Candidate Journals

If you are on the cycle, and you still don't have white belt through high red belt curriculum down, that is a huge problem. Please make sure that you have it all down and you are not struggling with it. We have a lot to do on the cycle, and if we are struggling through black belt classes with our color belt curriculum, its going to be an extremely tough cycle. Use the website, your mentors, whatever you have to do, especially if you want to pass the pre-test! Thank you candidates! Just trying to pass on some helpful hints...

Had a decent weekend. Knocked out some requirements on Saturday. Got the yard mowed, and a little bit of yard work done. Sunday was definitely my relax day. Just spent it relaxing and recuperating.

Taught the family class this morning. Then, helped out with the Crossfit Kids program. Did some yard work, and knocked out some requirements. It feels great to do requirements outside in the sunshine! Someone asked me about the Random Acts of Kindness yesterday...I don't know how its possible to not do ROAK daily! As martial artists, it should come naturally!

Ok, got the written test printed out and started! The first few pages I don't even need to look up (thank goodness), but there are some things I will definitely need to check and find out. I also need to decide which book to read for the cycle, and get a copy!

Had a good class this morning with SaBumNim and some of the other masters. Worked on black belt forms (WTF style), and also Pal Gwe forms. Doing strict WTF style is definitely going to take some getting used to! But hey, training is all about challenges.

I started teaching a Summer Camp program over at a place called Kidz Play Here in Concord, right near the mall. It is a one-week program where I go Monday-Friday, for an hour each day. The kids range in age from 5-11 or so. I enjoy doing it, because its kids that wouldn't normally get a chance to experience or participate in martial arts. This is I think my 4th year doing it, and I always have a blast with those kids.

Overall, had a pretty good weekend. CrossFit Kids program was a lot of fun to help out with again. After that, I had a chance to finally get over to the Y near my house. It is actually located above the Town Hall in Harrisburg. Much smaller gym than I am used to, but it has all of the basics, and everything I need! I plan on going there at least a couple of times a week! The real challenge will be getting my wife to go with me. Haha!

Did an extra long run this morning! It felt good, but made me so thirsty! Sometimes some cold water can be the best reward. Plan on going to the gym either tomorrow or Saturday to get back on some machines. Its been a little while. I'm sure it will be a "good hurt"...

Had a good class this morning with Masters Shin, Hartle, and Cavazos. Got to work on Pal Gwe forms, and also a good focus on black belt forms. My Pal Gwe forms are definitely getting better, but I know I still have a ways to go on them. For my creative form, I am definitely going to be doing a staff form. I have part of it down...mainly have to work on the beginning and end! (Of course also finding a cool song to do it to!)

Yesterday was a busy day! Lots going on for me as far as appointments/introductory lessons with new students, etc... I love to see the excitement in the faces of people just beginning their martial arts journey! It is an awesome thing... Today we actually got some rain. Its about time!

Had a pretty good weekend. I did have to miss out on classes Saturday (helped with a program outside of the school), and it was also my mom's birthday! "Finished" my new fence in the backyard finally! "Finished", because there are still some things I can add/do if I want. Got a chance to have a fire Saturday night and get rid of some of the firewood I've accumulated. I got halfway done with mowing the lawn on Sunday, and then my lawnmower died! I think I may have found my new skill for this cycle: lawnmower repair.

Man, this weather has been great lately! Definitely hot, but beautiful. I think I would like to go to a park this weekend (maybe Frank Liske), and get some miles done on a trail or around a pond. That is always much more fun than a sidewalk or treadmill!

Back to journaling again. Fell off a little bit last week, but at least I got some requirements done. Saturday and Sunday, I'll be honest, those days were overall lazy days. Sometimes you just need a day or 2 to relax and recover. Its good for the soul. Got to hang out with both of my brothers and my mom on Sunday, that was awesome! Its been awhile since that has happened.

Been chiseling away at requirements! I am actually really looking forward to being off for most of this week. Not doing any traveling, but plan on doing TONS of housework/chores, and catching up on things. Hopefully will also find some time for some fun in the sun.

Had a great Saturday! Helped out with the CrossFit kids program in Concord this morning, and taught a women's self defense seminar at the dojang after sparring class. Got some requirements done, and some housework. Hopefully finishing my fence in the backyard tomorrow!

Man, some days it seems like these requirements are endless! But we have to keep on keepin' on. Still knocking them out... I realized I need to get a mentee before the cycle officially begins because I still have 20 mentee sessions to complete. Looking forward to visiting the Belmont dojang tomorrow!

No yard or fence work this morning! But that's ok...getting up at 6:00 tomorrow and heading to Home Depot soon after for rails and pickets mainly. Had a great class with some of the other masters at the Lake Norman school this morning. Got to work on Hapkido, Pal Gwe, and black belt poomsaes. Definitely helpful.

Wow, what a busy day! Today was just a non-stop high energy day. Happy birthday shout out to Instructor Tucker! I am still chiseling away at requirements. Pushups and situps are up to around 130ish a day.....knocking them out usually in sets or 20 or so....just staying sore. Basic kicks same way usually. Journaling is actually a challenge...its hard to know what to write every day!

Had a blast at the King Tiger 5K this past Saturday! Even got my fastest time ever so far. Ended the weekend with more outside work, and soaking in some sun! Met up with my Dad on Sunday for a Father's Day dinner. Definitely good to see him.

Got a couple of trees cut down today, spent most of the morning pruning/cutting, and almost done installing a back gate for the fence. Had a Subway sandwich for lunch, then steak and steamed rice for dinner. Knocked out some more requirements (of course), but really sore using muscles I guess i don't normally use daily. No trouble sleeping at all this week! Haha!

Morning started early with more fence work. Get to cut down a few trees with a chainsaw tomorrow, definitely looking forward to that. My wife and I are considering joining a gym near our house soon. I don't think I will even need it for at least another week or 2. Not with all of this hot weather and work to do. Requirements are going pretty decently. Of course always sore somewhere, though.

Started early this morning clearing out more things out of my yard. The fence is almost halfway done! Have almost all of the post holes dug and the post cemented in. Man, it gets really hot so fast! Definitely doing a lot of sweating before I even get to the dojang!

Had a great black belt class this morning! Awesome workout! Led a fun birthday party for one of our students and his sister. Knocked out some requirements as well later on.

Started the day off with unpacking more boxes, then got a chance to do some training with Master Cavazos and Master Chelley. We worked on Pal Gwe forms, and the Hapkido forms. Pal Gwe forms are getting easier, definitely need to continue working on them (especially Sam, Sa, Oh), so they can flow.

Nothing too new to report today...still unpacking boxes and things. I connected my washing machine this morning. Cable guy came and hooked up cable, internet, and our new security system. Had a great class this morning with Sa Bum Nim, and Master Cavazos.

My wife and I moved into our new house this weekend! All day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday was spent moving and unpacking. I'm actually still sore! With the house and the cycle, it will be a lot going on, but I can handle it! Looking forward to getting everything put away, and returning to "normal" life.

My wife and I moved into our new house this weekend! All day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday was spent moving and unpacking. I'm actually still sore! With the house and the cycle, it will be a lot going on, but I can handle it! Looking forward to getting everything put away, and returning to "normal" life.

We closed on our house yesterday! I am now a homeowner! Woo hoo! Also had a great mentor session this morning, and an awesome wacky wednesday class this evening to cap it all off!

Today has been a busy day so far! Had to meet with my lender, go to the bank, pack a few more boxes, whew! Everything is still looking great with the house, though. I am so ready to be moved in and done with this process. That will make the cycle much easier to focus on! Still need to knock out some essays and things...

Busy Tuesday! Lots going on for the house my wife and I are trying to get. We have hit many obstacles along the way, but have overcome them all so far. Hopefully we will be closing in a few weeks! That will be a big weight off of my shoulders. I know that there will be lots to do when we move in and start unpacking. Wow...you never realize how much stuff you have until you have to move..... Had a good class with Master Cavazos this morning. Looking forward to a sweaty morning tomorrow starting with Crossfit, then training with Sa Bum Nim!

Wow! Definitely still have a ways to go...I need to get more frequent with my journaling, and also some other requirements. Sometimes it just feels like days are not long enough! I spent a little bit of time outside of town this weekend, now I am back in the groove. Looking forward to a CrossFit class tomorrow, and will be starting some of my essays soon!

Had a great Crossfit class this morning. Legs are nice and stiff now. Good training with some of the masters and Master Evins after that. Will be moving to Concord in early June, so will have to find another gym. Northlake will be too far to drive for me in the mornings each week. Don't worry, I will still be here at King Tiger North Charlotte.

Congratulations to everyone that tested this past weekend! Everyone looked great and did a phenomenal job. I am very excited for the Tea Ceremony tomorrow, can't wait to see everyone there!

Man, I am very excited for this cycle of black belt testers. Testing is only a few short days away! A lot of people have stepped up, and come a very long way. This gives me motivation for the next cycle I am honored to be attacking Master Cavazos for his testing, I just hope he doesn't clean my clock too bad!Go Black Belts!

Wow, what a beautiful day! Had a great workout at CrossFit this morning. These requirements are eroding away...slowly but surely.... I'm glad to have some days off on this long weekend. Even though we are closed Friday, still planning on getting in a good class at the gym in the morning. Hopefully, the weather will be nice and I can get outside for awhile this weekend!

Spent most of last week and the weekend in Washington, DC visiting some family (wife's side). Honestly didn't get too many requirements done on this trip. The hotel did have a gym, which I used twice to do some things. We stayed in downtown DC, so the miles were very easy to get in. It was fun, and a great change of scenery for a bit. I need to make sure I am journaling more frequently...it is very hard to get caught back up if I get behind on those!

Had a wonderful, sweaty workout at CrossFit this morning. Worked on pull ups, situps, burpees, running, squats, all fun stuff. Actually finished the workout first this morning! Woo hoo! Yesterday I got a chance to work with Master Cavazos on poomsaes (thanks for the refresher on Wang Ho forms, sir!). Still chiseling away at requirements.

Everyone's favorite day...Monday! Testing is getting closer and closer...physically I am doing much better than years past. I still have some ways to go, but testing for 5th Dan, I want to make sure I rock it 110%! I cleaned out my garage this weekend, so no relaxing as usual this past Sunday for me. Cleaning up clutter, and getting a workout doing it. Awesome stuff.

Just plugged in my credits for Instructors Camp. Thank you Master Evins!!! That was very generous. Getting geared up for Wacky Wednesday today.

Wow, what a great weekend! Learned a ton at Instructors Camp and had a great time! It was a very tiring, sweaty, rewarding time. I loved training with folks from the other locations. Kudos to all of the 1st timers there as well, we had a great bunch and they worked hard.

Had a very burpee and lunge intensive class this morning at Crossfit! Almost a hundred of each. Had a great class yesterday from Master Evins doing a ton of self-defense. It's also been a blast working with my mentee, Jay Jay. He learns very quickly, and I admire how he tries hard and is serious about training. Instructor's Camp is getting closer and closer...

If I was a superhero, I think my name today would be "Super Sore!" Haha. But, seriously. Some days are easier than others, and this cold weather definitely isn't helping. Being sore though, I know I am pushing myself. I've been really hammering down some of the forms we don't get a chance to practice that often (attack/defense form, staff, etc...) Instructor's Camp is next weekend! Definitely looking forward to it. Hopefully, I will be able to knock out some requirements with that as well!

A challenging week so far with snow and ice! I would say that it will get better, but it may actually get worse tonight. Had a great mentor session & small class this morning. Worked on a new staff form, and got a chance to practice some forms I haven't done in awhile. Also, practiced some cool self defense techniques against Master Hartle. May be able to sneak another mentee session in tonight with Jay Jay (depending on this crazy weather).

Made it to Friday! Had a great CF class this morning. LOTS of shoulder work especially this week. Definitely getting better on my pullups! Feeling sore, but a "good sore." Still chipping away at requirements. Also, continuing watching what I eat (have lost about 13 lbs since early January). That will help with everything...pullups, pushups, running, pivoting, etc... Gotta keep on keepin' on!

What a cloudy, rainy Monday! Glad I survived Junior Instructor's Camp this past weekend. Feeling like I'm starting to get sick today, but I hope not! Either way, I need to keep cranking out requirements.

Sore today! Great CF class yesterday, and TKD class. Ready for Junior Instructor's Camp this weekend! I'm sure it will be a long weekend, but lots of fun as well. Really trying to hammer down the Palgwe poomsaes lately.

Still knocking out requirements, I need to get journals done more frequently. Getting geared up and ready for Instructor's Camp! I missed last year, but this year will make 11 for me. Definitely excited about that. Also, need to get started on essays........

Great workout this morning at CF! Honestly had a little trouble keeping my Meal Replacement Shake down during running and some of the exercises though, not sure why. I definitely got up early with plenty of time to let it settle. Friday is the last day of the 24 Day Challenge! I've certainly done better on this one than the other one I did I think 2 years ago. BIG difference this time around!

What a great weekend! Congratulations to the Black Belt candidates on their Pre-Test! Most did pretty well it looked like, and if not, at least they know what they need to work on. Also, thanks to everyone who came out for the Bring A Buddy/Break A Board Goal Setting Event this past Saturday! We had a good turnout of adults AND younger folks. It was fun to see people thinking hard about what they would like to accomplish, and of course the joy on their faces when they broke through their boards!

Wow, what a "G'Day!" Definitely a great sparring seminar today! I loved the way that Master Shane kept everything simple. It was definitely a good sweat, and I'm glad we had a great turnout. Today was the first day of the Max phase of my 24 day challenge. The number of pills/supplements went up dramatically! Not too bad, though. Had a huge amount of energy today, and it was great. Heading to Charleston tomorrow morning with my wife for the weekend. I will definitely look for some tasty fresh fish! Not fried of course...

Today was a busy day! Still managed to knock out requirements, so that's great... Tomorrow is the last day of the "Cleanse" phase of my 24 Day Challenge, so I am looking forward to that. Been eating really healthy, and I can definitely feel a difference in my body! Crossfit tomorrow morning, followed by some sparring training. Also, sparring seminar on Saturday! I'm sure it will be a "good sore"...

Saturday flew by this past weekend! Knocked out requirements, worked with my mentee, Jay Jay. Even though I believe he is the youngest person on this cycle, he will be phenomenal! Went for a 4 mile run on the Greenway Sunday morning. Started off pretty cold, but by the end I was steaming.

Whew! That Fiber drink will really wake you up in the mornings! Yesterday was a great day, got in a Crossfit class, and a great TKD class with Master Evins. Going to keep pumping out requirements, and EATING HEALTHY!

Ready to kick off 2015 the RIGHT way! Boot Camp this past Saturday was great! Wonderful, sweaty workout, and good people! Excited to start my 24 Day Challenge tomorrow morning before Crossfit class. Towards the end of 2014, I slacked off on some requirements (and logging them), this won't happen this year!

Had a great Crossfit workout this morning (lots of running, rope climbing, handstand pushups, and 150 wall ball squats!) After that, a great training session with SaBumNim and some other masters/instructors. Got to work on black belt special self defenses, and Hapkido Form 1. Great stuff. I'm sure I'll sleep like a log tonight.

Wow...what a great weekend! The PMAA seminar was a lot of fun, and also learned some great things. I liked how we would switch back and forth between 2 sticks, hands, 1 stick, hands, etc... It was also fun to meet some new folks and train with different partners.

Looking forward to the PMAA training at Myrtle Beach this weekend! Master Melegrito always does a terrific seminar. I've also been working on my handstand pushups a lot more frequently lately. Am now able to kick up onto the wall by myself, and getting at least halfway down and back up. Getting there!

Had a great Crossfit class this morning! Myself and Master Hartle were the only ones to show up, so we got a great workout. As far as challenge kick, I have been working on the 540. As of right now, I am doing it with the step forward motion. I can definitely take out someone's knee with it right now...gotta work to bring it up to chest or hopefully head level one day.

Let's see...what's new? I have been changing my diet recently, and it actually isn't too bad! For lunch I've been frequenting Trader Joe's a lot...mainly eating fresh wraps, sushi, and fruit. Trying to drink as much water as possible, also. Weekends are definitely the hardest for diet, but I'm doing better than I have in the past.

Feeling good today. Except for my legs, my hamstrings especially are very sore. At least have to reach Sunday! Right now I am using my Sundays to recoup. Today is the 1st day of Summer Camp for North Charlotte, so I am sure it will be busy! I will definitely make sure to sneak in requirements throughout the day. Knocked some out this morning already. Cannot fall behind! Also, created gmail account this morning so I can set up my Youtube account to share training videos with SaBumNim.

Started this journey off pretty well. I'm thankful I have been doing CrossFit for awhile now, it has definitely helped in between cycles. I need to get a pull up bar for at home, though. Normally, just doing pull ups when I go to the gym a couple days a week. If i have enough time to go running on the greenway (mainly the weekends I think), I can use the monkey bars on a playground. :) The workout this morning was great, I'll head into the dojang in just a bit and knock some other things out! Good luck to all candidates and masters!