black belt attitude

sweet pea had his first taekwondo competition this weekend (competition=guided demonstration of forms by a "judge" but no points or anything). to be honest i have no idea about this sport. all i know is that they have a kid's program that is supposed to help teach kids how to be safe and more disciplined. i was terrified that there were like one million people there and parents were hands off. they separated us right at the beginning and sp had to be with a group of 8 other kids and an adult (the judge) who he didn't know. it's very good no one told me that beforehand or i probably would have found a way to miss this event. however....he was unaware of the people and not one bit nervous. he followed directions and sat like a master for the entire HOUR his group was competing. he was amazing (in my biased opinion). i saw a side of him that, as his mom, i rarely see. he was totally independent, self-confident and in his own element. so much different than trying to get him to participate in soccer. at the end of the competition, each child received a trophy. sweet pea's was for his black belt attitude. i can't explain the look on his face. he never once thought about the crowd of people around him or the judges, he just held up his trophy looking for brad and i. he had such a sense of accomplishment, and we were so proud.