And Now There are Two

Big D finally passed his blue belt test.  It was stressful and heart-wrenching to watch.  Last week he was jazzed about testing and I felt he was truly ready.  We had been practicing every day and he seemed to get over most of his nervousness.  Well, all the preparation and knowledge went right out the window when he stepped on the mat.  He blanked out on some of the very basic elements.  At one point I went outside the dojo thinking I was making him nervous.  When I came back, it hadn’t gotten any better and he was to the point of pure frustration so he couldn’t go any further.  I felt so bad for him.  I realize this is a “learning opportunity” as he’ll be in front of a large board for both brown and black belts, but I can’t help but feel for him as he’s my son.  He went back at the end of the week and was able to re-test on those elements he failed and passed.  He still needs some work, but Sensei was very kind and realized he needed a confidence boost.  At last we are both wearing blue belts around our waist.  Now it’s on to green belt which is longer and more difficult.  We’re heading into intermediate belt territory where the skills are more difficult to acquire, there are more of them, and the hour requirement is longer.  I know we’ll make it, but there are days I wonder what I’ve gotten myself into!  I did get my first tip last week, and Big D will get his next week.  We’re on our way!