Common Sense

Ammon really did receive his yellow belt. Did I tell you how much I love this place? When we moved to Surprise, one of the hardest things was to find a martial arts school for Ammon. First we tried the city program. I took him to observe one class and didn't go back. The room was filthy. The ratio was about 25 students for one teacher, she was late and not prepared, and I thought it was dangerous as she was having the kids do kicks that they were not taught how to do. Then we tried a class held at a local school. Quintus had been taking him, so I didn't really see what was going on. It was cheap, but there was about 70 kids for one teacher. Ammon was not only not being taught, but he was regressing. It was a farce. I looked at some other martial arts schools. One wanted me to sign a $1700 contract. One was charging $129 a month for two-40 min classes a week and they were going to put him in with three-year olds. One school just did not have a schedule that fit ours, so we didn't even try it. Then somebody told me about GMHMA. The are great for so many reasons. 1. They are Christian, which means that classes and activities are not held on Sunday. Yeah! Testing started with a very nice prayer. 2. They offer homeschool classes and discounts. That means we can go to smaller classes during the day and stay home in the evening when I am tired. (We still get school done). If those don't work, we have lots of choices about when we can come. 3. It really has a small, community feel. Everyone is so kind. Also, everyone works together. They are not divided up by age. So, when I decide to get my rear in gear, I will take the class with him. 4. Sparring classes are included. 5. I love the instructors. They really care about the students. They are able to correct with love and kindness. 6. Accountability. They are part of a larger organization that monitors the belt testing. For the most part, the testing requirements are strigent and they are not just giving out belts to make more money. Belt testing is more often and more expensive than I think is necessary, but they are better than some places. I guess there has to be something I don't like, but I can live with it.

Now to the Common Sense. I warned you that I would like to start writing book reviews. I do it more so that I can keep track for myself. Today Tristian went to the dentist (no cavities, thank goodness) and football practice, so I had a few hours to read my book. Today it was Common Sense by Thomas Paine. I really enjoyed it. I kind of put off reading it. I thought that I would get bogged down by the language, so I would need to be able to fully focus. Yesterday I was too foggy to read it, but it wasn't bad at all. It isn't as heavy reading as I anticipated. it only took me a few hours to read, and that is with going back and taking notes and re-reading. I thoroughly enjoyed it. When they say common sense is dead, they are right. Although Paine spends much time directly attacking monarchies as a form of government, many of the arguments hold true for what our government has become today. I do need to go back and look up a couple of things as I didn't have access at the football field. None of it was beyond comprehension although it may require a brush up of English history. We have been studying William and some of his descendants, so that may have made it easier for me. Definitely a recommended read. I also recommend getting your own copy--I was going to share, but it is so full of notes now that I think it is worth the $6 to get your own.