The Boy...The Myth...The Legend!!

     There are certain moments in parenting that either blow your mind, drive you crazy, leave you speechless, or else make you so proud you could bust.  Today was one of those "mama's gonna bust with pride" days.  Jaxton had his first major tournament for Jiu Jitsu, and he was a nervous wreck.  This is a huge tournament that brings competitors in from all around the country...there were nearly a thousand there today alone.  Being that it was Jax's first time to compete, he really wasn't sure what to expect.  He has worked his little tail off, and has spent lots of time in the gym, and working with his dad, who also competes.  So after a super-duper early morning where we hit the road at about 7:30, we rolled on down to OKC.  After waiting 3 hours, Jax was finally up.

PS. These pics are totally unedited.  Cause I just couldn't wait for "someone" to edit them. :)



The magic ring...

 


He a bundle of nerves right about now.



Gettin' started with a friendly handshake.



Breaking out of an arm bar.  Like a pro.



If heart and try won gold medals he would have a thousand.

      There was just enough time to gather our thoughts, eat a power bar (yummy?) and get some energy from a little drink of coke (yummy!) before he was off for another match.  This one proved to be the hardest one of the day, since these two boys were pretty well matched.  They rolled into double overtime, and had they had another 10 seconds, Jax would have had him.  Come to find out, this kid had also had about 4 tournaments under his belt as well, so he knew what to expect and what he was doing.  Jax learned an important lesson during this tounament: there are other people out there to fight other than the other kids at the gym and his dad!




Looks like he's enjoying himself.  Mama...not so much.

  


These two boys gave all they had during this match.  I was so proud of Jax.

 


After double overtime, neither one had the energy to even stand up!



But the bronze medal sure made the effort worth it!

      We had another short break...well enough for Jax to take a quick power nap and fuel up for the next phase of the tournament.  The first part was the "no ghee" competition.  This is the "if I met you in a dark alley in your street clothes, this is how we would square off and tussle" kind of match.  This is more difficult, because when they wear their ghees (uniforms with the robe and belt), they have more "grip" and can throw around more holds and there's a lot more action involved.  This is Jax's favorite way to fight.  So next up...the ghee tournament!



These boys showed up ready to rumble!



This match flew by...they were throwing each other around like they were nothin'!



He got his picture behind the coveted sign...along with the silver medal!  Two medals to show for his hard work makes for a happy boy.

      I realize that I'm going to sound partial here, but I have to take a second to really brag on my boy.  He showed he has the heart of a champion during this tournament.  No, he didn't win a first place sword.  But.  He didn't pout.  Didn't throw a fit.  Didn't say he's never doing this again.  Instead, he kept his head up, marched out on that mat, and did his job.  He worked hard and did everything that was asked of him, with everything he had.  Sadly, because he is a bit small for his age, he got bumped up to the next weight division.  Some of these kids were 10+ lbs heavier than he is.  And they were running like crazy on the treadmills trying to drop weight (don't EVEN get me started on that one!!).  He walked in that ring just as he was, fighting experienced, older, heavier kids than he was.  And boy did he kick butt!!  He fought with pride, determination, and kept his cool head every single time.  And never quit.  Not once.  My heart literally swelled up with love and pride every time I looked at him.  And what made the day even better is hearing Jordy holler for her big brother and threaten every kid he went up against.  Literally.  That boy is so loved and such a blessing to all of his family...and to all that know and love him. 

That is one proud mama right there.  But I'm sure it's not obvious at all.