Testing Day

Bright and early on Saturday morning we reported for belt testing. Zack was trying to move from yellow to orange and Allie was taking two tests from white to orange. I was more nervous for Zack--he tends to kick you in the ankles instead of the belt--not a good plan. Allie, on the other hand, is a high kicker and all fired up.

They warmed up together taking turns showing me their kicks:

Next they were lined up for testing. Zack pulled first up out of all 50 kids. How did that happen? He is such a cool customer, though, and jumped right up. He kicked is board in half with not a care in the world. It was Drew's first time at the tests and he was so shocked to see they use real wood and not the practice boards like in class. I wish I could show you photos, but it is a no flash room so we do not distract the kids and he moved so fast it was nothing but a blur.

Moments later, he was standing watching his sister take her turn:

And he clapped hard for her as she broke through double boards. Yes, being at the ripe old age of 9, she had to kick through and punch through twice the width. I held my breath until she was done, naturally.

They moved onto their forms as an entire group and were flawless. It surprises me that Allie can be so precise in her form but through years of dance lessons she simply could not manage to remember her routines. I guess she is right and dance just was not her thing.

What is her thing? Her kicks. She loves them and is so excited that orange belt will include jumping kicks and sparring. Lord help me!

They both passed and will receive their belts next week. And we get to move to the intermediate class (an hour later on Sat mornings!) and we add buying sparring equipment to my todo list for the week. Way to go, Angels! Mommy is so proud of you.