The Erickson Family: Drew's Orange Belt Ceremony

Drew taking out the instructor with the "Universal Drew" move.

This is where Drew sits silently by himself and decides whether or not he is ready and worthy to accept the next level of an orange belt. The hand gesture is an option that he threw in on his own.

Drew had a little fan club to support him in his belt ceremony-Grandpa and Grandma W. and Grandma E, along with Landon, Brooklynne, Spencer, & mom and dad.

Drew puts his old yellow belt with his orange belt to form an "L".

This stands for:

Lie - Have you earned and do you deserve this promotion? Only you know for sure whether you did what it takes to feel right about accepting a promotion.
Longevity - Remember to stick to your goals. If one of your life’s “to-do” items is to earn a black belt, nothing should stop you. You may have to move, or you may have an injury that stops you temporarily, but you should always come back and achieve your goal.
Love- Have, Show, and Share your love for your family, fellow students, instructors. These people have helped you get to where you are. Most importantly, love and respect yourself.
Loyalty- Be loyal to your family, fellow students, and instructors. This is how you repay the time, effort, and energy that they have invested in you. Be loyal to yourself by following the first 3 L’s in your life. They are core values: Honesty, Perseverance, and Love.
Legacy- Mr. Parker passed on the previous L’s as his legacy. When we receive a promotion we are reminded of how to be better human beings. Honor this legacy proudly.
Learning- There is always more to learn. Whether you are a yellow belt or a black belt, it is important to keep your mind open to the lessons available to you every day. Remember that as we move through the ranks, more of our learning will come from the questions asked of us by lower ranks. They inspire insightful thought that will lead you to many self-discoveries.

These are great reminders for all.