Yellow Belt - 3 Stripes

Last week Elianna got the 3rd stripe on her yellow belt!  In order to get this stripe, she had to show her Sensei that she knew all of her blocks, punches with counter blocks and Pinion 1.  Pinion 1 what is called a Kata.  Kata is a "detailed choreographed pattern of movements" per the all knowing Wickipedia.  Like it's definition, Pinion 1 is very detailed and takes a long time to learn, let alone a 4 year old still trying to figure out how not to trip and fall when walking (oh wait ... that may be me).  

On Monday of last week, she performed Pinion 1 three times in a row without needing help!  The next step in the belt process is for her to turn and face the door and perform Pinion 1.  This proves to be very difficult when you take into consideration that Pinion 1 basically completes a circle and when you turn a different way to start .... confusion!

As soon as Elianna can do this, BAM! she will receive her testing card for her orange belt!  This is exciting!  One of her goals for 2014 is to not only get her orange belt but also her purple belt.  How exciting!

I'll have to see if I can take a video of her performing Pinion 1 so that it all makes more sense.