318/365 - New Exercise Class

When Brian re-started TaeKwonDo classes last week, I was intrigued by another class going on on the opposite end of the TKD facility. Two of my friends, Chris and Amber, were in the class, beating up on these heavy bags. It looked like fun.

It turns out it was a Cage Fitness class and is available for people outside the TaeKwonDo program. Chris invited me to try out a class on Thursday and I signed up for a 8-week session tonight.



And after my normal morning workout of kick boxing DVD and 3+ mile run, my legs are in serious pain now. But in a good way. The bonus - I take the class while Brian is in his TKD class and I have plenty of time for extra stretching afterward (something I always seem to skip in the rush of the morning).

My intent is to take the class at least twice a week, and maybe three times.

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311/365 - Back to TKD

After a three month break, Brian is back at Tae Kwon Do. Three months away isn’t a lot of time, but the TKD academy has made many changes – the most notable being that they moved locations. They moved only two blocks from their original space, but the new facility couldn’t be more different. A ton of floor space, separate waiting area and cool punching bags that are suspended from the ceiling. Winches bring the punching bags down when in use and back up out of the way when done. It’s like starting new at a new academy. I think Brian is glad to be back kicking and punching.

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21/365 - Rainy Evening

More rain today, but I thought I would take a picture at night instead of during the dreary, gray day. I took Brian to TaeKwonDo after dinner.

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324/365 - Fully Protected

Brian in his new TaeKwonDo Sparring gear - he outgrew his original (red) headgear and chest protector. All Black now, baby!

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296/365 - Tae Kwon Do Testing

It's been several months since Brian has participated in Tae Kwon Do testing. He continues to attend classes twice a week, but due to vacation and other activities, hasn't met the requirements to test towards his next Black Belt ranking.

He should have tested yesterday with his class, but since he was sick, he tested with the advanced color belt class tonight. Here he is, the only red helmeted kid in a sea of black:


Brian performed two Black Belt forms in front of the entire class and audience, solo:


He makes me so proud!

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184/365 - TaeKwonDo Class [high iso]

There is nothing more challenging than photographing in a dimly lit space. Add the flat florescent lighting and constant movement of the subjects and you'll see why I hardly ever take photos of Brian during a routine TaeKwonDo class.

Until now.

The new toy is supposed to handle high ISO, which means I can increase the ISO, reduce my shutter speed and get crisp shots.

Shot at 500 ISO, with Tungsten White Balance Setting (still shooting in JPG). I still had to adjust the color after I noticed a magenta cast.


(Brian and his partner are practicing self defense moves. She's trying to bring him down, but since he is double jointed, she's having some difficulty. Can you see me taking the picture?)

Later on, I was reading the D300 manual in bed and Rascal decided she wanted some attention. This one was shot at 2000 ISO (yes, that is two-thousand!). I adjusted the color and sharpened just a tiny bit.


So far, just loving the results I am getting out of the new camera. But still a ton to learn.

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Gratitude Post 22 - ATA TaeKwonDo

On Friday, Brian experienced a special TaeKwonDo class with special guest Mr. VonSchmeling, a 4th degree Black Belt and XMA World Champion. XMA stands for Extreme Martial Arts, which melds gymnastics and dance with traditional martial arts. The forms contain high energy moves and high powered music (you know, the kind that really pumps you up). Mr. VonSchmeling taught the kids an XMA form while emphasizing the values of excellence, perseverance, attitude and leadership.

I love what Brian's TaeKwonDo training has done for him - he is more confident, has overcome fears and worked hard for his Black Belt rank. He can lead a class of beginners and introduce himself to adults (while I'm with him).

The family who runs the academy love TaeKwonDo and instill great encouragement in their students - we are so fortunate to have a great facility in our community.

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Decided 2nd Degree BlackBelt

Brian smashed through his board breaks Thursday night and joined the ranks of 2nd Degree Decided BlackBelt:

Setting up the board for the Hammer Fist Strike:


He punched right through it:


Same thing for his Axe Kick:


We had the goal of getting all of this done before his 9th birthday, because the boards get harder at age 9. But I am sure he wouldn't have had a problem with the next level of boards..... just good to have accomplished this goal.

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This just in - Brian's 2nd Degree BB Testing

Coming to you live from the cornfields of Illinois.....(gotta love that WIFI access)

Brian has successfully tested for 2nd Degree Recommended Black Belt!

He had been working on this for a year now - you must complete 5 midterm tests and then break a series of three boards at the testing.

Brian broke 2 out of the 3 boards on the first try, and nailed the 3rd one on the second attempt!

He was also named Black Belt of the year (we had no idea this was coming!).

We are proud of you Brian - way to go!

Pictures will come later.....

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Brian is a Black Belt!

After 2 years, Brian achieved the rank of Recommended Black Belt in May. Since then, he has been preparing for official Black Belt testing, which finally arrived last Thursday. During the Testing, Brian had to perform his current and past form, develop and perform his own form to music and break two boards, all in front of all the Black Belts, numerous Moms and Dads and the owners of the TaeKwonDo school.

The most nerve wracking part of the Testing is the board breaking. If you fail to break your boards within three attempts, you don’t receive your belt. You must break two boards utilizing an elbow strike and then a flying side kick. In the last week of classes, Brian practiced breaking his boards, but he wasn’t successful all the time, even with numerous attempts, so I was quite nervous for him. During the early stages of Testing, I couldn’t bear to watch, and I chose not to take any pictures.

The first girl in the Testing program broke her boards on the first try. Brian’s turn was next.....he jumped the gun a bit and started to break the board without first asking permission (part of the formality of the board breaking process). So he asked for and was granted permission to break his boards. Positioning himself by the board, Brian wound up his elbow and swung down at the board - and it broke! The crowd roared to encourage him on to the flying sidekick. Brian ran and planted his foot in the center of the board, and it broke as well! I was so excited for Brian - I could see the joy in his face and step as he shook the board holders’ hands and ran to me for a great big bear hug.

The remainder of the Testing program consisted of less exciting events - Form performances and technique review. My nerves had calmed down so I took some pictures of Brian and others going through their Form:



Here is Brian getting his new belt tied on (thanks to Ethan's mom for helping us out):


And Ethan congratulating Brian:


Here is our Black Belt!

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Tae Kwon Do Tournament

Brian participated in his first Tae Kwon Do Tournaments in January and February.
The first one was near Chicago in the middle of January, and since this was his very first tournament, we signed him up to compete as a Tiny Tiger. He ran through the entire Red Belt form without any help from the judges and won the “Black Belt Attitude” award in his group.
Some of the highlights –

Brian practices his form and goes into a square block.


Before they start, one of the judges always asks if this is the first tournament experience for any of the competitors - so Brian is raising his hand



Brian shows off his trophy and medal. He is very proud of them!


We stayed at the Pheasant Run Resort, and they have a cool indoor / outdoor pool. Because half of the pool runs outside, it is maintained at bath water temperatures – great for jumping in after running around in the freezing temperatures outside - as shown by Erica here -


And Brian wanted me to take his picture inside:


We all had a great time!

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Introducing our Camo Belt!

Yes, it is official - Brian is now a Camo belt. He went through his Tae Kwon Do testing last week and graduated from Yellow to Camo belt during the belt ceremony last night.

During the ceremony, he demonstrated his "one step" and "two step", with his Karate for Kids class:


Since he is part of the Black Belt Club, he then demonstrated his form and weapons techniques.


Finally, he was presented with his new belt! He proudly displayed his new belt at home with his single stick.


Congrats Brian! We are very proud of you!

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