We Couldn't Be More Proud!

Announcement of Black Belts for November 2008

Warming Up Before Testing

Hoshinsool

Sparring

Ssahng Jeol Bong (Short Knife Form)

The hard work, practice and commitment that Brandon has put in for the past three years came full circle yesterday when Brandon wore for the first time his new Black Belt uniform and received his First Degree Black Belt and certificate. Our day started with Brandon taking his 1st point test (in working toward becoming a 2nd Degree) at 10am. The testing lasted about an hour and a half and included roughly 15-20 other black belts. Brandon was asked to demonstrate his two highest forms (Choong-Moo and Koryo), the complete 11 step self defense techniques (Hoshinsool), his first two, black belt one-step self defense techniques, his short knife form, his Ssang Jeol Bong (Nun-chuck) form, hand/kicking board breaking and finally sparring techniques. He was absolutely amazing. Both his dad and I were beaming with pride. Ryan was cheering him on from the sidelines too. Brandon received his new belt embroidered with his name and a Pan-Am Federation Black Belt certificate during the belt ceremony. It was really cool. A tradition for Black Belts is that a Master will tie your belt for you the first time. Of course, I was crying as I always do because I was so proud of him. Brandon really takes this seriously and loves going to class and learning new techniques. He has been assisting at lower rank testing and wants to become an assistant instructor one day.

2008 Black Belts Posing with Supreme Grand Master

To celebrate, we went out for Korean Food for lunch at our favorite local place here in Fredicksburg... Choi's Korean Kitchen. As a Gift to Brandon, we framed in shadow boxes his blue training uniform and his old white testing uniform as he will never wear those again. They look really cool on his wall in his room.

We are now getting ready for Thanksgiving and looking forward to a visit from Grammy, Aunt Lindsay, Uncle Corey and Cousin James. We have decorated the house for Christmas already and will post pictures after Thanksgiving.

Until next time.....