Another Milestone

I think I just witnessed one of the most adorable things ever in my life this afternoon. I have always envisioned signing my kids up for some type of martial arts once they turn five. Well, Ben is five and a half, and today, I watched his very first Tae Kwon Do class.

For starters, Ben got his "dobok" (uniform) and "kee" (belt) and put it on with absolute excitement. I watched him bow with respect before entering the dojang (floor.) That alone made me smile so wide, the other mothers immediately knew this was our first day. The floor consisted of about 8 litte five year olds with different colored belts. Ben was welcomed so warmly and positively by the instructor and the students. Immediately, they began their warm up exercises which also included Korean terminology used in repetition. That was fun and cute, but then came the part that was incredibly amazing to me. Following the instructors demands, the little five year olds lined up in a ready stance. They began to punch with a forceful, "Kee-yah!" as the instructor counted in Korean, all in unison, all with confidence and pride. Ben picked it up quickly, and followed along. His face was so happy and so eager. I realized I was holding back tears, it was that adorable!

Later, they began their kicks. Ben was brought aside by an assistant to learn how to kick. The instructor called him back and asked all the students to sit and watch Ben's "first kick." Ben proudly stood up, put his fists up in a defense position and kicked his right leg up with all of his strength and hit a black pad that the instructor was holding. The instructor fell back due to the strength of Ben's kick (wink, wink) and the students cheered as Ben smiled with pride. Once again, I blinked back my tears as I watched all of this taking place.

The class ended, and Ben got his very first bar on his belt...and a sticker for a job well done! He bowed before leaving the dojang. Ever since then, I think he asked me about twenty times when he is going back, again. He loved it, and I am so eager to see the progress he makes. Also, I am extremely eager to witness my other boys reach this milestone in years to come!

(Pictures posted very soon!)