The Belt Tests

Our boys are heavily into Kwon Shu Karate. Our youngest son Trae (pictured kicking), recently tested for his First Ban Bu belt. This is the first step towards the degreed levels. Our other son, Tren (sparring video), was able to achieve his First Degree Black Belt at the age of 10 and recently (12 years old) tested for his Second Degree Black Belt.

These tests were awesome! Although they were similar in curriculum, Trens test was a little more intense mentally and physically. The test was done on two seperate days. First in front of his instructor and two other heads of schools, and the second day in front of Master Lawrence and all the heads of schools. Both my wife Wendy and I were really nervous for him. He sure had us fooled and led us to believe he wasn't nervous. In fact he was at the top of the class when it was over! In this test they had to run 2 miles, do 100 situps, 50 pushups, and 10 pullups all within 30 minutes. Then they went through all the curriculum with forms, kicks, sparring, and techniques. Trae's test was similar, but he had to do half of the physical. They both did awesome at passing their tests. We are so proud of both of them!