Grapling Contest

Last Saturday was the much awaited Grapling Contest. What is Grapling? it is kinda like wrestling but with hand to hand combat with Krav Maga moves. Karate in civilian terms.

There is a Krav Maga program at Dillon's school as an after school activity. He has been going for almost 2 years now. In the summer, Mr Johnson offers an incredible deal at the center he has off campus. For $150 your child can come to karate 4 times a week, every week, all summer long. 3 months. Dillon did it last year, and so I signed him up again this summer. And I figured since we were already going to be there, I would try Bailey in the program as well. If Dillon will be staying after school on Wednesdays for karate, so should Bailey and this would give her a head start.

Well, typical Bailey, she didn't last the full first month, even with a full week off for Beach week. Dillon on the other hand did really well.

As you know, we have been trying to work with Dillon on sticking up for himself. Now before you jump down my throat about teaching my kid karate to beat up on others, it is not about that. Mr Johnson also teaches life lessons. Stranger stuff, personal self discipline, and self defense. So for us, this worked out well.

At Dillon's school, they are not allowed to grable during karate. Can't be touching each other and all that jazz. So this summer was Dillon's chance to really learn to get in and use the moves he has been learning. Grapling.

To be honest, I wasn't sure how he would do in the end of summer contest. He always ends up on his back during practices. But apparently during competition, he is a different kid. Came in 2nd place. And in his last match, the end was controversial. A group of parents said that Dillon "tapped out". That means if you want to stop, you tap the other person and everything stops. Automatic win for the other person. Dillon swears that he didn't tap, but Mr Johnson said Dillon was in a headlock and there really wasn't anywhere for him to go. So second place it is. Not too shabby.

Then there is Bailey.

She was watching all this. And remember she is not a part of the program anymore. But she wanted to grable. She wanted in there so bad and finally Mr Johnson let her go.

She was matched up with Samuel, a little boy also headed into Kindergarten at the school. They start out. And Bailey kicks his butt.

Set up for another match. Bailey makes him cry.

Kevin is amazed. Samuel's mom is amazed.

Bailey is intense when she is unleashed. All the while, smiling and laughing. (Samuel is too, so don't worry about him.)

Don't be fooled by her innocent looks. This girl is a force to be reckoned with at all times!