The Third Degree

This weekend the TKD master said that in his 25 years of teaching, he has awarded only eight other students with 3rd Dan. He spoke of what a challenge Ian faced at the beginning. He said he has watched Ian use diligence and perseverance to accomplish this. (That and instructors with the patience of Job)!

I always knew Ian would make a great fighter because every day the drive to TKD with that seven-year-old was a one-on-one sparring match. "We're late." "Put on your uniform," "Get in the car." "Get your uniform," "Hurry up, put on your uniform," "Put down the book," "Didn't you get your uniform?" "We're late! Hurry UP!" "YOUR UNIFORM!"

Nine years and twelve belts later, he'll never know how many times I was tempted to use one of those belts to strangle him.

Maybe if I'm lucky, he'll have children just like him--and with great people who have great patience, maybe they'll turn out just like him.





Congratulations, Ian