1st Judo Tournament

So, Keven competed in his 1st judo tournament last month. Unfortunately, his sensei was a ref for the older kids and was unable to help him out. One of the other black belts from his dojo was there and helped where he could, but poor Keven had no one to warm-up with and was so horribly nervous. It was in Seattle, so we had to be up at 6am, so we could leave by 6:45 am in order to arrive by 8:15. So, Keven had breakfast pretty early and the tournament began at 10am. Well, it was 12:30 pm and Keven's group STILL hadn't competed yet. Needless to say, he was tired and VERY hungry, on top of being so nervous and unsure. He was a wreck and we were wishing we had brought his DS for him! So, by 1:00, it was his turn. He was so nervous and didn't realize that once you throw or get thrown into an epon (basically a clean throw) then the match is over. So, that 1st match lasted about 25 seconds. It was double elimination, so we hoped he'd do better the next time. We sat there for 45 minutes and he STILL hadn't gone again. Next thing we know, they're moving onto the next group. So, we talked to the other black belt (Sensei Dean) from the dojo and he went up to the judges and scorekeepers and talked to them. Apparently, there was Keven and another kid that lost in their 1st round that they just dismissed off the list! GRRRRR!! So, they had to redo stuff and Keven finally got to go again. This time, the kid did a move on him that I thought shouldn't have been allowed. Keven didn't even know it and it's not one that his Sensei really teaches. So, he was done in about 6 seconds. He was pretty devastated and tried to hold back the tears, but his eyes kept welling up. He was frustrated and tired and hungry... So, his Sensei caught up with us as we were leaving and talked to him and told him he'll do better next time and to just be confidant and go after it like he does in the dojo. We let Keven choose lunch and we went to Olive Garden (his favorite).

He has another tournament on May 2nd and this time it's in Bellevue. We plan to hit up the temple after (walking the grounds) and go to a lunch of his choice again. My parents are going to be able to make this one, because the last one they were in Disneyland! We will be bringing his DS this time, so he won't be so nervous. Although, he now knows what to expect this time and his friend is planning on coming to compete as well, so they'll have eachother!

We informed Keven that he may not win a match until he's done several tournaments, so he shouldn't fret and just keep trying his best! So, wish Keven luck if you see him for this coming Saturday! Better pics will happen and we'll have my parents do a little video clip with their new camera!