Seeing RED

 It was quite a while since Kieran got graded for his next belt.  I was kind of worried for his morale if he felt like he was falling behind on seeing other kids who had received their orange belts after him.

But they have a rule at his club.  You cannot ask to learn a new kata or ask when you'll be ready to get graded for your next belt.  The sensei will inform you when you are ready.

When I found out he was up for grading Oct 24.  I was so happy for him.  He told me that when Sensei asked who was ready for grading.  He did not raise his hand, but Sensei told Kieran he was ready.

No one had offered to teach him the kata's he needed in order to get his red belt.  So what he did was watch others do the required katas and basically teach himself.  This was a good life lesson for Kieran.  That life is not handed to you, but you need to seize it.

He was very close to ending his karate lessons.  But I'm glad he persevered and found a way to break through.  I told him that it makes no difference the colour of the belt.  If you are good.  Then you don't need a belt of colour or a certificate to validate that because inside you will know.  And that's all that matters.