Hi-ya!

Recently Allen took Rebecca to visit the local ATA Martial Arts school here in the Woodlands. She had expressed an interest in taking karate. The Woodlands school has a program called Karate for Kids that helps children learn the basics of taekwando and self defense.

Allen signed Rebecca up for a month of classes to see if she was really interested in it. They do the intro classes because they do not take quitters at the school. If you decide to take lessons, it is a one year contract/commitment.

After her initial excitement, she soon became scared and didn't want to go. We tried to attend class a few times over the past couple of weeks, but finally made it there today. After some tears and whimpering about not wanting to go, she put on her uniform and we headed over to the ATA school.

When we got there, Rebecca was one of three new students. Of course, she was very nervous, but went out on the floor with the other kids. One of the other teachers stood near her and helped her with some of the basic hand positions. The class ranged in ages from 5 to 14, all in various states of beginners. Rebecca was tenative at first, but she soon began to enjoy herself.

At one point Master Berry asked the parents to come out and hold a kick bag for teir child so they could practice kicking. Rebecca seems to have gotten the knack of that pretty fast, she nearly knocked me over a couple of times. I even saw a smile on her face. ;-) After class, we thanked Master Berry, and he complemented Rebecca on her kicks. He said she did very good for her first time. Often new students are very nervous and scared, and don't try too hard. But he was pleased with how Rebecca pushed herself. I was very proud, too.