Chop! Chop!

Last week a friend of mine (and a neighbour) submitted (with my permission) a request to visit the karate dojo where her son currently takes lessons . . . to see if Christian might be interested in joining.  He does need an activity (even though, I must say, he's the most physically active of my three children).  However, he balked and I relented (he is trained to be a greeter at our chapel, as an "activity" and service so I wasn't going to push him too much, since, as I had said, he's very physically active on his own).  Then something surprising happened.  Connor piped up and asked to check it out.

Huh.  He's the least likely of my children to do anything beyond what he likes (video gaming, to be specific) and something slightly social.  But, I embraced his interest enthusiastically and moved on it straight away.

I can't give this kid time to think about committing - I have to throw him in whatever part first!

What I love about it is the price ($115 includes the uniform/belt and first month fee; monthly fee is $65 and it's an annual contract - but easily undone if we move per military orders, even though they have studios across the U.S.).  I love the location.  It's nearby so I'm not driving too far in the evenings (with my difficult depth perception issues in the dark I really need familiarity with where I am going).  The staff are super nice and easy to talk to.  I love the philosophy behind karate (leave all the junk outside, be at peace with yourself and others - self control and self-confidence).

You see, Connor is wired much like his mum.  I knew what was going through his mind as we sat there, because my brain was also kicked into over-drive of why this won't work.  The screaming children (their pitches, not what they are saying), it was a bit warm (but at least it doesn't smell like a gym) . . . I hope they can put him in an adult class because these kids are going to make him nuts . . . blah blah blah.  On and on my brain spun out of control . . . and then, suddenly, I thought, "We need to learn to appreciate chaotic situations - and maybe embrace the truth that not everything we perceive as chaotic is actually chaotic.  It's good to get out of our comfort zones.  It helps us grow and to know ourselves better.

And, yes, certainly, the "screaming" children had initially been a big turn off for him.  However, he watched and then had a very successful one-on-one session with a black-belt.  She was young and enthusiastic and engaging and encouraging . . . all the things my son so desperately needs from other people.  He misses out on the love and humanity of others, because he closets himself off so much (from past bad experiences).  His mind had become such a bitter prison (yes, at 17!!!!).  The sad truth is, I see so many kids with this heavy negative burden these days - a bunch of sour pusses!  I must say, he is a natural.  He caught on very quickly!  He may not be very limber, but that will come.  I mean, the kid hasn't had a day of PE since the summer between his Sophomore and Junior year.  I have always known that he has a natural instinct for sports (even though he never wanted to really join up for any - that kid can throw a ball like no man can!), but it was so nice that she spotted it straight away and complimented him on it.

It was restorative . . . to see my son being praised so honestly from another human being.  I can't tell you the joy I felt, but more importantly:  witnessed.

Besides, karate will be good for him in another way if he does decide to pursue the uniform of a soldier (not likely), a sailor, a coaster, airmen, or marine (most likely).

My first-born is finally rising!