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Student Submissions for July, 2006!! Reflections of a Karate Mom by: Lisa Hartlage Well Spring is in full bloom and the weather is finally warming up here. What do we do to motivate us to get outside and enjoy the beautiful nature? We enjoy picnics and hiking in the DuPage County Forest Preserves. Fullersburg Woods, Willowbrook Nature Center and Lincoln Marsh are some of our favorites. Did you know that being in nature and experiencing the fresh outdoors increases our positive moods and energy by 120%? Eastern cultures spend much more time reflecting on the inner self and how it connects with our surroundings. On this past glorious Sunday afternoon, my son Peter and I headed to Villa Park. Peter wanted to participate in the Karate Friendship Tournament. This was a fantastic learning opportunity. We checked in at the registration table, bowed at the gym door, took off our shoes and proceeded into this amazing “new world” for us. The gym was packed with participants and family and friends that would cheer them on. Multi rainbow belts from orange, green, red, up through degrees of Black Belts. All age levels were present. It was hard to contain our excitement seeing the trophies set up prominently on the stage. There was lots of energy in the gym! Peter’s rank participated in a forms demonstration and sparring. Master Inoshita told us that competing in a tournament boosts your self confidence. I was amazed at the young children bowing and demonstrating their forms. At the completion of their form demonstration, the judges called out their individual scores — just like the Olympics! All of the tournament organizers and volunteers were caring and guiding. They obviously wanted the youngsters to have a positive experience. I was so impressed and honored to witness. The sparring was the same as they practice in Little Dragons class, thus everything was familiar. At the end of each rank division, trophies were awarded. Peter had never seen a trophy before and was awarded two. He was so proud of himself and could not wait to show the rest of our family and friends. The single most important thing in life is being happy with oneself. Participating in this tournament opened my eyes to the wonders of what Karate truly is…… confidence to achieve whatever you wish, self respect and respect of others and being part of a wider community. Thank you to Elmhurst Tang Soo Do for preparing our children for life and challenging them to always give their best efforts. Respectfully submitted by: Lisa Hartlage - Mom of Peter and Grant in Elmhurst Tang Soo Do Little Dragons.    |
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