Dojo Karate Tournament

Over the last couple of years, the karate school where Zachary goes has either hosted or participated in a number of tournaments. We've never been able to go, because they are always scheduled on days we can't go (baseball game, in Chattanooga, driving to Disney World, etc.). They hosted another tournament on December 15. Originally Zachary was going to attend a Christmas party with his Sunday school group, but we decided to do the tournament since there's no telling if or when he'll be able to do another one. Zachary was so excited for his first tournament. And he did really well too! They divided the kids up into similar belts, and similar ages. Then they were put into groups of 3 for their form demonstration. Each kid in the group did his/her form, then the judges gave each kid their scores. Then they awarded 2 silver medals and one gold medal. Zachary did AWESOME! He was paired up with 2 other red belts from his dojo location, and he smoked them! He ended up winning the gold medal for his group!

Following the form portion of the tournament, they moved into the sparring portion. For this part, they were again divided into similar belts, and similar ages, but groups of 4. The first 2 kids sparred each other, then the other 2 kids sparred each other. Then the 2 losers sparred each other, and the 2 winners sparred. The winner of the winner's match won gold, and the other 3 kids all won a silver medal. Unfortunately Zachary lost his first match, but he battled back & won the 2nd one. He wound up with silver, which he knew was sort of a consolation prize. But we reminded him that he still won one match, and he did a good job regardless of what medal he had around his neck.

And apparently his instructor, and the head instructor were so impressed with his performance at the tournament, that he was extended an invitation to the Masters Club this week. Evidently they had been thinking about it for a while, but were waiting for sort of a breakthrough with him, and the tournament was just that. Basically, with the Masters Club, he will keep attending the same classes he's been attending, but he can also start taking the weapons class, and he is expected to help out with other classes on a regular basis. He also gets a black uniform (see some of the pics above). This was a HUGE surprise for him, and for us, and we are so proud of him!