Hopefully your kids won't have their Kukikwon certificates, so that they can compete at 1st Gup level. If not I'd wait until they have enough competition at the black belt level before going to nationals it's a big step up.Rick J said:
TX_BB, I was worried about this issue as they may be testing for BB before the next Jr Olympics. Since they're kids I may hold them up until they do get more experience. The other kids they train with will reach BB first if I hold them back and that will be tough for them to handle so if I do slow them down, I hope they understand the reasons why. OTOH, since they're 9 and 7 right now, they have plenty of time before they would need to compete nationally. Also, plenty of tournaments would get them used to pressure and the waiting that competitors go thru. I'll have to consult with GM Park and see what he recommends for next year as well.TX_BB said:
Thanks the for encouragement Terry. I spoke with Zack's Mom last night about the tournament and sparring in particular. Now, she does have 3 1/2 years involvement in TKD with Zach, who was in an ITF school for 3 years before moving to GM Park, so I would think she understands most of what goes on. Anyway, she was telling me that the sparring at the JO's was brutal. She said that an excessive number of competitors were injured, some to the point of being carried away on a stretcher - this in the age groups of 11 and below. She also mentioned that the girls were even more aggressive than the boys. Now I wasn't there so I can't confirm or refute but she made it sound that unless the kids at our school (my two as well as a couple more) get way more aggressive they'll have their butts handed to them. What's ironic is that my boy began at 8 years old and he was all over his opponent but GM Park has stressed more strategy and counter attacks versus straight out assaults like he did before.terryl965 said:
