Tae Kwon Do update

Collin and I are working toward our orange belt in Tae Kwon Do on August 26th. I was a little worried about our progress until our workout on Saturday when lots of things really came together for us and now we have all week to practice.

The order of the belts is White (beginner), Gold, then Orange. In order to get a new belt, we must demonstrate all of the requirements for an instructor individually and then pass a formal belt test. The requirements are various punches, kicks, self-defense, forms (or katas, simulated fights), and in our class scripture memorization. The belt test itself consists of the demonstration of all of the requirements in front of multiple instructors who evaluate your mastery of the skills. Also, you must spar (or fight) with an instructor using the skills that you have learned.

I have been fascinated with martial arts since reading comic books as a kid. Other than just thinking it's cool, now I can see its value in life especially taking it with Collin. Martial arts develops self-discipline, respect, fosters hard work, and exercise. This is evident in the primary Tenets of Tae Kwon Do (easier to remember using the acronym CHIPSI): Courtesy, Humility, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-control, and an Indomitable Spirit.