Black Belt Testing and Ceremony

BLACK BELT TEST DAY

WARNING:  Lots of pictures :-)

After nearly four years of Taekwondo practices and belt tests, Collin finally had (what we thought at the time would be) his last test: the black belt test.  As well as being crazy expensive, Collin had to show he knew all his forms kicking and sparring combinations, and many other skills.

He started out having to do 60 push ups and 70 sit ups.  We had been working on these at home so that he wouldn't have a problem.  It is a good thing too because what we didn't know was, that for ever second he stopped, that number of sit ups/push ups was added on to the total he had to do.  Both of the other boys soon figured this out.  Collin didn't have to stop once with either of these.  

Then he had to do 10 good reps of each of the different types of kicks, each leg.  He finished his first too. 

Then the boys were asked to show random forms that they learned from Jr. Green belt on.  He did great!

Then on to his 16 one-step sparring moves. 

*Not pictured:  Collin had to come up with a nunchuck routine and perform it for the judges. 

He then had to answer essay questions about the history of TKD.  He had already submitted his one page type-written essay "What Earning My Black Belt Means to Me".

On to sparring.  We were concerned about this since we hadn't gotten him to sparring practice nearly enough these past three years but he came out fighting.  He enjoys this part way too much!

 Blocking a kick:

Preparing to demonstrate his breaking techniques (the last of the 10 sections of the test).

 After breaking all the boards:

His knuckles were a little red and his foot hurt a bit.  Jay was worried he would have a hard time playing basketball later that day but he broke all the boards and still played one of his best basketball games.

After the test, families went to Myung Ga for a very nice celebratory luncheon.  I like Korean food and Jay was game but we were worried Collin wouldn't touch a thing.  His friends told us afterwards, however, that Collin ate all the chicken dish himself and didn't leave any of it for them.

 Proof that Collin actually ate Korean food and enjoyed it :-)

BELT CEREMONY AND CHRISTMAS PARTY

Lots more pictures :-)

Preparing to receive his new belt:

Finally getting his new black belt.  It even has his name on it in Korean.

Getting his first look at the trophy.  He had been told it would be taller than him.  I think he was hoping he had grown more.

Master Kim with the three newest members of the black belt club.

A Korean Santa came to the party and gave out candy to all the kids.  I thought this might be the last picture I would get of the kids and Santa.  Sydney did NOT want to miss seeing him.

 Being congratulated by Santa.