Teacher Isaac

As we start the second year of karate with Isaac, he has progressed at a rapid pace.  He was pretty uncoordinated when we started and now he is performing complex moves with ease.  As he has gotten more focused, he has also noticed that he has new abilities, like additional strength and flexibility.  His favorite parlor trick is to perform an almost perfect splits in blue jeans.  The kid is a flexible little gumbi.  But the thing that he was most excited about getting a chance to try out was being a helper/teacher for the little kids (there are kids as young as 3 at Isaac's karate studio).  

And this past Saturday he finally got his wish.  We arrived early, 15 minutes before the little kids class started and he got to go out to the teacher huddle where they talked about what they would be doing that class.  

Then after that he got to stand at the front of the class and helped other kids with their forms and techniques.  He walked around and spread encouragement, which was absolutely adorable.  He also did a lot of clapping and cheering as the little kids rolled, tumbled, and bumbled through their kicks and punches.  

Overall, I was very impressed.  He was, of course, super serious and very, very kind.  It was a big step and one I think Isaac really enjoyed.  Its the first time he has ever been teaching other people and I think he realizes just how awesome a responsibility and opportunity that is.