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     I finally took Ethan to his first karate lesson.  He seems to really enjoy it and I'll be completely honest with you when I say, he will take and master karate.  In this day and age, it's a safety issue; plain and simple, it's a safety issue.  

     The price of the class through NOR is very reasonable, although they get you on the "back end" with paying through the nose on a dojo uniform and sparring gear.  I didn't have a choice with the uniform but shopped around online for some heavily discounted sparring gear.  Still, I ended paying nearly a hundred bucks on everything and he's only gone to his first class.  But like I said earlier, my sons will take and master karate. 

     I was bemoaning the expense of all the gear, while simultaneously reviewing the benefits of the class.  The sensei was a young woman who did NOT mess around.  She was great.  She had that feminine side to her that wanted to be patient with the kids...until they took advantage of her and her karate side came out.  I started to wager with myself whether or not she'd eventually drop kick the habitually inattentive ones.  She didn't, but the year's still young. 

     I started thinking of the financial burden again when it  all suddenly became very clear.  I can sum up the experience as follows: Dojo uniform - $40; sparring gear - $50; monthly tuition - $24; watching another female be the bad guy to keep my brat in check - PRICELESS!!!