And...

...boys who get black belts might be ready to learn to mow the lawn?  Just spotted outside getting careful instruction from Dad.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4But2fh1pYjZGFDMHl4Wi1XZ0U

Junior Black Belt - Owen

Owen tested for his junior black belt in Uechi-Ryu karate this morning and was victorious!  He began classes in 1st grade (he's beginning 5th now) and has applied himself steadily and with increasing maturity all that time.  He loves karate and it suits him to a T!  I call him a tiny Viking and his sensei is always referencing his warrior spirit.  That said, he does not use his ability to beat others up when he shouldn't and is for the most part very restrained.  Watch out if he feels the need to defend himself, though :}

I won't post all the footage, but here are some highlights.

My favorite first, the final black belt form/kata, 'Seisan':
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4But2fh1pYjNkhwRkVFVDlKSm8

And with his other peers getting black belts, 'Kanshiwa Bonkai', putting the kata into use in a choreographed fight:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4But2fh1pYjV3lqeHdkZU5NcEU

The most fundamental kata of Uechi-Ryu, 'Sanchin':
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4But2fh1pYjVGpwY1BneVNqRUE

And some sparring...
...with Sensei Steve
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4But2fh1pYjem5JUlE0a0xHcTg

And with another student...
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4But2fh1pYjdVY3V0oyNUxqUjA

And finally, the black belt ceremony!
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4But2fh1pYjS1FVZDNfRXB6RE0