The 7 oldest kids and I spent the day about an hour South of the cities competing in our first Martial Arts Tournament. It was a wonderful day for all of us and though the trophies and medals are tangible rewards, the best things are intangible and only a few would have even noticed them.
Our kids who are know for oppositional behaviors under stress were not - all day long they smiled. The one who panics and has anxiety attacks - didn't. Instead they sat and encouraged other kids while waiting patiently for their turn. One who usually is hyper tender-hearted was able to not cry and not once did I need to threaten anyone with anything. Wow. In my world this has been an A+ day. I feel like today was a test for them and they passed with flying colors!
Another positive for us was the friendly and Christ centered focus of the event. The competition was real but there was none of the nasty attitude that we saw at the last tournament. We didn't know about the public faith side of the day until Master Torabpour closed out his opening comments in prayer. Through out the day Master Torabpour was happy, engaged, watchful and in his element keeping all 6 rings moving forward and everyone focused on what was important. I feel richer for having spent this day under his encouragement.
The team with a case full of trophies and medals. I was coach today, good thing too, John's uniform had a bad run-in with a crayon this week so he needed to wear mine to compete in. Scary that mine fits him!
Jesse chilling with his new friend. I was amazed that he chose to wear his helmet most of the afternoon. Maybe it helped cut down the noise and therefore the external auditory stimulation. Hummm.....think I could get him to wear it for school?
Leah throwing a round kick (in the blue helmet.) There were no others in her belt/age category so she competed against more advanced belts and held her own well.
Josh - four hours into the morning. Notice the clear eyes and happy disposition. It was great to see.
Lydia and Noel touching bats before thrashing it out for first and second place in sword sparring. Both fought well.
Jesse chilling with his new friend. I was amazed that he chose to wear his helmet most of the afternoon. Maybe it helped cut down the noise and therefore the external auditory stimulation. Hummm.....think I could get him to wear it for school?
Leah throwing a round kick (in the blue helmet.) There were no others in her belt/age category so she competed against more advanced belts and held her own well.
Josh - four hours into the morning. Notice the clear eyes and happy disposition. It was great to see.
Lydia and Noel touching bats before thrashing it out for first and second place in sword sparring. Both fought well.
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5 comments:
Way to go, guys! I am happy for each one of you; what a privilege to be talented enough to compete, and even more, to earn awards. What a happy day!
That's really amazing. I love martial arts when they are done right.
Kiiup! Well done, kiddos!
That's so awesome in every sense of the word! Great job to all. :)
That's great! Congrats to everyone on the trophies and the wonderful day! :)
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