Nicholas' first karate tournament

We drove over to Ft. Pierce Friday night for the 8am check in on Saturday. It was utter chaos in the arena. Next time I'm leaving everyone at the hotel, go to check the boy in & get paperwork and come back around 10am. 

The schools lined up for opening ceremony (song, bows, announcements, etc). 

 They were lined up by height, the boy in front of nick is 1 month younger than him. and the boy behind the him (after the girl) is 2 years older than him. These kids make my boys looked like giants.

 Somewhat the end of the line, adults & teens out of shot.

Team cheer.

 Nico went off to practice his kata and hang out with the other competitors.

Nicholas hamming it for the camera.

Sensei Shelby kicking butt across the arena. She had her opponent on the floor. Go Shelby!

Nicholas' age group called to the staging area. He is the little guy with the orange bag walking away from the camera. He had to carry his stuff & prepare himself without my assistance.

I hit a button on the camera and it turned on b/w..arghh i had to fight the camera to get it back to 'normal'. I missed some of nico's stuff.

 Nicholas waiting on the sidelines.

 The boy doing some stretches & warm-ups.

 Showing yourself to the judges.

 Getting some pointers from his sparring coach.

 Hajime

 Getting a medal.

 A judge telling him to step to the middle of the matt, between the boys.