A thrilled and enthusiastic Brock began his first experience in karate on Monday night. Initially, he told me that he wouldn't learn much in karate because he already knew how to fight like a ninja. Sigh....gotta love boys. As we pulled up to the karate gym, Brock was practically jumping out of his seat belt in excitement and had the car door open before we had fully stopped (insert wasted lecture from mother to son about safety here). Smiling ear to ear, he bounded up the steps to the building and impatiently bobbed around the front door until I joined him.
Inside, there was a crowd of parents lining the karate mat that took up most of the room. Children Brock's age were clad in their white Gi and bare feet, standing at attention before their instructor, Mr. Dillow. Brock didn't have a uniform yet, so he was in sweats and a tee. But that's not what set Brock apart during his first karate lesson. The other children were uber obedient, standing still and listening to instructions, answering with a curt "Yes, sir!" That was the other children. Brock was the one on the end, hopping around like a kangaroo and paying more attention to his reflection in the full-size mirrors than listening. Fortunately, Mr. Dillow was very patient and experienced with kids and had fun trying to reign in kangaroo Brock.
This is what it looks like when you tell a kangaroo to stop hopping:
Brock couldn't synchronize his "hi-ya" and kick. It was seriously funny and Mr. Dillow made Brock try over and over again until Brock's "hi-ya" and kick occurred simultaneously.
Packing a mean punch...
Brock received his white belt that night as well...
On Wednesday night, Brock got his Gi!
Too bad it didn't come with a mega-watt smile for the camera.
Photographer Child Syndrome...
Faking boredom with mom's camera and giving a good impression of a child ready for bed...
...don't be deceived, though. It took Brock over two hours, after we said our goodnights, to come down from his karate high and give into sleep.
