the chinese zodiac, a class musical

Tim played a goat in the performance.  He had three lines, including the punchline to a joke, which he delivered well.  I didn't video it because I wanted to watch it live.

talent show

horse pose

On the last day of school before the Winter Break, Timothy's school held a talent show and he performed a Taekwondo form called Chon-Ji.  He asked one of his karate instructors to teach it to him (he won't learn it at the studio until he's an upper gold belt), and they practiced it every time he went to class.  We are very proud of him for doing this in front of his entire school.  His karate studio has a great deal more space than the stage; hence, the fall (gracefully executed). 

belt promotion

Tim's belt promotion ceremony happened to coincide with the belt promotion of a number of black belts, so Ripple Effect included everyone in the celebration and made it an extravaganza. It was held at the auditorium of the newest high school in Fort Collins, with expert sound and lighting.  The instructors did performances as well as many of the students.  The audience was on it's feet, clapping and cheering for much of the three hour show.    The result was a young boy called Timothy falling in love with martial arts and this organization and his parents and grandparents feeling very good about it. 

Congratulations gold belt!

gold belt

Robyn, who lives across the street from Mom and Dad, recommended a marital arts program for Tim and Luke at a place called  Ripple Effect.  She said little beyond that it was not like other martial arts clubs.

We checked it out in September and were immediately impressed.  Tim has been dedicated to it from day one, and we enjoy his enthusiasm.  It's not just about kicking and punching.  There is a student creed that he must follow that covers his behaviour at home, school and Ripple Effect.  There are also Black Belt principles that he must strive to follow: modesty, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control, and indomitable spirit.   On 18 November, Tim took his gold belt test and passed.

 When he started, he didn't like to shout Hiya!, but now it comes very easy to him.  He's already been watching the gold belts and knows many of the new moves, which will be added to his routine.  These include defensive moves.  He has class twice a week for 45 minutes each night.  

He tells us that he wants to be an instructor one day.  If he stays on track, he'll earn his black belt four years from when he started, which was officially 10/10/15.  His instructors encourage these long term goals but help him stay focused on each day.

second grade