TKD & Testing for one

They’ve been waiting for a couple weeks to have their belt testing.  Patiently watched as their classmates tested, a couple weeks ago, for their next belts.  While Graham and Zeke needs a few more weeks practice, Angelina tested tonight for her next belt.  She did amazing!  Crisp punches and broke her board with a side kick with a snap.

Tonight’s class started out with Dodge Ball; even Graham, pictured above, likes playing.  This is one of the kids’ favorite class activities.  They need to bounce and keep their stance for the whole game.  If they get hit by a ball they are usually out, but tonight, they did 10 push-ups and were back on the line.  If they catch the ball, they are safe and can throw it across to get someone else.

 

Angelina is bouncing in the back, with ponytails.  Try as I might, I couldn’t get a good shot.

 

Zeke completing one of his many reps of push-ups.  He likes to be on the front-line, so was ‘hit’ often. 

Someone just needed to take a rest.  It helped that there is no air conditioning in this second floor classroom/gym.  It was HOT!

Angelina ready for testing.

Angelina demonstrating her knowledge of blocks, kicks, and punches.  The helpers always get to demonstrate falling gracefully!

The board was broken.  No hesitation.  Dash, who helps with this class, is to the right of Mr. Mike (black pants and black belt).

Our newest Orange belt…

Good Job, Angelina!

Tae Kwon Do

 

The first test.  Testing to be ‘accepted’ into the Valley City Tae Kwon Do Club/School and receive their uniforms.  Dash, who is already a black belt, received his uniform the prior week.  He’s been enjoying being a helper at this class and taking part in the older student class.

Graham, Zeke and Angelina called forward to begin their testing.

Entering Angelina’s name in the record book.

Entering Graham’s name in the record book.  He was hilarious.  Mr. Mike asked him to spell his name … we haven’t covered that yet.  Well, he knows how to spell it, but I teach using 100 Easy Lessons, so he’s learning the letters by their sound instead of by their names right now.  He can spell his name on paper, and I’m pretty sure he knows the names of the letters, but he’s never been asked this before.  So, instead of saying the letter names, he drew them in the air with his arm.  It was really cute and funny!

Zeke’s name entered in the record book.

Angelina being tested on kicks and blocks by her brother, Dash.  ONE of the benefits of taking Tae Kwon Do with your brother’s is that you DO get to spar with them.

Louis is a busy boy at TKD.  He wanted to keep running out on the mat.  Thank goodness, they are used to little kids at this gym.

Graham’s first go-round on breaking a board. 

Angelina’s board break was so quick, her dad didn’t catch it on film.  She’s just picking up the pieces!  Eric didn’t even get a shot of Zeke, who broke his on the first try, too.

Graham at it again.  He did break it, but it took a bit of trying.  The cheers went around the room when he broke his board, though.

Mr. Mike presented Graham, Zeke, and Angelina with their uniforms after the testing.

The white belts with their broken boards.  Now, I should mention that Angelina isn’t quite as thrilled to be in TKD.  But,  we’ve told her it’s a great work out and provides valuable lessons in self-defense.  When she thinks I’m not looking, she actually smiles in class.  Ballet/tap/jazz are still her favorite activities.