Martial Arts

Head Teacher on the right in red shirt. George in line for doing a side hit on the punching bag.

George learning jumping jacks

Yesterday, we did something really exciting! We enrolled George in martial arts (Tang Soo Do)! George was a little hesitant about starting a class and thought it wouldn't be fun, but once I showed him a video of a five year old breaking a wooden board, he was all in (so was Scott). Daddy got off early by chance and was able to come to George's first Class too. Nana had the privilege of seeing him on his first day of class too!

For martial arts, we basically wanted a place that was super fun, where you could join at age 4 (most are 5-7 for starting), inspire confidence and teach discipline, and help him learn a little self defense (can't gain much at a young age, so a little will work for now!).

At the beginning of class, they started sitting down in a long line in the front with their eyes closed for meditation. This was the hardest part for George! He said loudly in the quiet, "I can't keep my eyes closed!" which in response all the parents laughed and the head teacher told him "try to the best of your abiliy!" Seeing George rubbing and holding his hands over his eyes, and squirming in his seat on the floor threw me into an uncontrollable soft giggle which I couldn't help! There were several other things George did that got the parent-audience laughing happily with the change. They really work on discipline here and the head teacher doesn't take anything unless it's a new student taking their introductory lessons. Even though he had a hard time listening and doing what he was told (he was actually trying his hardest too) I have a feeling George will learn quickly, and even eventually become the top of his class! Our head teacher said George had good form and did very well on his first day!

Other things that were done in class, were punches on a punching bag and a mitt, working on balance by jumping side to side over a laid down poll, doing jumping jacks and pushups, some fighting/stance routines, and a game where you don't let the sword (a cushy pool one) touch your head by ducking!

George's favorite things were, well, according to him, EVERYTHING!

Next up for martial arts at around 3 1/2 or 4...