Karate Kid

Last weekend we went to the State Karate Tournament with Megan so she could try to win and go to the National Competition in New Mexico. You have to place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in any event to be eligible to make it to the Nationals. She of course went in claiming she would place in State, place in Nationals, then she could go to the World Competition. I told her that if she made it to the World Tournament I would take her to New Orleans! I then told her one step at a time.

Well, she performed her "Kata" (which is forms, sort of like a dance they do if they were to be attacked). Keep in mind that she does not like this as much as fighting, but I tell her that she has to do it to practice. I tell her that the only reason I sing in front of people is because Nana always made me perform, whether I wanted to or not. So, her Kata went well, she did all she was supposed to but did not place. She was not interested in that anyway so it did not matter.

Then, it was time to spar (Kumite, sounds like ku-me-tay). She loves fighting and is shockingly good! She got in there and her first competitor was her height but rather large in stature. Keep in mind that Megan fights boys every time she goes to class and beats a lot of them, but for some reason she was hesitant to get in there and get it done with the girls she does not practice with. After a couple bouts, she finally realized that she was strong enough to take the opponent. She won her first round and waited to fight the next girl.

The second bout was for 1st and 2nd place. This time the liitle girl she was up against was a lot shorter and smaller in stature than Megan. Megan was very hesitant again and I could tell she did not want to hurt her. In the Dojo if a younger kid or less advanced student is sparring with a more advanced belt, they take it easy and let them learn techniques and how to get around blocks, etc. Well, Megan was acting as if this girl was not an orange belt! We kept telling her to go for it and finally it clicked. Megan won and was so excited!

On the way home, we asked her about the competition rounds and she said she was afraid she would hurt the little one. Jim told her that it was doing the little girl a huge disservice by going easy on her. I told her that if she was an orange belt and in the sparring area, she had to earn it to get there, so to attack no matter what. It is Megan's job to do that no matter the size. Megan thought the little one was younger in age. We had to explain that Megan is very tall for her age and that although she was smaller, she was not younger. The first competitor Megan thought was older because she was bigger. We told her that no matter the size, they were orange belts just like her and to fight hard.

We have booked our rooms in New Mexico and look forward to our family trip there on March 27. Megan has a goal to practice her Kata really hard so she can place in that too. She will also continue to fight and practice blocks. We will let you know how it goes in New Mexico!

Megan about ready to fight. They must bow to the judge and each other before assuming fighting stance.
Megan and Sensei Jasmin right after the fight and awarding of her trophy.
Proud dad and Megan.