Green is the New Yellow

This month Jaden tested to move up in rank and has earned his Green Belt. My mom and dad, Kaleb, Bradley and I went to his class to see him be awarded. (Charles was sad to miss it.)


He kneels down and removes the Yellow belt (which he had a little bit of trouble with) and then is presented with the new one. There were 3 others who were also awarded. Once they all have their new belt, they stand at the front of the class and lead everyone in their stretches, punches and kicks.


To test, Jaden had to go all the way to Ogden so the big boss, Master Lim, could see him. He was pretty nervous. He said he felt like he was going to barf. But he did very well! I would put the video of his actual test on here, but it's way too big. After his test, Master Lim put his hand out for a congratulatory handshake, and Jaden gave him five! I guess that's not very respectful! :) But it gave everyone a good laugh.


Jaden really loves Hapkido. His class is about 15 minutes away, and at 7:00 at night. There are some days where I just don't want to drag all the kids out this close to bedtime. A few times (when I am feeling really lazy) I have tried to bribe Jaden with watching TV if we could skip Hapkido that night. But he is committed. He wants to go. He loves it. I think the only thing that might change his mind about going would be to go to Grandma's house instead. But that wouldn't ever work because if we're going to pack all the kids into the car to go to Grandma's, then we're definitely doing Hapkido...because it's less than a minute away from her house!


This move is called Water Will Strike.

We almost put Jaden in soccer again this Spring, but we felt like he seemed a little too stressed out doing both last year. So we asked him what he would like to do and he said "just Hapkido." Maybe in the Fall he and Kaleb can do soccer...





This jump is called "Outside-in Jumping Outside-in."

Here's their line up. They line up first by belt rank, and also by age. If you are having a hard time finding Jaden, he is the shortest one. But that's okay because he is also the youngest one. He was really excited to move up in this line. He used to be the last yellow belt (only 4 from the end) but now he is the last green belt (in front of all the yellow and white belts.) Yeah... he feels pretty cool. :)







Here he is doing his favorite kick: a Roundhouse.

Time to cool down with a few stretches...




Kaleb was such a proud little supporter. He kept wanting to hug and kiss Jaden's new belt.



Grandma and Grandpa were also very proud of him. Here's a high five from Grandpa. :)


Way to go Jaden! You are doing awesome! You made it to the "Green Team!" :)