Rainbow Connection: My Karate Kid!

With so much crazy medical issues going on right now, I decided I wanted to focus on some of David's awesomeness! This summer David reached a huge milestone one his way to his black belt, he tested for and received his first of three brown belts. It is a huge accomplishment considering I can remember when he first started karate at the age of 6.

David started karate at 6 and fell in love. David attends National Karate, and began in the children's program. At the time we were also doing soccer and while he loved both, he truly found a place at karate. When he turned 8 we had to decide if he was going to continue on with karate in an attempt to work towards a black belt, or if we were going to focus on other sports. David decided he wanted to give up other sports and work on getting his black belt. And work on it he has!

David is extremely dedicated to karate (believe me, we virtually live there). He attends class three times a week including sparring and now that he has achieved brown belt status, he is able to participate in leadership which allows brown belt and higher students the ability to help in classes. As they develop and grow within the leadership program they gain more responsibility, and learn how to teach karate to others. David loves being a part of leadership. He loves helping in the classes in which he assists (another 2 classes he attends during the week- that's right 5 classes a week!) and looks forward to gaining more responsibility and eventually being able to teach like his favorite teachers. I have to say this is one of my favorite things to watch him do. He is so encouraging to the younger students and to the lower belts. He truly loves it and it shows every time he is in class for leadership.

One of the best things about karate has been the support system we have been able to develop. Being part of National Karate means being a part of the NK family. David takes private lessons with one of his teachers, Mr. Hund, who we have dubbed the David whisperer, has been a huge support to our family and a wonderful mentor to David. He has a way of getting through to David when my husband and I can't. He is also willing to assist when David is having struggles related to his spectrum disorder. One of the amazing things about NK is their dedication to their students. When David was first diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome I not only spoke directly with his teachers, but also to the owner/director who has also worked with David since he started. I was amazed to find out that he has had training's for the staff on issues like ADHD and spectrum disorders. He further advised me that if necessary he would be sure to have someone brought in for a training. To me this was amazing! I mean, we spent a year and a half fighting with his elementary school for a 504 plan and when I go to the karate school to advise them of his diagnosis this is the response I get. This is the way it should be! "Let's work with kids where they are and make them the best they can be!" Interestingly, when we had the kids birthday party at the karate school, one of our friends who also has a son on spectrum noticed instantly how good the teachers were, specifically with the kids with ADHD and spectrum issues. We clearly found the best possible place for our children.

So back to David... Over the summer David and some of his friends attended karate camp and then this September they tested for and earned their brown with single black stripe belt. David has one more brown belt (brown with two black stripes) to test for before heading to his black belt exam. Hopefully he will be testing for his black belt in June of next year. A goal he and his friends have been hard at work for. I am very proud of all David has been able to accomplish; I am thankful for all of the support, love, and friendship we have found within National Karate; and I am excited for that day next year when I watch my baby receive his black belt.

David Through the Years

David when he got his white belt (age 6)