House of Juan: Hi-Brown Belt

For months...literally...he has been a mid-brown belt since March...Maxx has been working to earn his Hi-Brown Belt. For this test he has to show that he knows and can perform well all three forms they have been working on since white belt and his basics (kicks, punches, etc.). He tested in June and although his basics looked good, he just didn't have the forms down as he should. Another three months went by...he tested yet again...this time his forms looked better, but his basics weren't up to speed. We decided together with Maxx to sign him up for the black belt prep class. Master Preston offers it twice a year before the big black belt tests. Basically it's a boot camp of sorts. Since none of the other brown belts had passed (they are all 7-9 yr. old boys - a lot like Maxx), Maxx was the only one to sign up. Master Preston was very kind to take the time to work just with Maxx. In just 6 prep classes and with practice at home and in his regular karate classes, Maxx was ready to test again. Last night he finally earned his Hi-Brown belt! He even performed the 4th form he just started learning. Master Preston told Juan that he has never seen so much improvement in a student in such a short time. We always knew Maxx had it in him - he just had to want it!

Presenting him with the belt...