned how to properly control his movements..

 

 

Through-out the past 4 1/2 years the instructors at Self Defense Training Center have helped Kyle learn how to focus and balance. They've also helped to teach him self discipline as well.  It has been amazing watching Kyle's transformation on the mat.  He went from a child who once couldn't get out of the way of his own two feet to a child who now stands solid with movements that are fluid and carefully executed!

On October 2, 2010 Kyle ranked up for the first time and received his Yellow Belt.  From that moment on he had one goal in mind: to achieve the Black Belt!  For the next 3 years he trained for 2 hours per week, until he ranked up to the Brown Belt - then he joined sparring class for 1 hour per week, in addition to attending the regular training classes.

In 4 1/2 years Kyle has never complained about going to Karate classes.  He's never once asked if he could "quit".  He's always hit the mat with a look of determination on his face.  He's ranked up multiple times, achieving belt after belt - Yellow, Orange, Purple, Blue, Brown, Stripe, Stripe, Stripe..  And now, after all this time, his hard work and dedication are about to pay off......

 

On May 22, 2014 Kyle was handed the infamous "white envelope".  When the instructors think the kids are ready to test, they usually hand them a piece of paper that has the belt and test information on it...But every now and again a child will receive a white envelope...You won't see this happen often...  But you know what's in that envelope...it contains the belt and test information for one of the highest rank belts in Martial Arts:  The Black Belt!

 

The Black Belt Test is far more intense than the previous tests.  For starters, it's a 3 hour long test!  Kyle has been instructed to eat a high carbohydrate meal the night before and on the morning of the test.  He's also been told to bring 2 big bottles of water, dress in full uniform and bring his sparring gear..  The cost of his test is unbelievably expensive.  All of the other tests have cost $20.  We were thinking this one would probably cost $100.  We were wrong.  With the highest rank comes the highest price, I guess.  $200!  Yikes!!!!

Unlike the previous tests where we were allowed to watch him rank up, we are NOT allowed to attend the Black Belt test.  Bummer!  His instructor has requested that I drop him off and leave.  We will be allowed to return, with family and friends, 3 hours later to watch the Black Belt Presentation.

The Black Belt test date has been set for Saturday, June 28th.  This "just so happens" to be the same-exact-date that Jim picked (several months ago!) to race a high performance car at the New Hampshire Speedway....AHHHHHHHHHHHH  He bought himself a ticket when he stumbled across an unbelievable online deal - the tickets are usually $549 but he scored one for $99!

The Black Belt Test cannot be changed because there are 3 other children testing with Kyle that day.  So now what?  Well, first Jim is going to see if he can change day of the race.  I did a little bit of research online last night and it's not looking too promising...after reading a bunch of teeny tiny fine print I believe that in order to reschedule it is going to cost an additional $50 (ARGH!).  The second option would be for Jim to sell his ticket, which would be a bummer.  He rarely buys anything for himself and he's truly been looking forward to this for a long, long time.  That being said, he's NEVER missed Kyle rank up -- and is not about to miss out on the Black Belt Presentation.  So, we'll work on it and see what happens..  I have a feeling that this Black Belt is going to end up costing us 200 and 50 dollars....

In the meantime, I am already putting the wheels in motion to have a big celebration for Kyle after his receives his Black Belt!  He has worked SO incredibly hard to get to this point - a party seems quite appropriate!  However, due to financial reasons, I am going to have to keep things very simple.  Two of Jim's brothers work for pizza places and get discounts so I think we will surprise Kyle with a pizza party.  :)  I am not going to tell him who is going to his belt presentation, or who will be at the party - it will be a great surprise for him!