This year, he's on the MN Star Martial Arts team out of Coon Rapids with Master Franklin. Its a small but mighty team and its been fun to meet new kids and new parents. There are a few kids at his skill level, along with some bigger kids so he getting good experience. Master Franklin is funny and many of the kids are Billys age so that makes it fun too. They have also been doing a great job of hosting sparring scrimmages so, that's also helped Billy's skills.
In January, they had a small tournament in Wisconsin and a sparring scrimmage in St Paul. In February, they had another scrimmage and then Iowa State and the US Open in Orlando. He fought well at all of them but didn't do as well as he'd like. He takes a while to "warm up" in his sparring events but then gets better after each round. Plus, he's in such good shape that he's worn his opponent out by the end of the match. However, they come out of the gate harder than he does and he's not always able to make up the points. If matches had 5 rounds instead of 3, he'd win every time! He is fun to watch and you can see him being strategic and just how absolutely athletic this sport is.
Grandma and Grandpa H drove down to Orlando to see him compete and, even though he lost, it was still fun. We managed to also see Kennedy Space Center, which was pretty cool. I eave dropped on Grandpa telling Dadu about it and he thought it was the best thing he's seen in a long time. So grateful to have the time with them and Billy. Billy was engaging, funny and smart. As he always is;)
On top of all this, Billy has also been working towards his 1st section in his 2nd degree and, after a physical test and technical test in January, passed! One more step towards his 3rd degree.
Billy also helps at Lil' Dragons, Family class and Beginner class with Master Lemon in St Louis Park. Sometimes he even gets paid to help with a birthday party or parents night out. I think he's got more money stashed away than any of us!
He's in killer shape and can do push ups almost indefinitely. In fact, he kicked Jimmy's butt in a push up contest recently.
Up next? The Waterloo tournament and AAU MN state in March. Kansas City and Illinois USAT state in April and Brainerd in May. Nationals for USAT is in San Antonio the week of the 4th of July and nationals for AAU is in Las Vegas the week after the 4th of July. We'll have to figure out which one he'll go to. More to come on that front.
Billy is so relaxing and zen to travel with. We have our quirky traditions of science and history TV shows, greek food and swimming in the hotel pool. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I just wish the others could go with us (Tom, Kay and Jimmy) but they are so busy with their activities that its become nearly impossible.
I'll post a midseason update in April and we let everyone know how the road to Nationals is coming:)
Love you to bits Billy!
Spitting in a cup for 2 hours on the way to Iowa in order to make weight. Gross
Practicing forms with moms
cutie
Way to go Bill!
1st and 3rd at Iowa
THE team.
On our way to the US Open
Kennedy Space Center with Grandma and Grandpa
It was windy
The launch pad
The worlds largest large doors - they take 45 to open
Very cool
A rocket
With Master Franklin
Juniors Tyler and Bill
