From White to Orange

Thomas successfully passed the white belt taekwondo exam and has been promoted to "orange belt decided".  He had to demonstrate several basic moves and stances and then memorize and perform a sequence of eighteen moves (Songahm 1).  He also had to demonstrate three self-defense combinations referred to in class as the "one steps".  We began taekwondo in January and Thomas has really loved it.  It has been interesting to learn about the martial arts.  Thomas will tell you that "songahm" means pine tree and the white belt is symbolic of the seed of a pine tree, pure and just beginning.  Now that the basic knowledge has been planted, he will continue to grow as and orange belt and then yellow belt.  The orange and yellow representing the sun and further enlightenment.