Taekwondo Tournament

 Taking pictures before the tournament began

 The kids from Brent getting warmed up

 Coaches helping the boys all get geared up-Scott and Ryan are in the back and a friend of theirs in the front

 Ryan was up in the very first match

 He did really well, especially for his first time in a tournament.  They get points for hits on the opponent depending on where and there are very specific rules on things not allowed like holding or hitting below the belt.  There is a judge at each corner watching and marking down points for hits.

 Ryan lost his match but only by 1 point!  It was a great experience for him and he had fun.

 Scott was up later.

 One of the things we like about taekwondo is the value placed on respect and sportsmanship.  The boys were bowing to the judges

 They are required to shake hands with their opponent before and after their match.

 They also bow in respect to their opponent's coach.

 Here is Ashley amazed as she watches

 She enjoys watching her brothers spar but I think is a little awed by Sasha-the younger sister of a boy who attends Brent.  She goes to school somewhere else but comes to taekwondo training with her brother on Saturdays.  She is VERY good!  She is the one in the blue helmet and red chest guard

 Ashley did a lot of coloring while the matches were going on!

 Here were some of the older boys

 Ryan was watching and reading a little

 Scott is in the blue chest guard against another Brent teammate who is more advanced.  Scott lost the match but tried hard and did well against this particular opponent.

The boys had a great time and are looking forward to another tournament in May.