Karate Kid

Charlie started a mixed martial arts (MMA) program about a month ago. The goal is for him to get involved in something he can do long term(lifelong) if he enjoys it. We also wanted something that would help give him self confidence, discipline, and help him strive for a goal (black belt?). Charlie is a sweet kid, and he is also sensitive. We want him to learn how to stand up for himself and for what he believes in the right way...we don't want him to be bullied or pushed around. Amazingly, the MMA program teaches alot of that and although they are learning physical "fighting" techniques, alot of the discipline and conflict resolution is mental. They are taught not to practice with other kids, only adults who are supposed to practice with them. They are very strict with this as some kids might go to school and start throwing punches!

The class meets three times a week and he is allowed to go all or none of the days. Most weeks, we go all three days with him. Our thought was that he'd go 2 days at least, and the 3rd would be up to him. He is always so excited to go and loves to talk about the new things he learns. They work them hard and it amazes me to see the changes in Charlie every week. He's a little stronger, a littler more coordinated, a little less dependent on us. It's been great for him!

So this week, Charlie got his first stripe in class. They give stripes as they see kids progress and gain skills. Three stripes and the kids can test for their next belt. We were not expecting for him to earn a stripe so soon and we're so proud of him! In the above picture you can see the stripe on his belt. He's so proud!