The Karate Kid

My little Karate Kid had his first tournament this past Saturday.  He looks pretty mean doesn't he?

We all traveled up to Salt Lake to watch him.  He had to "Spar" (controlled fight) against an opponent.  I got a "kick" out of him all fixed up in his sparring gear.  He was protected from head to toe...including a mouth guard and the most important groin cup!  

This was first time I  had really seen him in the ring ready to spar.  He looked a little nervous at first, but soon gained some confidence.  In order to get a point he  had to punch or kick at the blue circles on his opponents body guard.   He also had to try to block kicks and punches from his opponent.  The points went pretty quick...nothing too violent!  In fact it was cute!  AJ is such a laid back kid that nothing really gets to him.  He was just out there doing his best.  The other kid won the match but AJ definitely made some good points. 

Ready stance....look at the concentration

This is an action shot of  AJ earning a point.  The opponent went in for a kick as AJ went for the punch into his opponent's center blue circle...."point red!"  

When it was all over, I took out his mouth guard and he had a big smile on his face.  He thought it was pretty cool and said that it didn't hurt at all!  Thank goodness it was a good experience.  Here he is being awarded his Silver Medal.  No blood or tears...just a smile and some medals!

He also  had to perform a what they call a "form."  He  had to do form Keebon.  This is were they are in ring alone and perform a series of moves .  Anyway, he won the Gold Medal for his form Keebon!  Way to go AJ!  

We were proud of him.  He is such a sweet kid.  Karate has helped him gain some confidence.  It also teaches respect and muscle control.  Anyway, when all said and done he was very excited to have his medals.  He also couldn't wait to get his groin cup off! :)