The first belt a student can earn is a white belt and it can only be earned by reciting the Student Creed in front of the entire class, by yourself. #1 does not lack confidence, but also does not like to make mistakes in front of people. So we practiced and practiced and practiced some more and he had it, but wouldn't test for it. Then Mr. Right and I worked on boosting the confidence - "You've got it! You know it! You can do it!" #2 even got in on the cheering and hoorays. Finally, last Monday, #1 decided on the ride to the studio that he would test for his white belt. And just as his mind was made up, my anxiety went into overdrive.
What if he backs out last minute?
What if he breaks into the silly-dance and puts on a show instead?
What if his mind goes blank like mine does sometimes and he doesn't remember?
... and then we arrived at the studio where his anxiety kicked into overdrive ...
The silliness started in class (which is NOT tolerated) - he got a stern talking to.
The wiggles started and he couldn't be still on his tape - he got another talking to.
Ms. Master, his teacher, asked a question and he was called on to answer ... and gave a total nonsense answer - he got the really stern talking to, and the reminder that he could only test for his white belt if he did his very best in class.
... and I almost threw up. He worked so hard on memorizing that creed. We worked so hard on making him feel like he could stand up in front of everyone and say it in a confident voice. And now he's so nervous that his nervous energy has possessed his body and he's out of control in a place of total self control. I had my first (I think), parental panic attack of "oh my gosh - my kid may just blow it when I know he can succeed." Did I say I almost threw up? Stop laughing, Dad.
#1 dialed it in, settled down and got focused on front punches. Class ended and the testing time had come. Susie was called to the front of the class - she earned a blue stripe for good behavior at home. Johnny was called to the front of the class - he earned his next belt by demonstrating "stranger danger." Holy crap, she's not going to call #1 up. LONG PAUSE ...
Ms. Master: "#1, come on up here."
#1: "YES MA'AM!"
(I talked the puke back down)
Ms. Master: "Class, what is #1 going to try and earn today?"
Class: "HIS WHITE BELT MA'AM!"
Ms. Master: "That's right. #1 does not have a belt yet, so he is going to try and earn his white belt my reciting the school creed. #1 are you ready?"
#1: "YES MA'AM!"
"TO BUILD TRUE CONFIDENCE THROUGH STRENGTH IN MY BODY, HONESTY IN MY HEART AND KNOWLEDGE IN MY MIND. TO KEEP FRIENDSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER AND TO BUILD A STRONG AND HAPPY COMMUNITY. NEVER FIGHT TO ACHIEVE SELFISH ENDS, BUT TO DEVELOP MIGHT FOR RIGHT!"
(There is a god)
Ms. Master: "Excellent job, #1. Everyone clap for #1."
Class & the waiting room full of parents all claps. I now understand I am not alone in this parental freaking out ... they have all been here before.
We leave the studio. I tell my 5 year old - going on 27 - how proud of him I am ... I oooohh and aaaahhhh over his belt. We get in the car and head back towards home. The car is very quiet ... I think we are both recovering. I stop at a traffic light - literally 3 blocks from the studio and found this ...
There is clearly nothing better than dumping your stress at the studio and enjoying your brand new, very first, white belt from somewhere in dreamland.
WELL DONE #1! You aged me, but I am very, very, proud of you.
p.s. You'll notice he was "Jack Sparrow" earlier in the day at school. Sweet mustache!
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