Karate Begins

I've tried to get Xander interested in many things over the last year or so and it's been a struggle. We tried a tumbling class, a sports class where they tried a different sport every week, a hip hop dance class and a soccer class. It seemed like he would be semi excited about the activities after the first class or two but from there on out I would literally have to drag him to the car, occasionally even kicking and screaming, to make it to the class. I would have to beg and bribe and sometimes even call Jason to try and talk Xander into participating in class. I had become so frustrated about the entire situation that I gave up and didn't even sign him up for any classes this late winter/early spring session through the rec center.

Then we decided to try karate.....

A few months back, Jason and Xander were standing in the line at Xander's favorite restaurant, Chipotle, and they started up a conversation with a lady in line. This woman (Sensei Danni) seemed great with kids and started talking to the boys about a Little Tigers karate class that she teaches just down the street. At the time X was barely 2 1/2 so we filed it away for the future, occasionally throwing the idea of karate class around now and again.

A few weeks ago as I was driving past the area where the karate studio is located, I noticed their phone number hanging in the window in bright neon. I decided to call and we were invited to watch a class that weekend.

Xander was pretty shy when we watched that first class and refused to even go out on the mat with the other kids. I was frustrated and figured karate was going to turn out like the other activities we had tried. Then later that afternoon he started bringing up karate in our conversations and even started quoting some of the Karate Creed that is said at the beginning and ending of each class. He said something along the lines of, "bringing out the best in myself".

After a little talking we convinced him to actually go out on the mat and try to do the next class. Luckily, Jason came home very early from work to help me with Xander. (He always seems so much more adventurous when daddy is around. Which is both wonderful and frustrating at the same time.) He gave it a try and just a few days later he broke his first board with a heel strike and earned his white belt! Now two weeks later he is begging to go to karate on a daily basis and seems to be loving it. I even heard him telling one of the four year old girls at Stroller Strides, "I go to karate, you know" hands on his hips nodding and an adorable smirk on his face.

So, I think we've found his "thing" for the time being. He really seems excited about all of it and we really like the entire package that karate offers. There is a lot of talk about being the best you can be, self confidence,  healthy lifestyle, respect, etc....the list goes on and on.

Here is Xander with Sensei Bryce just after he broke his board and earned his belt!