Candidate Journals

Final journal of cycle 1......   I'm 12 weeks of 24 weeks in on my Master's journey.  Yes, there was a time I wanted to give up, and it was early in the cycle. However,  I put my big girl dobok pants on and kept going.  I know more now than I did 12 weeks ago.  I'm going to continue my mentoring sessions do I'm ready in the spring.   I have 2 easier essays, and two more challenging essays left. I plan on getting my easier essays completed sooner rather than later.   Im also going g to continue to meetvwith my mentee.  To all those testing tonight.. work hard and impress your Master's! I'll see you tomorrow in Belmont.    Until the next cycle, this is LMP signing off. 

Yesterday was my birthday. It was so nice of my school district to close so I had the day off...to bad it was for a hurricane.   I went to my last sparring class, for the cycle and it's getting moved to Wednesday   My birthday was quiet. I didn't even get a card from my husband.   Head hurts, I'm going to bed. 

My journals are done, bit I'd thought I would just chat for a minute. I was able to meet with my mentee for the first time in 2weeks.....she did really well with her poomsae and yellow self-defense.  Unfortunately she will not be ready forvthis testing due to not practicing high yellow kick defense.  This was my fault...I didn't realize she was a high yellow.  Maybe I can get her ready gor make ups ?!?!

This weekend was jam packed...but fun. I'm finding out that I have a lot of 'zeros' showing up on my chart. However, I'm going to continue most of them.  Saturday began normal with my blackbelt class and Junior Tigers, but then I got to meet Master Melegrito during his seminar.  That was a quick 2 hour class full of information!  My nap afterwards was well deserved and sooooo satisfying.  Then today I join the blackbelts at the park and worked on some things I needed help with. I need a lot of help. I'm learning an entire curriculum in a year. No easy task.  Ok, to much chocolate icecream. Sugar overload. Night all. 

Time had flown....can't believe my 1st cycle is over this coming Saturday.  I still have do much to learn before spring...... Went to sparring at KT Harrisburg tonight. That was a fun, yes, you read that correctly, FUN sparring class! For an hour class, we managed to get in some new drills and several sparring rounds.  I would definitely go back. Wow! I can't believe I actually said that!!!   

It's been a minute since I have journaled, however, I'm over my 50. I met up with the blackbelts st tbe park this morning.  I enjoy working with them. We worked on single stick 4, double stick 1, Sa, chill, koryo, taebeck, gum gong. (I'm probably spelling all these forms wrong).  I could really use a nap, but I'm to cold. I'm chilled to the bone. We keep our house at 68 degrees all year long ( either heat / air).  I don't mind doing any of the requirements except burpees...those seriously need to be swapped out, especially when you are also doing planks and push ups.     

23 years ago things changed.....we lost so many lives. We lost our twin towers. This is a day to remember all the lives.  In-between remembering 9/11, I managed to get everything done and go to blackbelt class. 

Happy Tuesday  Missed class tonight due to something at school. No mentee meeting,  no assistance in class. I hope I can get all my classes and mentee meetings in. 

After Journaling for this many days, you really start to run out of things to write about.  Let's see, I got up at my normal 5am...prepared for school. Then I fed my fur babies and walked my doggies.  School went ok. I had extra kiddos due yo being split for testing amd another teacher leaving early. Teenty- six 7 and 8 year olds...needless yo say, not a lot was accomplished and I was waaaaay off my schedule.   Stayed late to do some work and meet with one of my mentees( I have 2 at school) then came hone and some how managed to get my requirements in. I think burpees should he replaced with jumping jacks or light bouncing- similar to what we do in sparring.  Time for bed. Night all 

Sunday....woke up sore from the kick a thon and with a headache, so much for going to the park to meet up and practice.   Got my requirements done....not sure if I'm going to get all 'zeros' because I've been entering my time and not the amount of the requirement. However, I asked several times about completing the tracker correctly,  and I was assured to put the time for: jump rope, push ups, sit ups, burpees, poomsaes, self-defense,  and kicks....which doesn't match the tracker, but what am I going to do?!?! I'm following directions.    

Loooooong day.    Blackbelt class, the instructed my JTs, then wentvto the kick a thon.  There were a lot of people kicking. Master Chelley says we easily did over 70,000 kicks in less than an hour.  I keep saying I am going to write my papers...I need to get the easy ones completed do 8 can focus on the challenging ones during my actual testing cycle.  I've looked at my book....not sure I'm going to make all my mentee requirements,  since I lost 2 weeks looking for a new one. 

Thanks Trump for messing up my night..... 85 shut down at 230pm Trump arrives at 330pm School dismissal at 330....coincidence?! Leave school at 415pm 485 bumper-bumper traffic 😑  Finally get home st 520pm No time to change and get to sparring.....🫣  

Woohoo...Friday eve! Tomorrow is sparring then Saturday is our kick-a-thon. I really do not have to much to say...except I still do not like burpies. I can deal with the rest. Burpies and I will never be friends.  

Did a lot tonight at blackbelt class. In-between poomsaes,  we had to do self defense.  I did pretty well. Remembering all but two of my self defense...not bad for just learning them a few months ago.   My poomsaes seem sharper too. I have another candidate that has sone very intense moves, and I'm trying  to make my moves just as intense. 

Had a great day today. Brought my baby bearded dragon to school as a class pet, assisted with the 5:40 class, instructed during the 6:20 class, met with my mentee ( she's really starting to do well) and found out she is in tbe girl scouts!! Yay for cookies!!!!!!  Burpies will remain my enemy. I don't see how / why tbere needs to be a pushup in tbe middle...on top of push-ups and plank. 

Monday has come and gone, and so have my fun requirements.  Took a slow walk with my pomchi. Since he limes to stop and smell all tbe smells, it took forever to walk a mime and a half.  It was nice to be able to get up and get all my stuff in before my husband woke up...2 hours later. Time to shower, chill, and get ready for school tomorrow, and to see my mentee!!! 

Happy September 1st.  Little challenging today to get everything in and planned on going for my jog/ walk, then tbe skies opened up.  Sometimes,  you just need a day of rest and let it go.  

Journaling late...opps. not having blackbelt class or JT class, along with the storm that rolled in Friday night threw me off.  Saturday was a whirl-wind of a day. Actually was able to sleep in past 6:45 and enjoyed my day of my requirements on and off all day.  My husband and I went to Petco and bought everything needed for my class pet...a baby bearded dragon. She is settling in nicely and will be going to school with me Tuesday.  

Happy Friday. Tonight I went to sparring. I'm still not a fan, I don't like being hit in the head, I don't like the idea that being hit in the head is even allowed or 'ok.'  Storm is rolling in which means barometric pressure change, headach, ect..... Night all

Wow..the end of August.  Feels like yesterday we were getting our books. Had a good day. My 2nd graders are beginning to learn and follow my expectations, rules, and procedures. Went to junior Tigers class and assisted.  Master Randall had a large class, so I'm happy I was able to help.  Tomorrow is Friday...Yay! Not only do I have sparring,  but my mentee will be at sparring too! Super excited to be in class with her.  Time to cuddle with my fur babies. Night all. 

Had a good day today. School went well, I'm really enjoying my kiddos and my team. I need to take pictures of my room. Went to blackbelt class tonight. Volunteered to show a 1st Dan self-defense. I never volunteer in class, but thought I would try. It took a couple tries, but I got it correct. Yay for me. I hope I didn't embarrass my mentor because I messed up.   

My mentee meet up / session was a success! I have a new mentee due to losing my other due to camp ending. We worked on her form, reviewed self-defense number 1-3, and learned number 4. More exciting news, she will also be coming to sparring on Fridays!!   Junior belts are fun to work with. They want to soak up all the knowledge and enjoy practicing their form more than twice. 

Its to bad I can't count all my walking I do at school towards my miles.   So much fun coming home to walk almost 2 more miles and complete my requirements.  I have a feeling ill be crashed out early tonight.  I may need to knock out some of them before school, I just don't want to be sweaty.  I wonder if all our essays are due by Sept 28th if you are not testing until Spring?! Burpies and I  will never be friends, no matter how hard I work at them.  I am concerned that m6 heart rate continues to be high with the exercises. I hope that if I need to take a  break during g testing that I will be permitted.  (,A Masters status is not worth my health. I know that may sound rude, however,  my heart works harder due to having 3 chambers instead of 4....

Oooooooo......it's the day before school officially begins. I hot up this morning and went to the park to join my group. Yay! We worked on several poomsaes and 1st dan self-defense...no falling. Ground and concrete hurt.  I eas also able to write them down in my notebook.  After the park, I did my requirements and even managed to get in a walk.  I'm hoping to get my requirements done while waiting for the 'all clear' from school.  Hugs and love ❤️     

I know our journal entry is suppose to be detailed about our day. Unfortunately,  for tonight,  it won't be.  I've been fighting a migraine which goes to a head and vise versa all day. Thete is weather coming through which triggers these headaches and migraines. Hopefully the weather will pass and I can get back to feeling 'normal' 

Happy Thursday  I had open house tonight.  Meeting after meeting at school.  SO CHALLENGING to get everything in.  Next week will be a huge challenge to get my classes in. We are required to stay at school until all the busses have dropped off our kiddos. I may need to bring my do bock to school to save time.  It's going to be very challenging to balance everything I need to do for blackbelt cycle and school.  I hope I can do this. 

Cough, cough, cough......I hate allergies.  Dust from cleaning the classroom and being in other classrooms for trainings have jump started my allergies. Yay...Said no one ever!!!  Went to KT early hoping to catch my new mentee. No luck. However, I did get to work on staff form 2 and 3 with another candidate.   Open House is tomorrow at my school,  so I will not be going to KT.   Stay strong !  Hugs and love ❤️    

Today I had yet another training and then able to work in my classroom.  I need to find something softer to do ditups on in my classroom. The carpet and floor do not work.  Went to KT this evening hoping to catch my new mentee...no luck. I did, however,  get to assist in a class.   

It's been a rough day. My head has been hurting non stop, I'm coughing, and I feel extremely exhausted. Getting through everything today was NOT an easy task.  On a happier note, I have a new mentee. Yay!!! It's only 730, I'm going to bed. Night all. 

Happy Sunday Today I slept in for the first time in weeks. Normally,  I get up, go to the park with some other blackbelts, work on poomsaes,  self defense,  ect. I needed a day to just chill. I've been overly sore and need a day to decompress.  It was well deserved.  

Got up this morning and went to blackbelt class. We zoomed in with KT of Lake Norman.  We also had some visiting KT students.  Lots of kicking,  and we practiced bochodon self defense.  We also did some poomsaes.  After blackbelt I have my JT class. 4 students came. The l8ttle ones can sometimes be a challenge...LOTS of energy!  I came home and rested for a bit. I planned on starting my essays, little hard yo do when your laptop is at school. So I will hand write my ideas and thoughts, then type the essays Tuesday.  🙃 

It's the end of the 5th week. My mentee was not at king tiger when I arrived,  which means I need a new mentee. I'll message Master Evins this weekend.   I had sparring tonight...I actually had fun. Granted, I'd rather be able to relax a little on a Friday night, but it's ok.   Off to shower and bed

Ugggg.....I may need to switch my mentee. I've attempted several times to meet with my mentee this week, and either she left early or I missed her due to my class time.   We tried to do a session tonight,  and just as we were going to the next few steps in her form, her parent showed up.  I'll try one more time tomorrow evening before sparring. If we can not do a session, I'll need to switch.  Wish me luck. 

Hoping to catch my mentee still at summer camp so we can have a session.  Hoping also to assist in a class before going to blackbelt at 6:35.  Still in trainings for school, trying to set up my room , and get all my cycle stuff in too. 

Today more school training, but was able to work in my room too. In between my trainings,  I managed to get in my requirements...and get a quick walk in too.  Going to try and meet up eith my mentee tomorrow.  It's hard to meet when I'm not at camp.   

So I went to school today. Came home, and managed to get in my requirements.  I'm off to hopefully assist in a class this evening.  I was going to try out Muay Thai.....but I think I'm going to focus on my cycle. I don't need to add anything else to my plate. 

Today was a good day.  I went to the park to practice. Worked on A LOT.  Tomorrow I start my trainings at school, while trying to fo something with my classroom.  Night all 

Today I got up and went to my blackbelt class.  We worked on kicks, some poomsaes, and self defense white to yellow (low and high) and hapkito 1, 2, and 3.  I came home and did my stuff,  had a quick bite to eat, and went back to the dojang for a knife seminar.   Came home, showered, and now relaxing.  

Today was my last day at camp, as I start my school trainings and work shops Monday. I was actually able to go to the gym today and do a decent workout including my requirements!!!   Off to practice poomsaes, self defense,  stances, and kicks. 

Master Evins said there would be a time(s) when you are going to want to quit,  to give up on the journey to achieving your next belt. I'm there.  I practice nightly, but draw a blank on the mat.  I have mentor sessions with other candidates, and they know so much more than I do.  I get easily frustrated and try to hide my teary eyes,  laugh off my mistakes, but I'm so far behind. I don't even have a curriculum to follow.  If my belt wasn't different from everyone else's, this would be my last entry.....

How bad is it that I do not remember if I have done a journal today or not?!  Well, here's part two if I did one already. I got up and did some requirements then went to camp. We have testing tonight, tomorrow at camp, and tomorrow evening,  so I pulled and labeled belts.  I came home from camp, did more requirements abd went back to the dojang for a mentor session. I would think that getting requirements done would be easy and not as painful,  however,  some seem to be getting more challenging.  Maybe because I'm thinking about them more ir working on my form as I do them.  Here's to the rain 🌧 💙 

I got up this morning, showered, and decided to do 1/2 of my physical requirements and will do the other half at camp. Since the Olympics are still going on, I'll see if my kiddos can do a physical requirement for a minute, plus I'll get mine in too.     ( it's always more fun with others)  I still despise burpies. I think I would like them better if there wasn't a push up in the middle.   I don't see how  / why jump roping is a physical requirement. You would think 'v- sit ups' or specific leg exercises would be required. I would rather do extra situps, or miles over burpies.  Rolls and falls?!?!  How many of our KT locations does a falls / rolls class? Why isn't this part of our blackbelt class? What if you only have wooden floors at home? Are you expected to buy a membership...

Happy Monday !  Got up and went to camp. Managed to see my mentee crush the first half of her poomsae! Before leaving today, I got in a mentor session with 'A' and she did well. I'm so proud of her. I know she will do amazing with her self defense and get her new belt!  Came home and did my requirements.  I keep thinking the same thing I tell my students, just 1 more. 1 more push up, 1 more burpie, 1 more sit up. 1 more attempt at your pull ups. 

Storms are closing in....... I got up this morning and prepared for blackbelt class. I had my weapons, my drinks, my license, and my cycle book ready to go.  Off I go, I get to the Dojang,unlock it, put my things in the cubby and ( few select words mumbled)...my Book!?!?  Double checked my truck. No book.  We'll, the fact I mad it to the 4th week before I forgot,  I'll take that as a win.  Master Evins is in vacation so Master Opey instructed class. We did some combination kicking and punching, a few poomsaes,  and  partnered up to practice our self defense.  After class, I have my 4-6 year old class and MJ led our warm-ups. He is also on cycle.  I told MJ that he was welcome to lead warm -ups for tbe next 9 weeks, leadership credit!  I also appreciated his help, some times new faces during...

So happy it's Friday! Wish I could say I get to relax this weekend but......  Im still working on my pull ups. Haven't managed one yet, but I keep trying.  Burpies and I remain enemies,  getting better at sit ups, and push ups. Jump roping is a pain, I can jump rope eith an extra bounce, but struggling to move the jump rope faster and jump once.  I continue to work on my self defense,  poomsaes, and kicks.  Off to complete my daily things. 

Wow! Can't believe its already August and almost 1/2 way through the cycle...well, 2-3 more weeks.  Got my requirements done...burpies and I are NOT friends, but I'm getting better abd can do more than my pretest.  I went to assist tonight in two classes then we t to sparring.  I did my first of two 2-on-1 fights tonight.  I felt bad because I kept kicking g this one opponent in her bottom. Sorry. I'm short and don't kick as high as others.     Off to get a snack, shower, and bed. I have camp tomorrow and I get to open!!! Yay!   

Today was slightly different.  I got up, did a few of my requirements,  then had day 1 of a math training.  Came home, took a cat nap - well, I tried- completed my physical requirements. I went to the 6:35 class hoping to assist,  but there were only two kiddos, so I worked on single sticks forms 1,2 3, and 4. Went to blackbelt class, worked on staff forms 1,2 3,( I need support with 2, 3) and haven't learned 4 yet. Then we did our dingle stick forms 1,2,3,4 and bolo. It's always a good class when the weapons cone out! 

Today I got up, did my requirements....I am getting better at burpies. I can get 15 in 2 minutes, as compared to my 6 at pretest. I also did my situps, and can get about 20ish in 2 minutes.  Plank seems to be the easiest thing for me.  Pull ups for me may not happen,  however,  I work daily with my resistant band to build up my muscles.   I wish I had someone to do my stuff with. It would be nice to practice my self defense with someone Aldo going through the cycle....or even the requirements to push me or cheer me on. For those of you who have parents, guardians,  siblings, spouses, ect taking this journey with you, be thankful, be happy, and appreciate it.....because it's a lonely journey when you do everything alone daily. 

Woke up this morning to the ground being wet from rain....so much for getting a few things accomplished before heading off to camp.   I managed to get mentee session in today. We worked on our hands ( need tighter fists) and stronger arms ( not lazy arms). We also borrowed a fellow camper to work on self-defense numbers 1-3. 'A' is making progress on both her poomsae and self-defense.  Off to complete my physical requirements.  

Got up this morning and went to the park. Spent about an hour and change working on bolo poomsae, knife self defense,  and staff forms 1-3. I really enjoy getting together on Sundays at the park. It's very laid back, but we work on and learn a lot.  After that, our group took a walk around the park and found several physical requirement stations.  Some of us attempted, but the metal was very fat and slippery.  My new sneakers are feeling better, and not hurting as much. I'll be able to do a second walk, possible jog, later around my neighborhood.  I managed to do a 2 inch pull up...progress. maybe by spring I'll manage at least one.  

Today I got up and went to my blackbelt class.  We reviewed our poomsaes then did some double stick swalis.  After blackbelt,  I had my juniors / Littles class. Only two little ones today.  Then Master Dege and I had a mentor / mentee session. We reviewed self-defense white through high green.  I wrote then down on index  cards after asking whete to find them on the KT app.  I'm going to be sore tomorrow because I didn't realize that some of our physical requirements went up in minutes, and so I'm trying to play catch up.   Since the Olympics are going on, I may try to get more of my required book completed tomorrow and possibly go without my phone for 12 hours...not hard considering I'm not on it all day long....

Super proud of myself....I assisted in two classes back to back, then stayed for my sparring class.  Anxiously awaiting my pullup bands, thanks to a fellow blackbelt candidate.   Today begins the opening ceremonies for the summer 2024 Olympics,  so at camp today, all games and activities will be centered around that!  Super excited. Javelin toss( pool noodles), jump rope competition,  hula hoop competition,  bowling competition (knock down cones) and lots of crafts!  With the competitions, I'll easily get my physical requirements in!!!  Happy Rainy Friday 🌧 

Tired is an understatement.  Trying to balance camp, home, blackbelt cycle, classes......going to be a real challenge once school begins.  Anxiously waiting my new sneakers and hoping they work. 

I'm up and doing some of my physical requirements.  I'm still struggling with pull ups  / hanging for a few reasons......1. I played soccer, so no upper body strength.  2. Due to health conditions, I've never been permitted to do pull ups...maybe a resister band would help?  I've also ordered a pair of 'Altra' running /walking sneakers.  I hope these help with my knee and having to use the sidewalk.  I really don't want to waste money at a gym.  Few more requirements and off to camp to meet with my mentee. I'm so proud of her! She knows the first 10 steps to her poomsae and can do it on her own! She is also beginning to remember numbers 1-3 in her self defense.  Better yet, she gave me a hug and thanked me for helping her!!! 🤗   

It's another wonderful day if blackbelt cycle. I think in-between lunch and snack at camp, I might be able to get some of my physical requirements in.   I also need to find a pair of running / walking sneakers with support.  All the sneakers I have are not working.  I'm almost done with my required reading. So I will be able to write that essay soon. I will also be done with my nutrition challenge at the end of July, however, I think I may keep adding / trying new foods. Off to feed all the furniture babies then camp.  

Good morning all !!   I purchased a pull up bar that I can all do my situps and push ups with!! I did my hang this morning...no where near a minute (more like 10 seconds). I'm trying to remember how to do situps with the bar, so I'll do them at camp.  I'm going to meet with my mentee today, review the first 10 steps of her poomsae and the first two of her self defense.  I'll also add the 3rd self defense as well.    Keep pushing !! We are already on week 2 !! 

Good morning    Got up and went to the park. Practiced some stick forms, hapkito self defense,  blue self defense..then it started raining.  Going to have something to eat, then start on my daily physical requirements.  

Pretest for blackbelt cycle is completed. I'm going to take a nap. I'll work on my self defense and kicks when I get up!    Side note, I need to buy a pair of running sneakers   

Time for coffee.......showered,  and going to camp. I'm going to attempt to work with my mentee, but it's always a challenge to grab her for just 10 minutes.  I went a Jr. Tigers class last night and assisted...yay! 1 down, 19 to go!  I also heard and saw two candidates run warm ups, they did a great job!  I felt a little more confident at sparring last night, but still do not like getting hit in my head.  I'm also getting signatures in my book which is exciting....now only if I can get my scores correct on the website chart. 

Time to get going....camp, cycle requirements and physical stuff, assisting in class, and sparring this evening. I left my required reading in reach of my Pomchi, he decided to read it too....fortunate for me, he only wanted to read the back cover!  I think I'll challenge my campers into a competition of my physical requirements,  that way I can get mine done before 8pm .  Hope everyone is doing great 

I didn't sleep well last night, all I can think about is tbe pretest on Saturday,  the 26 laps ( 4 miles) I have to try and do, the situps I can not do with out someone /something holding my feet, the pull-ups I've never been able to do, and embarrassing myself infront of a bunch of kids. It's honestly all I can do from tearing up.  I think I'll be okay after the pretest is over.     On top of that, what is being asked online verses our book is different.  The book wants you to spend 'x' time doing your physical requirements, poomsaes, self defense, ect, but online is asking amounts. 

Today I got up and went to camp. I finally have a mentee and we had pur first session today.  'A' enjoyed her session, we worked on tbe first 10 moves in IL Chang and self defense # 1 and 2.  I did not want to overwhelm her, so we stopped there.  Thid afternoon, I have my physical requirements and sticks class.   I'm still struggling with my self defense, which makes me very worried about my pre- test Saturday....the high belt self defense is much different than what I learned at my previous school.   I also can not get onto the King tiger app for do e reason,so I will need to reach put to someone for help. I had it on my phone, my phone updated, and I lost the app. Now the play store will not let me download it

Questions and thoughts......   This morning I woke up, played with my puppies and relaxed. I have summer camp, so I'll get my requirements completed after camp.  Current biggest struggles are:  1.Essays - Where / How do I find my information? ( I've never been on a blackbelt cycle, so this is nrw. - my previous school did not have blackbelt cycles like King Tiger )  2. Sit ups - are a struggle. I can do crunches, but those are not sit ups. I can do a sit up if my feet are under something,  but that will not help while in tbe dojang. Suggestions on how to build stomach muscles so I can do my sut ups, or are crunches ok?  3. I need a mentee-  I don't know any of tbe KT kiddos outside of camp, Saturday, or blackbelt.  This makes getting a genteel a huge challenge for me. 

Today I got up, went to the park and practiced some stick and staff forms and reviewed tbe high belt self defense in the air. It's challenging to do the real self defense on grass.  After that, I came home and did my jump rope requirement. Then did some errands, took a nap, and finished up my requirements. I've found I need to spread my requirements throughout the day, because the amount has dropped, partially from being sore. I do not have any way to do my pull up requirements at home, so I'm behind in those.    

I've never participated in a blackbelt cycle before. Blackbelt exam experiences at my previous school were much different. I have /will be setting a daily alarm to remind me to journal, and add my information that is needed ( once I figure out where it goes - I'll ask my mentor) I figure by the end of my cycles I'll be in the best shape of my life.