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!

I've been in martial arts since 2002. I started in tong soo do under Head master M.K. Lee in Pineville,  N.C.  After I broke my left hand during a colored belt exam, I switched to Taekwondo under Head master William Grady down in Pineville, N.C.  I trained at Eagle Taekwondo for 8 years, earning my 3rd Dan. When Covid  the dojang did not...

I've been in martial arts since 2002. I started in tong soo do under Head master M.K. Lee in Pineville,  N.C.  After I broke my left hand during a colored belt exam, I switched to Taekwondo under Head master William Grady down in Pineville, N.C.  I trained at Eagle Taekwondo for 8 years, earning my 3rd Dan. When Covid  the dojang did not survive.  I have now been training at King Tiger , North Charlotte location, under Grand Master Evins since June of 2023. I am excited to start my Masters journey,  but very nervous at the same time.  I look forward to meeting the other candidates.  

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LMP Sept 6

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.....🫣  

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LMP Sept 5

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.  

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LMP Sept 4

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. 

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LMP Sept 3

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. 

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LMP August 2

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!!! 

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LMP Sept. 1

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.  

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LMP August 31

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.  

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LMP August 30

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

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LMP August 29

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. 

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LMP August 28

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.   

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LMP August 27

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. 

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LMP August 26

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....

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LMP August 25

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 ❤️     

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LMP August 24

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' 

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LMP August 22

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. 

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LMP August 21

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 ❤️    

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LMP August 20

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.   

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LMP August 19

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. 

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LMP August 18

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.  

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LMP August 17

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.  🙃 

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LMP August 16

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

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LMP August 15

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. 

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LMP August 14

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. 

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LMP August 13

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.   

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LMP August 12

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. 

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LMP August 11

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 

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LMP August 10

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.  

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LMP August 9

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. 

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LMP August 8

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.....

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LMP August 7

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 🌧 💙 

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LMP August 6

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...

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LMP August 5

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. 

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LMP August 3

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...

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LMP August 2

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. 

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LMP August 1

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!   

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LMP July 31

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! 

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LMP July 30

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. 

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LMP July 29

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.  

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LMP July 28

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.  

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LMP July 27

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....

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LMP July 26

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 🌧 

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LMP July 25

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. 

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LMP July 24

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!!! 🤗   

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LMP July 23

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.  

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LMP JULY 22

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 !! 

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LMP July 21

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.  

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LMP July 20

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   

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LMP July 19

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. 

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LMP July 18

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 

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LMP July 17

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. 

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LMP July 16th

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

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LMP day 3

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. 

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Day 2...sore

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.    

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Day 1

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. 

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