Second Real Taekwondo Tournament!

This entry comes a little late as I'm just getting back online. The computer had to be upgraded and then I had to deal with tech support and get a connection back up, so for about a month we've been off line - no internet. It's amazing how little one can live with, that will be the subject of another entry one day.
We went to our second real taekwondo tournament in Humble, Texas in med February and our skills have improved significantly. I don't recall how my wife and children placed, except for my youngest daughter, Stephanie. I watched her compete in the tiny tigers division and she place first in forms and sparring. I'm so proud of my little girl.
My first two girls , Victoria and Judith placed in forms and sparring, I just don't recall what exactly. My wife Dana placed in sparring I think. I placed second in sparring and third in forms this year. There were three of us competing in the 30- 39 year old age bracket.
My classmate, Mike Ghirardi, most certainly the more passionate taekwondo student of the two of us, placed third in sparring. He went up first against the guy he sparred last year this same time from Louisiana; we call him "the jolly green giant" because of his size. He towers over Mike and myself at well over 6 ft. The gentlemen I sparred against last year did not compete in sparring but I did speak with him. He said his knees were giving him problems and he was working with a lot of special needs children this tournament. I really was looking forward to going up again against Jack to redeem myself for last years fiasco. It was good to see him.
Mike went up first against the "jolly green giant", then it was my turn. After the dust settled, Mike placed third, "the jolly green giant" placed first, and I came home with the silver in second place. Much better than the third place I came home with last year and I didn't get knocked down this time. I came right at him, forced him out of the ring once and almost knocked him down once. This guy kept me back with the sheer length of his arms and legs and I would try to exploit any opening I could and try to use my size and body mass against his speed and superior skill. There's next year and my sights are set on coming home with first place in my age division.
This August I turn 40 and when I return next year I will be the youngster in my division of 40-49 year olds. I hope to come back with first in forms and sparring. The age difference and better attitude, and by then I'll have my first degree black belt and my continued training should bring home the gold. I'm really looking forward to next year and I'm trying to hone my skills under the very skilled and young Mr. Diego Salas. Oh to be 23 years old again!
Anyway more on my taekwondo journey as things pop up. I am now a instructor trainee and am hoping for my instructors collar. As of this writing we are first degree recommended black belts - the red/black belt. Victoria remains at red belt and Stephanie is green belt in the tiny tigers division. The journey continues and more to follow with later postings.