Tournament 2-19-22

Dear Dad,

On Saturday G3 had his first tournament since switching schools. It has become apparent that we made the correct decision when we decided to move. Even though I’m not really superstitious, even though I don’t think I believe in the afterlife, I have sometimes caught myself wondering why G3 did so badly in the last tournament. You always helped him out before, so why would you seem to have abandoned him? But after Indiana, I told you that I really wished you were here so that I could discuss our thoughts with you. I so desperately wanted your input because I wanted what was best for G3 and I didn’t want to make the wrong decision. Now, I wonder, did you have a hand in G3 not doing as well as he had previously. Was that your way of sending us a sign? Because after Indiana, we were seriously considering heading over to Parlin. And then he didn’t place at the last tournament and that forced our hand. We left that tournament knowing we were going to watch a class, see how Parlin differed from where we were. Are you still looking out for G3, guiding us, and helping us make the right choices? It’s comforting to think that you might be.

G3 placed second in forms on Saturday. Initially, he tied for second and then he won the tie breaker. Two of the three judges thought that he performed better than the other boy. It was by far his absolute best performance. He looked sharper and more graceful than he ever had before. His balance has improved and his kicks looked amazing. He definitely does not get his flexibility from me. I guess it’s just one more area in which he takes after his uncle. The instructors at Parlin have done an incredible job of cleaning up the form, making sure he is even more technical in his kicks, stances, blocks, and hand techniques.

 As for weapons, he didn’t place. Considering he only learned the form two months ago, he did very well. But in order for him to be as competitive in the double bahng-mahng-ee form as he was in the oh-sung-do, it will take more practice. He needs to be faster and develop a bit more power before he can score as well as some of the top competitors. However, I don’t think the kid who won deserved first place. The boy who placed second, I thought, looked much better. The boy is talented and we’ve seen him at almost every tournament this year. His father though always seemed very strict and severe with his son. He also comes across as being extremely aloof. He never talks to anyone and he always seemed angry when his kid didn’t win. After the boy placed second, I went up to boy and said, “You did an amazing job. I think you were robbed. I’m sure what I think doesn’t matter much, but I wanted you to know that I thought you deserved first.” The boy and his father both smiled. In fact, the father instantly became incredibly friendly and we chatted for awhile. Oh Dad, I could hear you laughing at me. Me, the person who hates everyone. Me, the person who finds it so difficult to converse with strangers, broke the ice with this man. 

Sparring was disappointing. In the first round, G3 lost to a boy who is much bigger and stronger. He’s also a year older, which at this age can make for a huge difference. At least G3 wasn’t completely shut-out. He did get one point. Two months ago, he wouldn’t even have been able to do that.

I really wish you were here so that you could see how well G3 is doing. If you were alive, I’m sure you would have come to the tournament. I know you would have been there cheering him on and hugging him when took second place. The emptiness you left behind still remains.

I miss you!

PS — I have been forgetting to mention to you that I had a short story titled, “Ouija,” published. You can read it here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/bitmz/ymnh/?fbclid=IwAR1SOFzeG8bb8iWulcR2M_db1Vq0wq834AX0lg-YaqHZK2hPs3MBx2kpOmA#p=13