Karate Time

April was a very busy month for Brady! He worked and worked and practiced and practiced so that he could test for his yellow belt in Karate. After his first Karate tournament back in January we told him that he needed to advance to yellow belt to fight in the April tournament. Since he had such a great time the first tournament it was enough motivation for him to work hard to get his yellow belt. So, the Wednesday before the tournament, he tested and advanced!

Getting ready to perform for his class

Star Block

Kung Fu

The ceremonial whip with his new yellow belt by his instructor Gigi.

I can't even tell you how pleased Brady was that he was able to advance to yellow belt. He was so excited and it was a great lesson for him to learn that when he works hard for something, he can accomplish it!

So that following Saturday Brady headed up to Salt Lake to compete in his second karate tournament. TJ and I were out of town so he went with Lindsay and Colton who were there with Madison for her first competition!

Brady waving at Madison across the mat

Speaking to the judges before performing his open hand forms. He says,

'Judges, my name is Brady Brinkerhoff. I would like to perform Star Block and Dragons Breath. May I begin?'

Then the judges tell him to begin, he bows and starts. Its so cute!

He took 3rd place in Open Hand Forms. I was hoping he'd do better because that's what he placed back in January but apparently the kids he was competing against were performing more advanced kata's. So hopefully next competition he'll improve.

Brady sparring. Last competition he got knocked out of sparring after the first round. This time he advanced to the finals and took second place. He fought against a purple belt which I believe is 2 belts above his level.

Madison in horse stance performing her Open Hand Forms.

Continuing with her forms. She placed 2nd, I think.

Madison sparring against "Pinky" This little girl beat Brady in the last competition and ultimately beat Madison but not before Madison gave her a run for her money! The final score was 9-7! Good job Madison!

Brady with his second place trophy for sparring.

Madison with her second place trophy's for sparring and open hand forms.

The Karate kids. The medal around Brady's neck is for 3rd place in open hand forms!

I'm so proud of these little chickens. They both worked so hard and had so much fun. I also think it takes a lot of courage to perform and fight in front of judges and so many spectators. So good job Brady-son and Madison-son! And a shout out to Lindsay and Colton for taking care of Brady for us and giving us the play by play of the tournament after!