Karate Belt Advancement

The kids received their first term grades at school the same week as they took their mid-term exam in karate.  Everyone did marvelously well both on their school grades (Jonathan included with his master's essay) and in being promoted to the next belt level in karate. Samuel and Emma both expressed nervousness about the testing and had lots of jitters. Luca, well he didn't seem to show too much concern and kept volunteering to be tested. Most students were tested individually and then paired with another like level student to complete another set of skills. All of the white belts were paired up for both exams except for Emma as the sensei said he had confidence that she could do it on her own, which was a compliment. By the end of the night everyone who tested was promoted. 

Since Jonathan has taken karate in the past and has proven himself to hold his own in sparring black belts, he actually is skipping a belt and was promoted from white to orange.

Just when did Samuel get so tall? He did a great job and we are so proud of him and his perseverance even when it has been tough at times to master new moves.  Keep up the good work Samuel--you are getting stronger, believe me!

 

Emma is one of three girls in the karate club, apart from the "sensesse" (you would have to know Italian to understand that inside joke that the kids came up with for the female sensei). We are so proud of her and the confidence she is gaining as a young woman and her desire to excel and not be intimidate in a male dominant sport. You're tough, Emma! Keep up the good work!

 

Luca, you are one active boy full of energy! We are so proud of you, buddy and how karate is helping to teach you self-discipline and being a good listener (in Italian!) I wouldn't want to mess with you!

Here is the line up of fourteen students that are a part of the Caselle Karate Club ranging from elementary age to adult. The kids are excited to receive their new yellow belts at their next lesson. 

I loved this picture as they just ended the class with their eyes closed and said something in Japanese.  Emma and Jonathan heard the instructions to open their eyes, Samuel is having a delayed response or did not hear and Luca is peaking to see if he heard correctly. How typical a situation.

CONGRATULATIONS MY KARATE KIDS!