My Little Champion

Saturday we went to a Tae Kwon Do Tournament in Milford, CT. It was the first tournament in a long while for me. The last time I'd gone was back when I was an active student in Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido back in the 1980's. Things have changed.

I'm not longer the student. I'm not busy tying my uniform, meddling with my belt, making sure all my gear fits. I'm not competing. No, this is far better. I'm an observer -- a fan, if you will.

I know I probably sound like one of those goofy "that's my boy" dads right now, but I don't really care. My son got 1st place in breaking technique. First place. My boy.

I've been around a few years and I've done my share of things. I've had my share of accomplishments and I have to tell you that none of them can match how I felt when my son raised that trophy.

If you have children, I recommend that he or she do some sport. Of course, I'd recommend Tae Kwon Do first, but any sport is fine. There are things that your child learns by training and competing that help in real life -- in ways school cannot. And by participating in your child's training, you become a better parent.

And some day, hopefully, you can be as proud as I was when my little champion raised his trophy.