Last California Karate Class...

Well the kid had her final class last night for karate. We're really sad to have to leave this class behind, she's been taking karate every Tuesday night since third grade.

She was a 2nd degree blue belt. Her sensei tested her a week early to see if she would advance, and to our surprise last night he presented her with her new belt--a 1st degree RED belt! He told her that he was skipping her a belt because she had worked so hard to improve and had really earned it. He also said a lot of students drop out before reaching red belt as the class gets MUCH harder, and he'd never skipped a belt for one of his students, so this was a big deal!

Receiving her new belt:

Afterwards he told her to put it on so he could see it on her.

I'd told her 'look fierce' for this picture.

We are VERY proud of her and warned her that we were gonna brag about her!

Another Belt!

The other night the kid got her 2nd degree blue belt in Karate.

Then they donned their new belts and had some quality sparring time...

Step-away blocking!

The kid goes in for the kill!

Initially she'd picked out the biggest kid in class as a sparring partner, but her sensei quickly reshuffled them. We gave her points for chutzpah, though!

Karate Night!

And the kid advances to Purple Belt, 3rd Degree.

Her gi has quite the collection of stars on it (one per belt color achieved), it looks very intimidating.

Yellow Belt!

On Tuesday, N. moved up to a Yellow Belt in Karate.

Getting her certificate and new belt...

Getting her medal...

Bowing to her Sensei...

The class in action!

She really enjoys the class, and wants to continue taking lessons. We're happy because it seems to be helping her focus and pay attention, yay!