2nd Place...Feels Like 1st!

With a 6:30am wake up call for my little man and his vibrant white dobok, orange dee, chest guard, head gear and mouth guard in hand we piled into the Escape for a relaxing hour long drive north to Kingland, GA for the 2009 U.T.F National Championship tournament. The events begin at 8:30 am with the Black Belt advancement exams followed by Form Demonstrations and shortly after the call for all Tiny Tigers (belt rankings under Yellow which includes Xaine) to report to the holding area in preparation for the Sparing competition. With a few secure pulls of his Chest Guard straps I wished my boy good luck and sent him off for his grouping. After what seemed like an eternity of waiting, Xaine and 3 other boys emerged from the holding area. Sparing was comprised of 4 matches. Each round consisted of two, 1 1/2 minute rounds. Points were determined by successful contact to the chest.
Match 1 (Round 1) - Xaine (in Red) took his place against his opponent (one belt senior to Xaines level). A respectful bow to one another and 'See-Jack' exclaimed by the referee the kicking began. Xaine, being his first competition, started off a bit slow on the offense (round scored to Blue)
Match 1 (Round 2) - Warmed up and knowing what to expect, this time Xaine took care to use his defenses but ensured he countered with some good offensive kicks. (round scored to Red)


Match 1 (Sudden Death) - A match scored to each a sudden death was called to proclaim the winner of the round. First point wins... 'See-Jack' and as fast as lightening Xaine Front Foot Side Kicks his opponent in the chest. Winner of the Match... RED!!!!!

This secured Xaine a place in the championship. Based on the outcome, he observed Matches 2 and 3.
Match 4 (Championship Round 1) - Xaine once again took his place against his opponent (this one 2 belt levels senior to Xaine). Bow and Begin and OMG.. Xaines opponent began an onslaught of rapid fire Kick, Kick, Kicking. Xaine trapped in solid defense mode utilized his down blocks to the best of his ability to ward off as many as possible. (match scored to Blue)
Match 4 (Championship round 2) - Man that little senior belt was ruthless. Once more Xaine found himself doing his best to defend against a flood of rapid fire kicks. But what's this, his opponent was winding and slowing down. Xaine got more kicks in, however..... time was up... round over... (This match and round, again scored to Blue)

All matches over, my Baboo had kicked and blocked his way into 2nd Place. Just look at the confidence in his eye's and personal sense of pride he has while standing with his larger then life trophy...