The Christmas Classic

Our kids are blessed to participate each week in a Christian martial arts program that meets at our church.  Twice a year, we all go down to the main dojo and enjoy a little competition with the other academies from around our area.

The Christmas Classic Tournament is a big draw with free food, competitions and general  mayhem.  Two of my three darlings qualified to participate this time, with this being Ryan's first time to qualify.  His age group of boys is very competitive and it is not an easy thing to qualify.  Grace is only one of three girls in her Judo class, so not so hard to qualify.  But winning is another thing.  She had to put up some effort.  She won the gold medal for the second time in the past two tournaments.  Although Ryan did not win, we are proud of him for making it there and perhaps he will advance next time.  His next goal is to be a Jr. Leader.  Trevor did not mind not qualifying.  He was into his friends, the hotdogs, cookies, and soda.  *sigh*

What I love most about the Gospel Martial Arts Ministry is that we all come together for a time of prayer and Bible teaching, the respect they instill in the competitions for others, and the servant leaders who take the time to teach the kids every week, year after year.  Like I said, we are blessed to have this opportunity.

All three, ready to go!

 Our first time competitor!

 Grace's gold medal.  

A little sympathy hug makes it all better!