I haven’t had a post in 3 weeks because of the holidays – sorry! : )
My next post will be about our Christmas, but for today I want to tell you about Taekwondo. When you begin learning, you’re a white belt. As you advance and learn to master new skills, you earn stripes for your belt. These are pieces of tape that your Master (teacher) puts on your belt when he decides you are ready. You need 4 black stripes and 1 red stripe to test for the next belt.
In the test, you have to show that you are ready for the next belt by performing katas, demonstrating kicks, punches, and blocks, and – my favorite part – sparring! So far, I have advanced three times, which makes me a green belt, and I have earned 2 black stripes so far. Once I earn 2 more black stripes and a red stripe, I can test for my blue belt. The blue belt is halfway to a black belt!
Here are some pictures of my belt advancements in order (just click on them to see them full-sized):
WORTH THE FOURTH 
Brendan – we are so proud of you! Wish we could watch you spar some time – we know it won’t be long before you get that black belt. Love you loads.
Love you, too, Papa and Nana. We’ll send you a video of me sparring, and then maybe you can watch me the next time you come for a visit!
Looking good Brendan! You are doing a great job and I am so proud of you. Keep it up and the black belt will be yours!
Thanks!
You are doing a great job . . . I don’t like to spar with you anymore. ; )
Ha Ha!!! (You should watch your back.)