SEPTEMBER 24th- ORANGE BELT

Cole officially made it to his first belt graduation. However, we've come to realize that anyone and everyone gets their next belt as long as they pay their monthly dues and show up on graduation day. Cole started karate right after a graduation day and worked hard for 10 weeks, 5 days a week. We make sure that he pays attention in class and give him pointers afterward if he isn't doing a move quite right. Then we see that kids that only started 1 week before graduation and have no clue about the moves got the next belt. What kind of crap is that? That's so unfair to the kids who have put in the time and effort the full term and know all the moves.

We figured that at least the kids would do their forms individually and have to show that they've mastered most of it in order to move up at graduation. Nope. They just did the forms as a group about 15 times in a row while being lead by an instructor. What's up with that?

So, apparently these kids don't have to work hard to earn something that is supposed to represent respect, honor, and dedication. It's simply given to them no matter what. Or maybe it shows that enough money gets you what you want even if you don't technically deserve it. How does this not completely send the wrong message to the kids?

Another reason it really aggravates me is because even though there are a lot of these ATA schools around the country, they are not every where. And if we get transferred somewhere that doesn't have one, a different school is going to think his belt status is a joke and he'll have to back track and re-earn them. Ugh, I could go on and on about how angry this makes me, but I'll refrain...For now. Ask me about it and I'll probably go off and tell you how I REALLY feel. :)

If my child was athletically, socially, mentally or physically challenged I might feel differently and appreciate this system. But the fact of the matter is that my child does not have any of those challenges...And I'm very grateful for that. Cole is quite the opposite in that he is very athletically talented and most sports just seem to come naturally to him (I'd like to say it runs in the family). This will probably actually pose a problem in the future because he won't be able to do every sport and will have to make some choices.

Now for the upside to the karate saga: A few days before graduation one of the instructors (that is not part of the school's family business) pulled Nathan aside and told him that he sees great potential in Cole. He said he noticed how well he has been doing and feels like he is ready to do much more...AND that he wants to make Cole a state champion for his age level. This coming from a 4th degree black belt World Champion meant a lot. He wants him to start in the leadership program which will allow him to begin training in weapons and sparring. That's what Cole is really interested in doing but normally you have to be at least a camo belt to do that. He would be doing this 2 belts ahead of schedule...If we pay double the money for it, of course.

It was such a huge compliment and we are so incredibly proud of Cole for working so hard. That recognition from Mr. Ingram put the biggest smile on Cole's face and proved to him that if he works hard he will be rewarded. And ever since that day Mr. Ingram has let Cole lead the class on forms to see how he does under the pressure...Cole loves being in the spotlight so he doesn't mind.