Dear Kids,
Today was a special day.
Last week, I got an email from Coach V inviting SBE to test for his next belt (which would be the first belt he tests for), his white belt with a black stripe through it.
SBE started with after-school classes last year, then he and SBK went to karate camp this past summer. And now he’s going weekly on Sundays. SBE, you absolutely love karate (although I’d like to see you practicing more 🙂 ), and I really hope that you are still training and practicing. Honestly, I hope to see you attain your black belt long before I depart this mortal realm. But honestly, that’s not what this post is about. Today is a day of happiness and celebration. You worked hard, and demonstrated to Coach V and the rest of his staff that you deserved to be tested, and your hard work paid off, for you are now a white belt with a black stripe!
I’ve never seen you so focused as you were during the testing. It was a bit awkward since, thanks to COVID, the test was virtual, and you were in the living room instead of the classroom (which was kind of odd given that the classes are in person). Nevertheless, you took the test as seriously as you would have had you been in the classroom…perhaps even more so since there was less distractions…just you, me and the computer. You performed great, and I could see how determined you were to execute each stance and move as accurately as your 6-year-old self could.
Of course, I had no doubt (nor, I daresay, did Coach V) you would pass, and you proved me right. I am so proud of you and your ability to achieve what you set out to accomplish. Mazal tov to you, and I hope I am able to include a similar post to this one at least 10 more times (one for each additional belt up to black)…and who knows, maybe even belts in other forms besides the one you’re learning today. Keep up the good work, stay focused, and follow your passion. There’s nothing you can’t achieve if you work hard and stay dedicated.
Love,
Aba
P.S., in case you are wondering we celebrated by going to one of your favorite restaurant: Red Robin.
