Michael's Big Days

Michael chose to participate in TaeKwonDo as his PE choice for this school year. He has been attending classes as a white belt since early September. Saturday was his first testing day; if he passed his tests, he would promote to yellow belt.

TaeKwonDo is the Korean version of the martial arts, with the emphasis on the artistry of the art and principle of defense, rather than offense. It teaches honor, courtesy, self-control, integrity, perserverance, courage, and community. Many of the students at his school are home-schooled and are Christians. The Master Instructor graduated from home schooling and is an excellent role-model.

Michael was nervous as we approached the testing site. He was very quiet during the long ride to far south Austin. (Note the smile!) As his school was called, he moved slowly to the part of the room where he was to await his turn. Naturally shy (huh), he held back until all the students were assembled.

Finally, it was his group's turn. They went through the listening positions (well-done). Then the students performed the Chon-Ji, the white belt pattern, in pairs before the judges. Chon-Ji means "the Heaven, the Earth", refering to creation. The Chon-Ji is the pattern of moves that form the basis of TaeKwonDo.

Next came one-steps. During one-steps, the student works with an attacker who makes two offensive moves toward the student. The student then responds with several basic defensive moves, which he has learned in a specific sequence. At Michael's level, he must demonstrate five such sets. The artistry in execution of the moves is most important; there is no contact with the aggressor. Oh no, a bit of hesitation as Michael struggles to remember the beginning of the last two sets, which have only been added recently to his repetoire because of his age.