Black belt. The name conjurs up images of fast fighting and maybe the movie Karate Kid, doesn’t it? Today, however, it meant the culmination of 3 years of concentrated efforts of my sons in a grueling test of skill and endurance. As a photographer, our ultimate aim is to capture the emotion of the day regardless of the event. Allow us to show you some of that excitement and exhaustion.
At the beginning, the black belt candidates demonstrated their knowledge of all the forms up to black belt level. They look intent on doing harm, don’t they?
Another component of the test is pure endurance. They were pouring sweat by this time!
They also fought 3 others (two black belts and one red belt who understood his job!) simultaneously. We can’t post pictures of that part because we were yelling, cheering, and coaching them while they got their butts kicked around the room! Probably the most grueling part of the entire test, the black belt candidate has to stay calm and focused while others try to beat the tar out of them.
Breaking comes last, after the exhaustion, after the fight, after the forms. After all that, the black belt candidate has to drive their hand or foot through boards, a simulation of breaking bones. There is no forgiveness for this part. The boards must break!
Our eldest twin son’s hand break:
Our second oldest son’s foot break. Jim’s the bald-headed one holding the board!

Kory, the adult black belt candidate (but not our son):
Last, but possibly most important, was the presence of our sons’ first Scoutmaster, Drew. What an awesome man to spend his Saturday morning away from his own family to support the boys!
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