Fall 2024 Black Belt Cycle

Candidate Journals

King Tiger Tae Kwon Do Black Belt candidates blog daily about their journey: their thoughts and feelings, their struggles and successes; their pain and their encouragement. Follow along on their journey; words of encouragement are always welcome!

College

Oh man, I havent been on forever, Im so terrible. Anyways, I love college, it so fun buts lots of work. I manage my schedule pretty well, most days I'm done by 12:40, so im able to get my requirements done quicker. But ive been so tired lately (What is sleep anymore)

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Packing

Been packing for college the past few days. Super excited and nervous. Moving Day is tomorrow. I've been working on my Essays too as well as my resume. I don't know if i need it for work-study or not but i couldn't hurt.

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Last day of summer camp for me

Last Wednesday was my last day working a King Tiger. Thursday night me and my mom were going to Kentucky for her work, and after that I'm going to college. But since we were leaving later. She let got to King Tiger to help with summer camp one last time. When my mom picked me up I told all the kids I was leaving. So some them gave me a big hug. It became a really big group hug. And some them started to tear up. I couldn't help but cry. I'm going to miss working at King Tiger. 

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August 2nd

I have been going to drivers eds for the pass 6 days. So I haven't been to King Tiger lately. I was going to go Monday, but after drivers ed I felt queasy. Tuesday thou I went to the North Charlotte school. I came super early. My mom was had a work party so I told her she could drop me off early. I got there around 5:40. I did some requirement, and Mrs.Evens gave me some tips on pull ups. I took Family class, the I took Black Belt class   

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Thursday Black Belt Class

I took black belt class at Master Even's school today. It was good. Kind if wish it was longer, I love taking black belt class. Master Cavazos made sure we were strong and correct in out technique. I messed up green belt self defense #6, the superman punch. I flew right into my partners punch. I redid it, and got it correct that time, but I couldn't help but laugh. 

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The Usual

Did the usual thing today, went to the movies with King Tiger today. We saw the Book of Life, which is super cute!!! Kind of made me think of my Black Belt Reading. I'm reading the Alchemist. Like the movie, the Alchemist talks about how you should listen to your heart and choose your own path. Book of Life: write your own story The Alchemist: find your personal legend   My mentee is out of town for a couple days. I asked her mom and dad if they could watch her do 10 push-ups at least every other day.  The kids like making wagers with me. When I lose I let them chose if I do push-ups or burpees. 

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Tired

Push ups were easy last week, now there a little hard again. Took sparring again, super fun. I'm pretty tired, going to the pool wears me out

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Fitness week

Helped out with classes today. almost every physical thing we made the kids do, I did it with them. I end up doing a lot of physical requirements. I did 100 burpees and squat thrust today. I also did a mentor session. Master Natasha checked all my gwe forms and staff form. Plus I showed someone their staff form. worked really hard today. Especially since I didnt do anything Sunday. I sprained my finger at Kukkiwion and refuse to let me do anything but rest and chores. 

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Kukkiwon Cup

Kukkiwon Cup was good!! I got a bronze metal in poomsae. But sparring was awesome. I think I did really well. The first girl I went against beat me by 2 points, but I got some really good kicks and head shots in. Then I sparred for second place. I won the second match and got sliver. I am pretty happy.  

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Zzzzzzz

To tired to journal .... will talk about Kukkiwonn tomorrow

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Packing

Not going to Black belt class today, my parents and I are leaving for Greensville around 3:30. I'm just going to pack and study my study guide. I have the right one and I completed the right one. And as I was writing this journal, I got a text from my dad ... change of plans, were leaving at 6:30. Man I could of went to help with Summer Camp, oh well, things happen

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Magic Show

We watched a magic show today. The guy was great, and super entertaining. I worked on my staff form, i think i got it down, just need to practice. Took sparring class. Not much else happen today. I got to pack for Greensville. Can't wait for Kukkiwon 

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Improvement

When to the movies with the King Tiger Kids. At lunch, I told them i would do 10 push-ups for each kid that stayed quiet 1 whole minute (their was 9 kids at the table). So surprise that only three of them talked. I did 40 of them in front of them, with a couple short breaks for my arms. I finished them after we left the park. I it was a great way to do some requirements and make the kids laugh. My push-ups have got so much better!!! I can do 15-20 good ones in a row. IMPROVEMENT. "Strive for continuous improvement, instead of perfection" -Kim Collin

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Monday

Worked today at TKD. We went to Robinson park and Master Hartle helped me get a bamboo staff (they have a bamboo forest across the street). I had a great mentor session. I worked on my pal gwes. I learned Sam and Sa. Then two classes later, I had to teach it. Nothing makes you pick something up quicker than teaching it to someone. I also started my white belt challege  

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Book Reading and Essay

Didn't to do much physical requirements today. My aunt took me to church (40 min drive) with her and we stayed there til 1. Then we went out to eat with her and my cousins friends. Finally came home around 5 and the AC was turned off (we been having a few problems with it, so we turned it off before we left) It was terrible hot.  But on the brighter side, I finish my reading. I work in the school library last year, and the librarian gave me any of the books she was giving away. And i happen to get The Alchemist, which is coincidentally on the black belt suggested book. Short but amazing read. After i finished reading i watched the author, Paulo Coelho, being interview on the Oprah Show. I can't wait to write my essay on the book. I did finished one of essay today, since...

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Kukkiwon Prep and Pokemon Go

Black belt class was good. We practice are poomsaes for kukkiwon next week.  I love doing poomsaes!!! I have definitely have gotting stronger with my moves. I won against my competitor. Later today i played pokemon go. I teaching my cousin how to play and we got caught in the rain. good thing my hairs braided, or it would be a disaster. I have walk about 25k this week and it didnt even feel like it. Anyways ... I am really excited for Kukkiwon, I am going to give it my all!   

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Sore

I did 200 push-ups and sit-ups, my personal best. I really pushed it today and i am so happy!! i can feel the soreness now. Tonight i'm going to have a good sleep :)

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Saturday

I met my college roommate yesterday. It was great, we hung out at white water center. That place is AMAZING, i need to there again.

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First Entry

Finally back from Pensacola. It was great to family, and I got to go to the beach. was a total beach bum (heavy on the bum). Not having th strongest start to the cycle. Didn't do as much as I could, but this week I'm going in hard!!!!!

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Good day

Easy day today, dance was fun, and i learning my spanish better. Plus I had a good day at work and my granddad came up for the holiday. Such a great day

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Japanese Steakhouse

Had my award banquet tonight, so much fun. I miss tennis season, it was fun.

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Wednesday

Whoa, I did know the website was still up. I've been writing journals in my notebook. Even thought its my day off, I got work to do. I have make sure i'm caught up with all my school work. I got Psych. homework, and a bunch of drawing to do for visual art. Then I got some spanish to practice.

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9 more left

Man I should have did these journals on time, but can't blame anyone but myself though, i should have made time for them. Only 9 more left. Any who, today i'm going to jogging and watch a marathon of once upon a time!!!

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Saturday

Black belt class was goo, i need to work on my hurricane hook kick a lot more, and i learned some of my new poomsae.  After class i pretty much just worked on my senior exit its do Monday, i'm almost done than goodness I can't wait to be done with it

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Ceremony

Tea ceremony today, it was really nice. I'm excited to have my new belt and learn new material 

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Speech

I dislike public speaking so much, just being in front of an audience makes me crazy. I have my senior exit to do and I have all the work, but the final part it speaking to a panel of judges. I just have to keep repeating my speech til i feel comfortable.

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Journal

All most forgot to journal ... okay whats going on in my life ... hmm.... You know what i wish I was better at, comforting, some I know was really upset today, I did my best to help her, but i really couldn't help much. It wan't until someone else step in that she felt better. I hope I can get better at that, i hate seeing someone being upset

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Words spoken

Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another. Napoleon Hill My friend asked me why i was doing push-ups in the hall last week, so i told her "I have to a 100 push-ups a day". She laugh and said "Courtney that's easy, you can do half of that in the morning." I looked at her, this is the girl who tells me she doesn't have time to eat breakfast in the morning, or doesn't have time to do homework. I was kind of offended, why was she belittling my work. I mean I not saying 100 push ups is really hard, because it's doable, but it is not easy. But I laughed it off "I guess I just don't have time" I told her. I did not want to start nothing over a silly comment i...

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My dad's question

Last week, while my dad was driving me to TKD he asked me a question. He was asking how the black belt was going, I told doing good, struggling with my journals and pulls up, but nothing to worry about. Then he asked "Courtney, would it have been better if me or your mom have done the black belt cycle with me?". I asked him to explain because i didn't understand the question. He said would it have been better if he and mom did all the same physical requirements I had to do while i was on the cycle. I had to think about it, but I told him no, I'm glad I did it on my own. I had to motivate myself. I could rely on my mom to say "Court lets go jogging", i had to get my butt up and tell my self to do. I had to be...

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Testing day

Testing was great!! so sore though. I didn't even realize I was until I tried to get out of the car, almost tripped over myself.

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Getting Ready

All packed and ready for the retreat, just waiting on my dad to pick me up

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Extra sleep

Not What happened today I mostly did Either midterms or independent work But I can't wait for tomorrow I'm excited to get extra sleep and go on the Black Butler treat

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Ugggh

Today was long and tiring, I went to bed late last night, then I didn't eat breakfast or lunch, I had no energy today. I can't wait till Thursday night, hopefully I can catch up on some sleep

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Monday

I had a good day at King Tiger today, I got help a lot of newer white belts. I also got my push ups done during school. Some people looked and stared at me, but I kinda of stop caring. I really want to be a black belt, so if that means doing push ups and sit ups in public to get them done, so be it.  

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Sunday

Today was a homework day, work on a collage, then i did my AP homework, finally i did my senior exit. Got some of my requirements done too. And I finished the day with washing my hair and watching my favorite Sunday show Once Upon A Time. Very productive day. 

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Festival

Went to the renaissance festival today, so much fun. I got to hang out with my best friend. We have different classes this year so we don't see each other much. I got to shoot arrows and i bought a beautiful rose, then asked a candlemaker to dip it in wax. Instead of only lasting 3 or 4 day, it will for 7 years. Speaking of plants, i'm going to check on my Azalea shrub before bed. Night!!! 

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Yuck

I had really bad headaches today. Every time I stood up or bent down, it would start to throb. I had to stand up really slow. But my parents medicated me really, even though i am a baby when it comes to nasty, yucky syrup and powder stuff. One of my teachers told me i should put salt up my nose to help my congestion, there is no way I'm doing that, I would panic as soon as one little piece went up my up my nose.  

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Sick Day

Alright maybe going to dance camp sick wasn't my best idea, but I did it, and it was fun. I had to take really long breaks during camp because I was learning really fast dances, and I was getting queasy. But the dances were so cute!!! I love them. 

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My Day

Ran the 5k today, it was so rainy, but I did my best and ran as much as I could, then I had to go to dance camp, which was fun tiring ,and aggravating all in one. My feet are sore and my head hurts (we work on head spins and other tricks). I think I am also catching something. my throat really hurts :(, I'm treating it the best I can, but I still have dance camp tomorrow. I love being involved in things, but I wish they would stop syncing up. At least I got all my requirements done for this weekend.

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me and my ...

me and my cousins had a push up challenge, one of my cousin said they were "cute for some girls ones", I looked at him like he was nuts. I may not be the best at push-ups but i've pretty good form. Any who he showed me his and his butt was so up in the air. Lol wow, and he going to talk bout my push ups. My other cousin, she does track and basketball, she has great push ups.

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When to cr...

When to cracker barrel for lunch, so good, and i got moon pies. YaayAnd tonight me and my dad have a really deep talk, it was bout him growing up, his father and their relationship, and his struggles in life. It really touched me, I learn sides about him and my grandfather I didn't know of. I really appreciate my dad so much, and I'm glad i've him in my life

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Whow got m...

Whow got my physical done, finish my essays, when to my teams dance clinic, really fun day. My coach wanted mt to watch her daughter at the clinic, but she didn't want to dance, she would look at me dance and see every other little girl around her dance. she would just walk way, and lay down. At the end i just sat with her and watched the others dance. When the older girls dance to a hip hop they had turn and shake their hips, and the coach's daughter turn to me and say "I see the bootie" It was so cute

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Got my gra...

Got my grade back for my hand drawing, we had to drawn hands gesture, I put a theme to my portrait. And I lived happily ever after with a 98

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Tennis pra...

Tennis practice was tough today, one of my teammates forgot her tennis shoes and one girl had extra, but they were size 11, she was a size 7, so she asked could she use my shoes (I'm a 8.5) and i used the extra pair. i don't why i said yes, i guess i was trying to be polite, so i gave her my shoes. Then we had a match against each other to see who gets to be rank up, and i won, oversize shoes. I also worked on hand releases with my mentor. I have a probably with 7&8, i place my hands on the right spot, need to work on that.

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Art class ...

Art class is killing me, i cant think of any collage ideas, and i have to make two of them!! What am i going to do. The funny thing is that i can help all my friends with their collage project, but i cant think of anything. I'm really close to just sticking a dog's head to cat's body, Art.

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long day

I just finished my homework, phew I had a lot , I had Tennis match earlier today I won My first match Which was a single And lost my second one That was a doubles match

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My day was...

My day was so busy, i was fundraising for Dance all morning, then i went to the park with my cuz and my dad, super fun, i overall won against both of them, and my serve has gotting faster

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Busy day a...

Busy day after school today. I had tennis and dance practice, so i had to run back and forth. My dance teacher needed my phone because i mixed the music we're dancing to. So I had to go help teach a play DJ for a bit, but then i had to run across the school to go to tennis. my forearm has getting better and my backhand is slowly getting there, whoopee

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Woo, feels...

Woo, feels goo to get the pre test done, i was so nervous this morning. The physical part was great i did 20 push ups in the row, that my best ever!! But i need to work on my study guide questions thou, i know i failed the written test.

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When i was...

When i was younger i really wanted a diary, i though it gave me freedom to express myself, and it would make me deep, and all the cool movies had a girl writing in a diary. yeah ... I'm not a diary person, it is difficult to write journal entries sometimes.

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Guess who ...

Guess who won their first tennis match ... this girl :) , good start to the season Yaaaay

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Long day b...

Long day but good, I like all my new classes and teachers, had a god day at work, and even got a lot of cycle stuff done. The only problem I had today was dinner, I get home when everyone has already eaten so i usually have to reheat it up, but I spilled the container, I had to clean it up and then i had no meat sauce with my spaghetti

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Went to th...

Went to the Master Hama seminar today, it was great. And got my shots today, my arm is still sore >.r her

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Went to sp...

Went to sparring class today, and Master Hama taught it. It was really cool to be taught by someone who does Olympic sparring, and tough. I was so tired after the class.

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Tuesday wa...

Tuesday was upsetting, i went to try-out for my school's tennis team. My school's website said tryouts were at Northmeck Highschool because our school having the tennis courts repair. So i went on at the time the website said ant waited, nobody showed up. After calling to both Northmeck and Hopewell, i was told that the information on the website was from last year and they had no idea when try-outs were. Then they gave me the tennis coach number and told me to ask her, i called the number and and person who answered was not the coach and said i had the wrong number. Finally two days later my tennis coach for the summer called the school and was finally able to get the tennis try-out date (which is this Monday). But for now on if i see information on the school website, im going to call and confirmed...

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I went to ...

I went to Sam's Club after class today, and i tried this Latin drink call Horchata, which is a rice and cinnamon kind of drink, it was really good!

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I'm slacki...

I'm slacking, I barely did anything today, I got to step it up

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Summer Cam...

Summer Camp with the King Tiger kids was fun, we went laser tagging, played at the park, and had a cool nun chuck week :)

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"A Still W...

"A Still Water That Runs Deeps" I like that proverb

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push-ups

My push-ups are getting better!! Only took me this long.

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Tuesday

Going to go play tennis with my best friend, can't wait. I'm glad it the summer, I get to see her more often :)

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I need to ...

I need to keep up with my belongings better. How can I be responsible if i still lose important stuff.

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I had a go...

I had a good 1st day for the Black Belt Cycle, went jogging, did class, did push up, sit ups, and burpees, and work on my journal. Now all i want to do is go to sleep.

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