Pics From USA Taekwondo East Grand Prix...

Here are some pics that I got from the event.  T had fun and learned a lot and is going to continue to learn even more to grow and be an even better fighter.  So proud of this kid.  He didn't walk away with a win but he learned a lot.

He walk out to the ring with confidence (see pic 1) and with his fight face on.  He was ready to meet the challenge of this competitor.  He fought hard and barely lost to him.  

He, however, needs to work on his communication with his coach though and make it even better than it already is.  T knew this competitor well from watching him over and over again through the years.  His coach didn't though.  His coach was asking him to do moves that if T did them would've been countered in a really bad way before he could even do the move.  He wanted to listen and do what his coach was asking but he also knew his opponent well from all the fights he's watched him fight over the years.  These are things that T needs to communicate to his coach about.  Good communication is important and he's told us he's gonna work on being better about it.  Coaches can't coach well if they don't have knowledge of what you have knowledge of.  That knowledge has to be shared.  T could've won that fight and if they meet again, which I'm sure they will, he will be more ready than he was this last time.    

Results….

T lost his first match. He fought good and the score was kept very low. His opponent didn’t beat him by much so next time he’ll get him for sure. Studying the rest of the fighters in his division now. We knew he’d have a lot of learning to do this year though being in a new division. 

At Venue…

T is ready to fight today. He’s in a great mood. Win or learn he’s gonna have fun today. 

Shots of Tonight’s Workout…

T worked out with the team tonight and got to discuss the game plan for T for fighting tomorrow. His first fight tomorrow is a kid that has been in his division since youth but they have always fought on opposite sides of the bracket and never fought one another. Tomorrow T gets that chance. He is so excited. 

T had Beignets Today…

T had Beignets for the first time in his life today. They are called Italian donuts at Olive Garden where he had them. He got them for free for his birthday 🥳🎂🎉😊. He shared them with Ari, Belle, his dad and myself. 

Made Weight!

T had to be 51kg = 112.4lbs. He weighed in at 50.1kg = 110.4. Weigh in has been so easy since we don’t drastically have him cutting anymore. Happy kid right now. Eating a snack but fixing to go get Olive Garden. Fight day is tomorrow. 

First day of Driving…

On T’s first day of driving he has driven in 5 states:

1. NC
2. VA
3. MD
4. DE
5. PA

He has done amazing 🤩 today!  He’s driven a total of 2 1/2 - 3 hours of the drive to PA for the tournament😊. Just another accomplishment to add to his accomplishments😊🥰. 

Got His Permit…

T got his permit and is starting the drive to PA😊. Dad’s in the front seat and I’m not n the back…LOL! 

Happy 15th Birthday T$!!!

Happy 15th Birthday to our amazing son T$ (affectionately called that by his teammates and coach).  We hope this is your best birthday to date!  

T has grown and changed so much since last year this time.  He is taller than me now and loves to call me shorty...LOL! He is almost as tall as his dad now.  Of course both of us are vertically challenged...LOL! T will be getting his permit today.  After that we leave to drive up to PA for a USA Taekwondo Tournament.  Between our business and his Taekwondo we live a very busy life.  At least we can say life is never boring.  

T has had an amazing year with his new coach and team.  He has had a great year of school as well.  He is maintaining a straight A average in his schooling.  He trains hard, works hard on school and works with his dad every chance he gets to earn some extra spending money.  It works out better for him to earn money this way verses getting a job where he has to be there certain hours.  We don't want anything interfering with T accomplishing his goals.  His voice has changed a lot since last year.  His face looks very different but that is mainly because of the braces on his teeth.  He has a girlfriend who is also an elite athlete fighter in Taekwondo.  If he has his way it will be his only girlfriend.  We'll see.  He became a dad of 2 Guinea Pigs last week.  He has done awesome with them.  He has quite the set up in his teen cave now between the Guinea Pigs and his gaming systems...LOL!!  

Life moves fast and if you don't make time to take it in and enjoy every moment of it you will miss the good things of life altogether.  Cherish every moment you have with those you love because you can't get those moments back.  Happy Birthday Son!!!  We love you to the moon and beyond and are so very proud of you!!!  

T has Received his Credentials…

T received his credentials for the upcoming tournament tonight. Donna does the art work on them and she knocked it out of the park as usual.