TKD Tournament

When Jackson tested for and received his black belt in TKD almost 3 years ago, he was 14 years old (almost 15).   For the previous 5 years of training he (and I) had spent at least 2 evenings a week at the do jang.  When he turned 16 and got his driver's license he was so excited to be able to drive himself to the do jang.  (and so was I, quite frankly!)  But, he soon realized that he could drive himself other places as well!  He decided to take a break from TKD, which was totally okay.   :)

Although we have kept up with the TKD family (yes, they truly are like family) he hadn't been ready to return to training until this past summer.  He began taking lessons from one of the Masters privately in order to get back into shape and brush up on his skills.  He began attending the group classes at the end of August and was excited to be a member of the Black Belt team pattern group competing at the regional tournament held here in our town every September.  That led to his decision to also compete in men's pattern, breaking and sparring.  

Tournament was bright and early on a Saturday morning, and it felt like returning home to enter the gym and see so many friendly faces.  Brianna, Shonda & Cody joined me and Jonathan (Marvin was not feeling well, and Grandma & Grandpa had to be at the dental school white coat ceremony) and we all sat with Brenda, Melina and others.  It was an exciting day of competition and Jackson did well, coming home with 2 first place medals and 1 second place.  I think he is back!  

Jonathan, Cody, Shonda and Brianna

Alicia and Gita

Dave, Krista, Alicia, Gita, Bryan and Emily

Deb, Brenda, Melina and Emily

Black Belt Team Pattern group and 1st place winners!  Kelly, Jackson, Megan, Matthew and Eric.

 You can see video of their 1st place Black Belt team pattern by clicking here.

Black Belt team pattern group approaching the judges.  

Matthew, Megan and Jackson

So, this is my only shot of Jackson following the 1st place finish in team pattern...

1st place medal

Eric let me get a nice shot of him after team pattern!!   :)

So did Matthew!!   :)

This was too funny.  Natasha was there with her precious baby boy, Lincoln, and I pointed them out to Matthew so he could go and meet Lincoln.  I may or may not have made some remark about Matthew with a baby  :)  at which point Natasha decided it was okay with her for Matthew to have a hands on experience right that moment!!   :)

hahahaha!

Looking good, Matthew!   :D  

Colored belt team pattern group from our do jang - and medal winners!

Laura and Brenda

Our local Black belt men's pattern participants - Eric, Jackson, Matt, Kelly and Matthew. 

Megan on the right - women's pattern

Jackson and Matt competing in pattern.

Jackson and Eric 

Megan (in black helmet) sparring - she took 1st place!

Jackson after sparring - he took 1st place!

Jackson - 1st place in sparring

Better than the 1st place medal?... a hug from Brianna.   :)

Cody, Jackson, Brianna (and me unintentionally photobombing)  :)

Brenda on the receiving end of a back rub from Melina.  :)

Brianna and Jackson

good day for Jackson

TKD tournament

Brenda congratulating Megan - Melina's pretty smile.   :)

Eric and Matthew sparring

Matthew took 1st place in sparring!

Megan, Melina, Emily, Matthew and Brenda

Jackson with his 3 TKD tournament medals.  Great job!

You can see lots of photos and video clips from the tournament by clicking here.