Braden’s Purple Belt Test

My nephew Braden tested for his purple belt today!

I am so proud of him! He has gone from a white belt to a purple belt in less than a year.

So far, he has gone through the white, yellow, orange and blue belts. Today he earned his purple belt.

I haven’t been able to go watch him do his tests before, and I’m so glad I could make it today. It was so cool to be there and to watch him go through his forms, punches, kicks, stances, etc. I know he’s been working really hard and was nervous.

He made sure not to look at me throughout the test because, the one time he did, it threw him off. I felt really bad about that! But he recovered just fine and, ultimately, passed and earned his new belt.

The next belt after this is brown, and, from my understanding, there is usually a longer period of time between the purple and brown belts because there is so much more to learn.

I love all three of my nephews, and I don’t have favorites! But…Sarah and I always joke that Braden is my child despite not even being related by blood. He’s got my personality and attitude. He’s a klutz like I am (though that seems to be improving). There are just so many little ways that we’re similar. So we’re a little closer than I am with my other nephews.

Plus, I’m the one who got him started in Taekwondo. So to see him not only do well but excel at this makes my insides all warm and gooey and just makes me really, really proud of him.

Great job, Brado! Love you and proud of you!