Novice Test, Take 2

Zachary took the Novice Black Belt Test back in July, the day we came home from the beach.  It wasn't ideal, but we had to deal with it.  He hadn't had any classes the whole week leading up to the test (although we did try to have him practice some during the week), and he was stuck in a car for 6 hours.  The test didn't turn out his way, and he was pretty upset.  We didn't really know what to expect from it, and weren't upset at all - in fact, we were later told by many people that most don't pass on their first attempt.  So he set his sights on the September test.

The September test was scheduled on September 20, which was also (unfortunately) a UGA home game.  So we had to miss our first home game since 1998 (me) and 2001 (Josh).  We had to travel to a different Dojo location for the test, so there was also some unfamiliarity with the location (the July test had been at our Dojo).  I really didn't know what to expect from this second attempt, but as we watched, I wasn't sure he'd done enough to pass.

This test seemed to go a little faster than the last one, and they wrapped up around 5:30 (they had started at 3:00).  Then we waited.  All the instructors and judges retreated to the back room to deliberate.  After about 20-30 minutes they came back out and it was time to announce those who had passed.  Our dojo had about 8 people testing - 4 who were trying to advance to novice black belt, and 4 taking it just for practice.  When it came time for our dojo, Mr. Bello announced that we had 2 who had passed who were there just for practice, and one candidate who passed to advance to novice black belt - THIS GUY!!!

We could not have been more excited!  I think Josh & I both screamed when his name was called!  I'm sure we embarrasses him, but hey - the kid finished his first triathlon the Sunday before, and then passed a 3 hour karate test that day.  It was SO worth missing a football game for!

Now we just have to wait for the official graduation on 10/11 where he will be presented with his brand new novice black belt!