Jackson was so nervous for his first tournament. Last night he was saying he didn't want to go. This picture was taken while we were standing in line to check in. You can tell he still feels nervous.
He's been learning these moves and practicing with his weapons for months. He knows them inside and out but he was scared about reporting in to the judges. He was worried he would forget, or mess up the wording, or forget to bow at the correct times. Having no idea what to expect, he was imagining quite the scary scenario.
This is probably my favorite picture of the day. Taken while he sat on the edge of the mat, waiting for his name to be called. He looks so focused but still concerned, so unsure.
Once the tournament began and he saw the other kids performing their forms, it became less scary. I could see his face relax and start to get excited.
By the time his name was called, the nerves were gone completely. He did fantastic! In fact, he did so good that he got first place for all three of his events!!
I got teary eyed as his name was called over and over and he walked up to the judges to receive his first place medal.
First place aside, it was fun to watch the other's compete and see some of the things he would get to do as he progresses with earning new belts, learning new moves and using new weapons. He's very excited to get to use a sword someday.
It was all smiles for the rest of the day. Jackson and his buddy Cody, who took second in the two events he did. They did great.
My Mom treated the three of us to breakfast at Johanna's Kitchen after the tournament. Just hours before, Jackson didn't even want to attend so as we were walking out to the car I asked him if he would want to compete in the next one.... his response was a very enthusiastic, YES!
No comments:
Post a Comment