My little Ninjas!

Right at the end of the summer we discovered Tae Kwon Do! 

The kids love it so much! Initially, I just had Indy and Milo signed up but they had so much fun that Libby and Ellie wanted to try it and now they all go and its so awesome! 

The instructor, Clinton, is awesome! He teaches the kids to respect him and to obey but he has also earned their trust and admiration! My kids look forward to every class. And when they come out they are red cheeked and smiling from hard work and fun! They always have a story to tell about class!  They learn so much during each class and they are learning so much more than to just kick and punch.

They are learning responsibility. One Saturday morning Ellie couldn't find her uniform shirt and we were already running late and the kids don't want to be late because they have to do extra push ups. So she just wore a plain white t-shirt. The instructor let Ellie and all the kids know that they must have their complete uniform or they will be doing extra push ups. Everyone has put away their uniforms ever since.

They are learning respect. I see it when Jared asks them to do something and I hear a, "yes sir!" every now and again since they started Tae Kwon Do. Indy needs this the most as she is hitting her teens. I see her stay in control of her emotions more and more.

They are learning self control. Especially Indy who really needs to work on this because she loves tormenting her younger siblings with "love taps" on a regular basis.  I see her trying to work on it and stop herself before acting on impulses that usually lead to someone in tears. (I know it sounds like I am picking on Indy but I think she loves it so much and is old enough to know the that implementing into her everyday life will make her more successful.)

They are learning discipline.  The classes are an hour long twice a week and the kids come home sweaty! They are learning things that are hard for them especially Milo and they love it! They practice together. I see Indy patiently (well, as patiently as is possible for her) helping Milo so he can do the right movements for the test coming up. Ellie is a ball of fire and loves to spar off with Indy. Libby is flexible and quite a gymnast and she learns all the moves so quickly!

Jared and I feel like this has been such a great thing to come into the kids lives and we are excited to see how far the kids go with this! In fact, tonight is their first belt test so wish them luck!