Morrow's Academy of Martial Arts

The idea of martial arts always seemed so...martial to me. My only experience with the discipline came from one highly chaotic judo class I took at university, I lasted the first day, and an equally disappointing tai-chi class. The let-down from the second class was not so much due to the class itself, but to the hour and conditions in which I was taking the class. It began at 8pm. I was in my first trimester of my third pregnancy with two toddlers at home. It was bedtime by then and my focus was lousy. (OK, inexistent  would be more accurate, but at least I gave it a few months that time.)

Kung-fu with Mr.Morrow has turned out to be a fabulous experience for our family. He holds himself to high standards: he stays in shape, he fasts for part of the year, he sponsors charitable works in the community, he keeps his temper and sense of humor at all times. What he expects in return from his students is on every parent's list of priorities. 

Accountability; you show up on time and with the proper equipment. If you forget a part of your uniform, you know you are the last one in line for everything that day. There is no yelling or harsh words, a gentle teasing at the worst, but each child knows there is a consequence for forgetting, and it is not to give mom a phone call.

Respect; children address their teachers as "sir," or "Mr.Morrow." He is respectful when speaking to them and expects that they, in return, treat him, the other teachers, their classmates, and the equipment with respect. All must bow in and out when moving onto the mats for class. It is cute beyond belief to see my six-year-old perform the briefest bow in the world when he jumps out of class to get a drink or change into sparring gear. The older ones are a little more reverent, thank goodness.

Discipline; is modeled and required in many ways. Nearest to my heart is Mr.Morrow's insistence on proper grammar (big sigh of appreciation). They must all do all of the warm-ups and take turns leading the class in stretches and push-ups, lots of push-ups. They need to watch quietly, lined up neatly on the mat like so many hens, as each student takes a turn demonstrating a move. They get moments of running and talking too, it is definitely fun, but in an environment where they feel safe knowing that their master is there to take control again of the situation.

How do I know it's fun? You should see their faces after class; happy and excited. You should see their faces on a day when I can't take them because of work or illness; not relieved, not happy. And they are gaining in fitness and strength; how many adults do you know that can do 25 finger-tip push-ups? (Or in my sad case, any push-ups at all?) This alone gives them a new confidence, they are taught integrity, patience, love, acceptance, but also know they have the strength to defend themselves or another, should it be necessary. Thank you, Mr.Morrow.

Kung Fu and the Munchkins

This is one of those things that has been brewing...the children's interest in martial arts combined with our desire to know they can defend themselves, should the need arise. My hesitations thus far had to do with adding one more thing to our schedule, taken care of by subtracting one, and wondering to what use they might be able put their new-found skills (scary when you think of how much they um, joust, already). Once we decided that the benefits outweighed the risks, we thought about it another year or so until we met a Kung Fu teacher at an art festival. That was what it took, Aragorn thought he was great, Daddy agreed, we gave him a ring.

So, they've been learning Kung Fu for the past few months with the most wonderful master (John Morrow of Morrow's Academy) we could have hoped to find. He is accomplished, kind, takes an interest in life in the community and the world, and keeps the little boogers under tight discipline. (Not my strong point.)

Only the four oldest are able to go to class, which leaves Puck out of the picture. But Arthur has been training him in the wazas (steps of the Kung Fu dance, to my way of thinking), and that's why he requested a cake to celebrate his progress in his "homeschooled Kung Fu" class.

What's New Around Here?

Well, not the snow, as it is still covering everything, unless it is the fresh three inches we got yesterday. The kids went sledding with their favorite neighbor while I let baby take a nap on my lap. He has a miserable cold and can't sleep lying down.

Aragorn is busy writing a story about a jailer in Medieval Times. I have given up on historical accuracy, accepting instead some pretty creative writing and humor. Lily is vacillating between a story on a botanist/doctor in Queen Elizabeth I's court and a Spanish princess who has been sent to dwell there. She has written a play on the theme, short, but funny, and they are all rehearsing it in the basement. The old living room curtains have been hauled out and hung, along with Christmas lights to give it all dramatic flair.

Eleanor is intent upon thwarting my best Waldorf efforts to allow Arthur to remain in a dreamy, child-like place by teaching him to read. I meet with great resistance from the other kids when I request that he not be taught to read. "What!? Why do you want him to be dumb his whole life? He WANTS to learn! Let him read!" Ah, the critics have spoken, but I remain in charge. Well, sort of.

The girls have their first piano recital coming up this weekend...nerves are a little frazeled, but moral is good.

This morning we had a sticky time doing Hershey's fraction work, too much chocolate was eaten by all, and a good review of fractions, basic and advanced.

Time for Kung-Fu, the latest passion of the family. When the four oldest (13,11,8 and 5) get suited up in their white uniforms, it is very cute. Watch out bad guys, they are ready for you!