Finally

[lizzybennet]

The boys made it through a complete TKD class with no tears. They stayed until the end of the class with virtually no complaints. There was still a bit of a disagreement between them because Zack tries to boss Petey around which in turn upsets Petey. Zack's just trying to get Petey to behave. He really has taken on a more active role as the "big brother" since we've moved here. I'm so happy that the boys finally finished a class with out any drama! Today there were two instructors and that really seemed to make a difference. One instructor was able to work with the white belts while the other instructor worked with the more advanced students.

Before class started up, all the kids were chasing a young man from the adult class. They were trying to kick him and he was dodging all their efforts. Zack really gets into these type of games and tends to get over zealous. I noticed that he was kicking the guy a lot more often than the other kids, but I didn't say anything to him. I figured the guy was old enough to tell them to stop if he didn't like it. Well, he certainly had a unique way of telling them to stop. He kicked Zack back. This is a guy who is highly trained in martial arts. I was watching him later in the evening as he spared with the other adults and he was taking down every one who came up against him. He is very skilled. When he kicked Zack, he really hurt him. Zack came over to me immediately and started crying because it hurt him so badly (I don't count these tears as crying during class, because this was before it started.) Of course, my motherly instincts were to go over and give that guy what-for for hurting my sweet boy. Still, my cowardly I-don't-speak-Chinese self won out. Besides, I felt certain the guy didn't mean to hurt Zack. I'm hoping he just didn't realize how powerful his kick was? It was like a little sideways tap on the side of Zack's hip (I saw it happen. Zack had grabbed on to him and wouldn't let go. You see, he really did bring it on himself.)

Maybe some of you experienced TKDers can clue me in on something else. It is pretty common for the teachers to whack the kids on the butt with the leather clappers. Is that normal in the US, too? I just wondered. I'm so relieved that TKD is finally becoming easier for them. And they are making friends with kids in the class, too. That's really what it's all about.

Comments

[masteralida.livejournal.com]

Mostly whacked on the head, actually, kids and adults, if we don't block it in time.

[risingpheenix.livejournal.com]

I agree. You get hit, you get kicked, you get punched. It's all part of the learning process. He'll learn to block the kicks or get out of the way, or stop being so agressive himself. It's a learning curve.

Also, don't forget that they take their martial arts waaaaay more seriously than we do. We see it as a sport, a lot of serious students in Asia see it as an art form, their way of life. What they learn in class is how they conduct their lives. You don't find that here in the states unless the student is highly, highly dedicated.

[mysteena.livejournal.com]

It will just take some getting used to for Zack and Petey. I think TKD is going to be so good for them once they get used to the structure of the classes. Yes, he was being way too agressive and he basically got what he deserved. Still, as a mom, I don't like it!

There is an American girl in the adult TKD class. She was seems pretty skilled with a staff. I was surprised to see her, as she was suprised to see me :)

[mysteena.livejournal.com]

I have so much to learn about TKD. Teach me, oh master!

[goal145.livejournal.com]

Mmm. Either this young man is not very skilled, or he knows exactly how hard he kicked your son. My husband is a 2nd degree black belt in TKD, and at his school the stressed precision - power under restraint - above all.

Of course, there's also the possibility that he figured Zack was used to/could handle a blow of that intensity. And in time? Zack probably will be.

[mysteena.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your comment. It really sheds some light on the situation. I think you're absolutely right. Wow, I had no idea your hubby was so advanced in TKD. That's really cool. I'm glad you know something about it so you can teach me! I'm clueless :)