It's been 6 years in the making and he finally made it. We are SO proud of him. Words cannot describe the joy that we felt as we watched him reach this milestone. Kaleb is only 13yrs. Dashi (the owner of the school) made the decision to test him with the adults. Both Steve and I knew that he could do it. He's faced so many hard things in his life that we knew he can do hard things. For those who don't understand what it is like to go through a true black belt test, it's grueling and physically exhausting. He went through 8 hours of this testing. And then performed for an hour at his black belt ceremony.
At the beginning of their day, they take them off site. The first thing Dashi tells them is to pick out rock a that they will carry with them through out the day. It literally becomes their friend for the day. I think Dashi was completely shocked when Kaleb came walking out of the forest with his rock It was HUGE. But he persevered and carried that rock with him through out his whole test. HE can do HARD things.
(Dashi wanted to show everybody how HUGE his rock was, most testers had a rock the size of a softball)
After demonstrating things that he has learned, Dashi finally awards him his black belt. 
It was a very tender moment as Kaleb's brother Benjamin was to receive his honorary black belt on the same day as his big brother. Kaleb dedicated his test to him. Tears flowed and the hugs lasted a little bit longer.
It was an emotionally filled day, we were so proud of him.
Kaleb and Dashi
Kaleb with all of his "stuff" from the ceremony. If you watch the videos below, you'll see some of the stuff that he performed.
We LOVE you Kaleb.
19 comments:
Great job Kaleb!!
Most Impressive. Especially the large rock he carried ALL Day- that says A LOT! Those are some serious moves. Congratulations Kaleb! What a memorable day.
Wow- I'm amazed! What a tremendous young man he is. Congratulations on a huge accomplishment!
wow he could do some serious damage on me now
amazing, way to go Kaleb this is quite an accomplishment.
Kaleb, it was such a privilege to be there and to witness the intensity with which you demonstrated.
I know that this can be the standard with which you can do all things.
I hope you will apply this to your school work and your scouting.
I am so proud of you.
Mimi I love you.
Well now you have two big men to protect you, and one to watch over you.
Love Lorraine.
P.S. A huge congratulations to Kaleb.
xxx
oh wow - what an amazing and special day. I bet Ben was smiling down so proud of his big brother.
Congratulations, Kaleb, on a job well done! So proud of you. You are an amazing young man. I know that Benji would have been so proud of you. Lots of love from the both of us. Aunt Shirley and Uncle David
Awesome job cuz!
WELL DONE!!! and CONGRATULATIONS Kaleb! You'll be the next Dashi. I know. XO
Good job Kaleb!! I am impressed!!
AWESOME!!! That is so impressive, way to go Kaleb!
That is so neat- 8 hours, Yikes. Sounds like he deserves the black belt.
Wow that it amazing!!!
Mom paid him the best complement when she said he had become a man. Wish I could have been there! Almost! and did Ben still get the belt?
Is it possible to be proud of someone you have never met.......well it is now!! And to be tested as an adult - that is serious stuff. I did karate in my hey day - got to brown belt so I can completely understand and in that am in awe of Kaleb's achievement. Well done!!!
Wow, that is awesome! The videos are great. Kaleb, you are an amazing young man.
I know that Ben was watching, and so proud of his brother!
Congratulations Kaleb! Dashi also taught Caelan for a while but Caelan gave up. What amazing children you have Becky. I know you keep hearing that but I just can't get over how you'v done so much with all your kids. Here I sat for so many years with a migraine and arthritis and my kids haven't accomplished half of what yours have, nor am I a mother near the standards of what you are. I wish I knew your secret. I love you all. Kim Norwood
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