Kyuki-do test

Coleen had her test in kyuki-do on Tuesday. See this post for the difference between Kyuki-do and karate

When they test, they work through the forms for all of the different levels up to their level and then they also practice kicks and punches and then do sparring with a partner.

Coleen and Sergei both started around the same time and usually test for their belts at the same time. They really like to egg each other on.

In kyuki-do there are 13 belts between white (novice) and black (expert). Coleen just moved up to her sixth belt.


We're proud of you kid!

Karate tournament

Ok, life keeps going forward, though I don't seem to be getting much blogging done.

Coleen had her karate tournament the second week of March. There is a new form (series of moves) each time you earn a new color belt. Most of the competition is judging groups of kids on how well they can perform their form.
Here she is doing one of the kicks... I'm not sure if I've figured out how to take action shots yet.
There were four kids in Coleen's group. She did quite a good job and won a blue ribbon. She was quite proud of herself! And we are quite proud, too...

Karate Kid

Coleen tested for her green belt in Kyuki-do, a Korean martial art that primarily incorporates elements of Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido and Judo. It is the branch of martial arts that our local studio teaches. The following comes from Coleen's manual The Art of Kyuki-do :

"Like many other martial arts, Kyuki-Do incorporates a ranking system that utilizes colored belts. The color of a student's belt symbolizes his or her progression in the art; students start at white belt, and as they become more and more proficient, they promote to higher ranks. Kyuki-do has twelve colored belt ranks before black belt."

To get a new belt means to learn a new form which is a new series of moves that you have to memorize and get proficient in.

Green is the fifth level in this hierarchy. I stayed and watched Coleen during her test and was very impressed with how far she has come along and how high she can kick!


She did quite well on her test. Here she is being presented with her new belt. The old belts go on a special rack that William made for her, so she can see her progress.


This is her main instructor, Mr. Nordie. Doesn't she look pleased as punch with herself?


William and I are very proud of our karate kid!