Testing for his Yellow Belt

We have learned that testing in Tae Kwon Do is basically a celebration of all your hard work.  The real test for your new belt is actually your black tip.  The Master doesn't let you get your black tip until you are truly ready and have learned all your curriculum.  Nonetheless, testing can be nerve wracking.  There are at least a hundred people watching.  Testing is held at the larger school and Master Shim and the other Masters preside over testing, seated at a very official looking table.  We were all especially nervous for Elijah's first yellow belt test.  We didn't know that everyone who tests receives their belts.  We didn't know what to expect.

Testing, and Tae Kwon Do classes, always begin with a brief meditation period where the Masters and Instructors encourage the students to clear their minds and concentrate only on their class, or testing.

Next, in testing, and in class, there's a warm up period.  Every class, and testing, includes front rising kicks to warm up your legs and increase flexibility.  Scott got an awesome shot of Elijah's front rising kick.  It's still one of my favorites.  And, it shows just how far his flexibility, balance and overall physical ability had improved in less than two months.  Amazing.

Elijah's curriculum, that he performed for the Masters to test for his yellow belt, began with basic kicks and punches.

Next, he performed his form, or Poomsae.

The most stressful part of testing for Elijah's yellow belt was definitely the board breaking.  Board breaking is generally the only time in testing that every eye is turned toward one student.  Elijah was unable to break the board on the first two attempts.  But, what was most amazing to me was his perseverance.  I think it says volumes about Tae Kwon Do, that he was able to stick it out, and continue to try and finally break the board on his third attempt.  In less than two months, Tae Kwon Do had given him the fortitude to keep trying, not get upset, and break it on the third try.  And, all of this was achieved in front of over one hundred strangers.  I had tears in my eyes.  It was powerful.

After successfully breaking his board, reciting his Korean terms and watching the rest of the group test, Elijah received his new belt, a certificate and a hand shake from Master Shim. Here he's standing next to Ashley, examining his new certificate and grinning.

After receiving his yellow belt, Grammie was sweet enough to take all of us out to dinner to celebrate.  Here we are posing outside of the Mexican Restaurant.