We were up early Saturday morning and off to J Tiger for the award ceremony knowing the place would be super crowded since family members would now be coming as well as some others who were getting other belts as well.
Ken and I got there before the rest of the family and in time to watch some of the final practices of various members of the staff and the drill group who were going to do some demonstrations prior to the ceremony itself. What fun to watch all the various skills students have acquired while coming to the TaeKwonDo school. Everything from demonstrating a kick that breaks wood to.....
Blindfolded Master Lee managing to kick an apple off a fork and splatter it everywhere!!
To his head instructor braking a board while doing a back flip blindfolded
But then came the ceremony itself. All ages of kids and adult received various colored belts representing the steps they've completed toward the ultimate black belt. For some that meant a new color of belt only, for others a new belt and new colored uniform, and for some those things plus a trophy for special accomplishments.
They all were reminded by Master Lee that what they had a achieved was not only because of their hard work and dedication but the support and dedication of their parents who provided the opportunity by bringing them and paying for the opportunity, One thing Asians are good at is showing respect for elders and this was definitely being taught. It could be seen in the bows of respect to the teachers and finally at the black belt ceremony all of the parents sitting at the front and the kids (note white uniforms in front) first bowing to them in thanks and then giving them a huge hug.
This white uniform was given to each person receiving their black belt and they were given time to put it on before continuing. When their name was called they were presented with their black belt
which was tied on by Master Lee, then given a trophy for their achievement, and announced as a winner of this high achievement to much had clapping and cheers.
Following the ceremony there was an opportunity for photos of families with their black belt winner
and new black belters with their instructors.
Anders and his dad are both car nuts and immediately wanted their picture taken by this amphibious car found out in the parking lot right by the studio.
We finally had a nice warm and sunny day so we took advantage of it to spend some time at the the Art in the Square which was taking place in the mall area by their hotel. The variety of art was mind boggling and of course the kids wanted things like face painting
and opportunities to bounce in the bounce house or jump on the trampolines.
Of course their was also all kinds of food.
Sunday the storms were back again but we were able to fill the day with Sunday School and worship, then a variety of activities including a soccer game between the drops, a celebration dinner with the championship soccer team
including the awarding of trophies, (not everyone gets two big trophies in the same weekend!)
and a trip to the house to check on things. One of the things we discovered was this broken branch from one of their trees that narrowly missed the fence. The high winds of the storm apparently took it down and added just one more thing that needs to be taken care of.
No comments:
Post a Comment