So, there they are, the advanced belts.  Someday, there WILL be a belt on that table that says C. Winter.  Recently, I had the opportunity to attend Metro Karate Academy's Spring Graduation.  I had no idea what to expect, but I bought along my camera, my curiosity and my loud voice to cheer on my friends.  What an event, I'd guess there were about 30 or so overall, mainly those earning brown belts, and brown with black stripe belts.  But also those earning Sho Dan (the period before earning the 1st Degree Black), Five earning 1st Degrees, and Two, Amber and her daughter Aspen, earning their Second Degree Black Belts.

I'm so impressed at what it takes to earn these upper ranks.  These kids learn forms, combos and one steps.  They learn respect for themselves, self discipline and self confidence.  I don't think I've met one that I don't think is "simply amazing".

  With that being said, I need to talk about Maxwell, the boy here breaking the board.  I first met Maxwell, last July, when my own son started Karate training.  Maxwell's about the cutest little boy ever; polite, funny, and EXTREMELY hard working.  Metro Karate has monthly Karate tournament for their kids.  As far as I know, he's entered all of them since he started in July, and also, as far as I know, he's won his age level every time.  Why is he so good?  He practices every day and he has a determination I've rarely seen in children so young.   He has his sight on the ultimate goal - the Black Belt.  You know what?  I know he'll get it, and I know I'll be there to capture the moment.

I have met so many wonderful people since starting back at Karate.  Most are kids, but there are a few adults; most, like me, who are doing this with their children.  I admire Amber, the new 2nd Degree, who comes with various configurations of her 4 children.  She is one of the people who have taught me a lot.  Everyone's accepting of the sometime limitations that Diabetes causes (I'd hate to admit how often my blood sugar drops during class).  There's Alex, the young man holding the board above.  He's a college student, cute as a bug, and so much fun to pick on.  For me, Karate is as much of a social time as it is a workout.  He lets me get my adult social interaction time. I can't even begin to tell you how much fun I have with the kids.

Finally, I wanted to say, "CONGRATULATIONS", to everyone who earned an advanced rank.  I'm so proud of all of you.  Thanks for letting me be a part of your celebration.