We celebrated Christian's birthday today by having a karate party. It's not usually my style to have a pre-fab birthday party (is that even a term?) but Christian has been taking karate for several months now, and he is really into it. He doesn't really seem into sports - and that's okay, or perhaps it will change as he gets older - but we wanted him to have something that was his. Ansley has dance, and now Christian has karate. And I have to say his karate dojo does a fantastic job!
Do you know what a dojo is? Yeah, I had never heard of that term either, but it's a fancy Japanese word for karate place.
So, we went with the karate party. It was the easiest party I've ever done, and it was so fun! The kids all had a great time, and it was VERY active! I think they were all pretty much worn out at the end. So we stuffed them with sugar and sent them home. Perfect!
Karate is a very disciplined sport. It's one of the things I love about it. The party was more laid back than the classes are, but the kids are required to say yes sir, pay close attention and do what they are asked to do. At the beginning of the party, Christian got to help teach the class. He also got to wear a black belt for the entire class, which he thought was really cool. (He is a white belt.)
At first I was a little worried with this many kids running around the room, but he got them attentive and respectful right away. (Not that they aren't normally that way, of course.) This is the assistant teacher, Mr. South, and he did a great job!
They got to do lots of different karate moves, as well as a bunch of fun games. I think the jump kick was enjoyed by all the kids!
Anna Kate and Lydia getting a pretty good kick in!
Ansley kicking. She now wants to take karate. She really enjoyed it!
Kennedy and Parker getting their kick on.
Christian demonstrating his jab, cross to his friends.
Christian taking a little break to share something with Mimi. This would NEVER be allowed during class, but as the birthday boy he gets special privileges. Christian has always had a really special bond with his Mimi.
Then it was time for a little cake break.
We got Christian a Froyoz cake, because that's his favorite place to go. (Frozen yogurt in case you didn't know.)
Everyone singing happy birthday.
Then he got to cut his cake with a samurai sword. That is a tricky word to spell.
They were both trying really hard, until he realized it was an ice cream cake and still somewhat frozen. This picture makes me laugh!
Then it was back to more fun games! It's so cute to see how INTO games kids get.
He taught them how to defend themselves with a kick if they were on the ground, and then they had to prevent him (and a few other Dads) from getting to them!
Agh, I was like a second too late and I just missed Christian actually breaking the board. But this was right after he did it. All the kids got to break a board too, which they thought was cool.
And this is just sweet. Little Jasper couldn't get the hang of breaking it, so Mr. South was really working with him and I just thought it was so sweet to see all the kids so intently rooting for him. I love Christian's pose here. After he broke it, all the kids cheered and yelled. So sweet!
Then it was time to open presents.
What a cute boy!
All the kids gathered around to see what he got.
Umm, I have no idea. But it makes me giggle.
Silly group shot.
This is what they do at the end of every class. Ay-yah!
A super fun celebration of our sweet six year old!
What a great party Megan! My boys would totally love that samurai sword cutting the cake, so cool. What a great way to celebrate turning six, happy bday to Chrisitian!
Posted by: Marni | January 20, 2013 at 11:13 AM