Gold is better

Finnegan went to his first karate class ever on January 13. Some students from Dojo Karate in Buffalo came to his school to give a demonstration and he was hooked! I'd been wanting to get him involved in karate for a while but I didn't take the initiative and I really think that if I had pushed him to do it, he wouldn't have wanted to or wouldn't have stuck it out.

So, anyway, he had one trial month to see how he liked it. During that time, he got his first belt (white), but pretty much every student gets that one just for showing up! He's really taken to karate and while he is a home body and NEVER WANTS TO LEAVE, once he's at karate, he loves it and really thrives. After his trial month, we met with the dojo Master and signed Finn up for a plan that will get him through his red belt (white, gold, green, purple, blue, advanced blue and red) and will take approximately 18 months!

Anyway, on Thursday, Finn graduated from white to gold. He had to demonstrate 4 skills and 1 character strength in order to move to his gold belt. The ceremony was so great to see and this momma loved seeing her bird fly. He looks so official with the gold belt now! I'm not exactly sure what he needs to do for his green belt, but I'm sure he'll figure it out.

Here is the video of him receiving his new belt. Pay attention to when Master Chris asks him if he listens to his parents (he puts his thumbs parallel to the floor meaning, "so so!"). It is hilarious, but honest!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/fGkJnhpFfrFndzx82

Finn also is participating in his first karate tournament on Sunday. He's only doing the beginner division, where the judges help you in case you're nervous. Jim and I both agreed it was a good way for Finn to try it, since he HATES being in front of people or the center of attention. I honestly think Finn's part will take 10 minutes, so Jim is going to take him. It is a HUGE tournament, so I'm sure it will be nuts and I didn't want to add having to keep track of Korri and Mac while we were there.