Fall 2025 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!

10/11/17

Congratulations to all those that tested last weekend!!  I continue my training. Backed off the physical training a bit the past few days and devoted that time to writing essays.  My goal is to have all of them done before year end so starting Jan 2018 all I have to focus on is physical stuff and forms.  3.5 pages of Pre-History of Korea typed up.... a good start. Missed my workout this AM but am about to go sneak in a TKD workout.

  1069 Hits

Tuesday

Today I didn't do much.I went to school and now im going to leave for scouts but I don't have school tomorrow because they have testing for sophomore's and Junior's. 

  966 Hits

Early Application Week!

I'll be pretty busy working on early applications this week because the deadline for NC State + Chapel Hill is this Sunday! Each requires 2 essays, which should be fairly easy. I've had a lot of practice this cycle and in English class so I'm confident in my writing skills. I plan to apply to only 2 schools this week, because "Free Application Week" is coming up near the end of the month. I intend to take full advantage of the waivers and apply to many other schools that I've kept in consideration.

  1029 Hits

Monday

Today I could barley wake up to goto school i was still tired from the testing. I went to class and helped out and got a mentee session with Taylor.

  964 Hits

day after

today was super boring. my body hurt and the hype of testing has already slowed down. i didnt get to hang out at all today, i just had to be around the house. it was very uneventful

  1214 Hits

public test

today was the day of the public test. my whole family and my girlfriend and sister came out to watch, so i had to impress them. everyone said i did very well at testing. i even broke 3 bricks! im still very nervous though, i made the mistake of not doing my journals. but when master evins asked me why, i told him i didnt have an excuse. and its true, there is no excuse

  1180 Hits

test day

today is testing day and im super nervous. i know all my stuff but im behind on some of my requirements and im super nervous about it. i really dont want to get in trouble but its my fault for not being on top of everything. i especially dont know what to do about my journal entries

  1171 Hits

Test Day!

It's testing day, and I'm super anxious. I've been tapping my foot the whole day, just because of the anxiety. I still have some homework to do, but I'll finish that, eat dinner, then get ready. See you all tonight!

  1175 Hits

Test day

It's test day and I am so excited and nervous too. I feel ready. I am going to finish getting all my info in the computer and eat dinner. See you all tonight.

  1073 Hits

Thursday

Thursday I was really tired I don't know why but I was. I Went to help class to prepare for the test tommorow.

  820 Hits

End of the Road

Well, tonight is the big night. Took the day off from work so that I could rest and review. At this point I either know it or I don't. Hoping that the evening goes smoothly and that we are not there too late. Fingers crossed!

  1089 Hits

Math Miracle!

Today I walked into math class, utterly clueless that we had a test. I still have no idea what a vector is and what purpose it could possibly serve me in the future, but I walked out of the end with a 93. I'm still in awe, I promise I only used legitimate methods. Hopefully, more miracles like this will happen. Especially in my AP Psychology and Chemistry Classes.

  1080 Hits

work

work wasnt too bad today. the kids are usually a lot calmer on thuesdays as opposed to mondays and wednesdays

  1079 Hits

another old day

today was pretty average. school, class, requirements and taking hannah out to eat. its always fun though. but the physical and written test are tomorrow so i need energy

  1030 Hits

physical and written test

today was a long day. i realized ive got a lot of work to do on my physical strength, but i think i did well on the written test

  0 Hits

spooky

its the first day of october. all my friends and i are super excited for halloween, its the best holiday even if were too old to dress up

  980 Hits

off day

today was an unsettling day. i didnt feel like doing anything at all. i didnt want to do homework or play video games or anything. it was a very weird feeling

  933 Hits

weapons

Class has been intense lately. Master Chelley, Marcus and I have been drilling staff, bolo and short stick lately and we spent all of class doing it and some time while we were teaching class

  925 Hits

Testing, Here I Come!

Tomorrow is testing, and I'm super nervous but also excited. I'm ready, after over 3 months of preparation! I have a lot of schoolwork, so I'd better get to that, and for everyone testing tomorrow, GOOD LUCK(hopefully you won't need it)!!!!!

  1022 Hits

last day

Today is the day before testing and it was hectic. My girlfriend got in a car accident, thankfully she's okay. i am scrambling to enter everything in the website but i will get it done. 

  0 Hits

Thursday!!

Ok so I'm really excited because today was the day before over night testing yes so school was nice then after school I went back home and did a whole lot of selfdefence after that I ate dinner and then we waited for an hour getting ready to go to tae kwon do and then we went to tae kwon do we worked hard then I came back home tired and then I went to bed good night

  0 Hits

10/5/17

Today was alright. I helped out at the blood drive at my school and got pizza. Also got cookie cake for my German class and they were pleased. One more night left. So excited!

  1036 Hits

10/5/17

Today I decided to lift and go heavy. I'm still surprised at how cutting back on lifting and doing more pushups, etc. has helped my traditional weight workout. Tonight is a BB class and I need to save a bit of aerobic capacity for that. I finished a first draft of an essay yesterday which is a big checkmark. Going to start research on pre-history of Korea now.  Also need to start learning the final two or three forms/self-defenses.  Keep on swimming, keep on swimming.

  1037 Hits

Preparing for Testing

I am almost done with my requirements. Now, I just have to make sure I have all of my poomsaes and self-defenses down.

  1088 Hits

Wensday

Today I took a World History test I think that I got a lot of the questions right since that class is easy. I didn't do much other than the test.

  906 Hits

Tuesday

On Tuesday I took a Engineering test. I think that I did very good on it other than that I just went to scouts.

  894 Hits

Monday

Monday I went to class to help out for the last of my requirments.

  864 Hits

Wednesday

Today was awesome I did school stuff I checked another grade and I got 100 it was amazing then I came back home we went to tar kwon do we worked on our side kicks then after that I went home and worked on my lego drop tower for a science fair what I trying to do on it is make it stop before it hits the ground or crash for those of you that don't know what a drop tower is it is a fair ride and goes to the top and it drop you stomach herts after then after that I worked on my self defence defense and poomsaes with my brother and then I ate took a shower now I'm going to bed good night oh and prepare for Friday night I'm excited see you then

  1061 Hits

Getting Close

Days are turning into a big blur. Two more days before we test. Hoping I can keep my anxiety (and vertigo) in check and make it through the night of testing! 

  1070 Hits

Wednesday

I had tennis practice today as well as tutoring. I went to TKD to help out and get the last bit of credits for Friday. Only 2 more days to go! I am so nervous.   

  1111 Hits

Wednesday

Today was a good day. My dad and I played frisbie when I got home. I played with my puppy even though he likes to bite. I did good in TKD and am getting ready for testing. 

  900 Hits

10/4/17 - update

Finished first draft of hand techniques essay.  Boo-yah!

  935 Hits

10/4/17

So, a workout, TKD class an another workout in less than 24 hours leaves one a bit tired.  This morning was the third of those workouts and my body just needed more time to recover.  Where I ran 2.31 miles in 20 minutes yesterday at 10:30 am, today I could only muster 1.5 miles in 16.5 minutes at 6:00 am.  Shoulders, arms and legs were also shot from TKD class so I focused on forms today rather than the more physical stuff.  Looking forward to a better performance tomorrow.

  1125 Hits

Losing Sleep

I haven't been sleeping extremely late recently, but I've noticed that I'm starting to get more tired than usual. Especially as I get more work from my teachers, I never seem to have enough time to do it. Thankfully today, I don't have clubs, so I can actually do work. Once this week is over, I'll have a lot more time on my hands.

  1059 Hits

Speedy

Today was a good day. I got home from school early, took a massive nap and then went to Bojangles with some mates. It was fun eating chicken, blasting music, and driving at relatively high (but mostly safe) speeds. I got home late and I'm really tired so it's gonna be a short one today. Good night

  1026 Hits

Today

Today was the same as many others. I went to school, afterschool, and had sparring class. It was fun and I did really good. Black belt testing is this Friday, I am ready. 

  1068 Hits

Tuesday!

Today was super funny. I went to the wrong class at the wrong period. I also made my friends laugh a lot.It was so funny because we all kept doing weird and stupid things. 

  1154 Hits

10/3/17

Late night with little sleep - so getting my workout in at lunch today then BB class tonight.  Some days, like today, I feel a little old to test for 4th Dan.  Then life reaches out and sends a reminder.  Today it was in the form of the daily email from the Mutts comic strip which contained this quote. Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals. Henry Ford

  1056 Hits

Plant

I finally got my plant (shrub) today! It was called a "Hot Shot Azalea," but I don't think my dad (who loves plants) has ever kept this specific type. It's pretty cool, not too big, but not too tiny.

  1136 Hits

Monday

Today I went to school and afterschool at TKD. I came home and finished my homework and ate pizza. My mom cooked cookies to. It was an ok Monday. 

  853 Hits

Lightheaded

Today was a decent Monday, besides the fact that my head started hurting and I was feeling a little dizzy in my last block. I'm better now but I might be getting sick. I hope I can recover before Friday if that is the case

  960 Hits

Ew Monday

Today was such a bad day. Totally sucked. I hated it. Mondays are never good for me but today was just exceptionally bad for me like wayyy to bad. 

  1154 Hits

10/2/17

Yesterday I decided to lift and am still maintaining strength.  Today got up early to be at gym by 6 and it was tough.  1.5 mile run was worst I've had in a while.  Got in pushups, situps and pullups then went through all my forms.  Overall I salvaged a decent workout but will make it sure I get better sleep tonight.

  990 Hits

Getting ready for School

Today, I did some requirements and a little bit of homework. I'm pretty sure I have a couple of tests this week, so I studied for English and Physics. Also, I'm excited for the last week of the cycle!

  1026 Hits

Today was ...

Today was pretty fun in the morning I got home from my sleepover at my friends house after that I went to my grand mothers house to do some laundry because ours is broken then we just stayed there for a while then came back after that I ate some dinner we all watched a movie and now I'm going to bed good night

  0 Hits

Sunday

Today I basically did nothing except study a little for AP Human Geo and rest.

  812 Hits

Saturday

Saturday was the Physical and written test. I got a 78 on the written test and beat all of my times for the physical part. After it I took a 4 hour nap because i was super tired.

  855 Hits

Friday

On Friday I took A AP Human Geography test and did pretty good on it compared to the other people. Then I went home and rested for the test tomorow 

  820 Hits

Thursday

I missed all of these days because the website would not let me post them. On thursday I took a test in Marketing class and got a 100 so I was pretty happy about that. After school I went to class and practiced all of the pomsaes and self defences

  836 Hits

Sunday Funday

Today was a good day. I went to carowinds and then came home and played with some new friends that moved into the neighborhood. The panthers won and that was good. I had a good day. 

  959 Hits

No Time

I have gotten no time this weekend. I've been so busy. I literally am rarely home these days. It is so sad. I like to be home and chill. 

  1057 Hits

Physical and Written Test

Today, I got up at 7:00 and got ready for the physical test. I passed all of the segments except for the running (which I was pretty upset about because this time was 18 or 19 seconds longer than during Pre-Testing). I got a 95 on the written test, so that brought up my mood. After that, I changed into my uniform for Black Belt class. I actually got two Black Belt classes! After the first class, I stubbed my toe on the base of the pull-up bar and it started bleeding. I got a band-aid, but that didn't stay on for very long, but thankfully my toe had healed by then. After testing and class, I came home and pretty much just relaxed and did some more requirements.

  1041 Hits

Tired

I am so sore and tired. After the physical test, I was completely dead. I had no energy left especially because I was up late the night before dancing.

  955 Hits

Friday

Today was a busy day again. I had school, afterschool, blackbelt class, and then I went and got my shrub. I studied for the written test tomorrow to. I have to get some sleep so I will be ready,

  937 Hits

Today was ...

Today was ok I wnt to school we had a half day then came back and I was practicing for the writin and physical test that was awesome and now I feel like I'm ready for tomorrow good night every body

  0 Hits

Winding Down

I cannot believe that we only have one week left in the cycle! Back in July it felt like this time would never come because of all of the requirements that had to be met. But now it's almost over! Now trying to finish up those last physical requirements and review review review! Got in my last mentor session last night with Master Dege and I have one more mentee session to go. The light is at the end of the tunnel!

  1108 Hits

9/29

I am so happy it Friday because I get to see all my friends again. I love the weekends because I get to go to my favorite Indian festival. Its called Garba and it goes on from 10pm to 2am. 

  1069 Hits

September 29

Today I did not have school so I got to sleep in. It was really nice. I was able to get alot done today espically studying for the written test, I went to black belt class in the afternoon. 

  1092 Hits

9/29/17

I went a little easier today - no running.   Focused on forms.  Was able to get through all TKD forms, stick forms and staff forms without running to a video.  That is a first.  Steady on.

  1013 Hits

Easy on Homework

Nowadays, I don't have as much homework as I used to. This is a good thing, because it gives me more time to work on my requirements and study for the SAT.

  1024 Hits

Regular Day

Today was fairly normal. I went over a test in Economics, did some derivative review in Calculus, but we actually had a fire drill in the middle. After school, I went to go sign up for a Math Honor Society, but it was over so fast that I still had time to run and catch the bus.

  1042 Hits

Long Day

Today was a really ling day. I had school, TKD clas, TKD pictures, Sparring class, and heloed with family class. Glad tongo to bed. 

  927 Hits

Today as u...

Today as usual I went to school then came back had a great day then I went home to do my home work and then I went to tae kwon do that was fun because we did sparring class and we did a lot of stuff then I came back and now I'm eating

  988 Hits

Game Day

Today I had a tennis match against North Meck High School and we lost sadly. It was so hot that this girl from our team passed out and then her twin started crying because she could feel her pain. It was very sad. 

  1010 Hits

9/28/17

I'm creeping up on meeting my physical requirements.  Today I reached 53 pushups, 18 pullups, 45 situps in a minute and 25 burpees in a row (somewhat slowly).  I also got in 4 miles in 38 minutes followed by a minute of jumprope - all one right after the other. Legs are shot but I feel good about reaching all targets by spring.

  945 Hits

September 28

Today at school it was Jersey day and I wore a rangers Jersey. After School I went home and did some homework. I went to sparring class later at 6:30 and helped in the family class afterward. 

  1102 Hits

Doughnuts and Curriculum Night

Today, when I walked into school in the morning, a group of people offered me a doughnut and a bag of candy (and, yes, they were students). I accepted, not knowing the purpose. Later, I saw an excerpt from the Bible on the bag, and realized that it was a Christian club. Well, the funny thing is, I'm not Christian, but a doughnut is a doughnut, regardless what religion you are! Later, after school, I had to miss Taekwondo because I had Curriculum Night to attend (I have duties to several clubs at my school). Overall, it was a pretty fun day.

  1105 Hits

Easy day

Wednesdays are always great for me! The school day was a breeze and I don't have anywhere to be after school on Wednesday so, I spent the majority of the day sleeping but now I have to study for my AP Psy test tomorrow!

  0 Hits

September 27

Today was Holiday day at my school. I dressed up as Christmas. I got really hot with the sweater on. 

  1089 Hits

School and TKD

I had a good day at school and tae kwon do. I even played some football outside when I got home. We are going to get my shrub sometime tomorrow or Friday. 

  974 Hits

9/27

Today was a pretty routine day. Went to school, went to Tennis practice and went to TKD. I had a tutoring session and then homework to finish when I came home. 

  1003 Hits

9/27/17

Brown stripe day, so we did a lot of board breaking and everyone did very well.  Today I have been trying to cut down on the amount of carbs that I am eating because I have been feeling sluggish. We will see how I end up feeling.

  1100 Hits

Wensday

Today was a very boring day I woke up at 5:50 to get ready for school. I fell asleep for 1st and 2nd block and almost got kicked out of class for sleeping. And when I got home I just slept some more. so today was pretty much all sleeping and doing some work.

  847 Hits

Today I we...

Today I went to school then after that I went back home it was amazing to go back home so then I went to do some practice on my selfdefence then I went to tae kwon do and did sparring class that was kind of hard then I did a mentor session with my mentor after that I went to the house and ate and now I'm about to go to bed

  0 Hits

9/27/17

When a business dinner keeps you out until midnight, an early morning workout is hard.  So, I treated myself to 8 hrs of sleep then worked out.  Today was lift day.  Still maintaining my strength levels.  Either going to a TKD class tonight or practicing forms on my own.

  999 Hits

Bad Coffee

This morning, in physics, another student decided to make coffee, and I had some. I typically love coffee, but this did not sit well with me, and I was limping between classes. I'm better now. Luckily though, this didn't really affect me on my physics and economics tests today, which I think I did pretty well on. After school, I helped out at Taekwondo for a little bit, before going to an Engineering Explorers Post Meeting at EPRI. Overall, today was fun.

  1087 Hits

Typical Tuesday

Today was a normal school day. I got a solid 80 on my civics test which I was unprepared for so thats good. I went home, took a nap and I worked on a bit of homework. I also got a new thrasher shirt today which I'm excited to wear soon! 

  930 Hits

Tuesday

Today I got up at 54 for no reason because I thought I was running late for school. The rest of the day was normal I just went to scouts and went home like every Tuesday.

  839 Hits

Tuesday

Today was a pretty good day. I had a good day at school. I did not really feel like taking sparring tonight but was so glad that I did. It was fun. I finished my homework when I got home and played with my puppy. Now I have to go to bed. 

  964 Hits

Today I we...

Today I went to school and got some of my papers back and I got an A I loved it then I went back home and did some study for the test on Saturday then I went to tae kwon do and did some poomsaes then I came back home and ate some fruit and went to bed good night

  0 Hits

September 26

Today was decade at my school and I dressed up as the '80s. It was really cool seeing what everyone else dressed up as. After school I did some homework and then went to dance. 

  1081 Hits

9/26

Today was a long day. I am very tired and I still have a lot of hw left to do. I hope i finish it as quickly as possible. 

  1000 Hits

9/26/17

Speed for my 1.5 mile run improved today.  I ran at an 8.67 min/mile pace and eventually covered 1.73 miles with the cool down.  I impressed myself with 25 straight burpees after the run.  However, I could not match yesterday's 50 pushups in a row. Energy in one exercise takes from another I guess.  But, still improving all around. Got in all my forms including multiple iterations of staff forms.  I am almost to muscle memory on those but still have a lot of work to do on precision.

  1045 Hits

September 25

Today at my school, since it was Marvel Monday for spirit week, I dressed up as Captain america. School felt super long today. I was really tired.

  1064 Hits

Monday

Today it was very hard to get up since I had a four day weekend. But other wise I had a very normal day 

  874 Hits

Ugh Mondays

Today was Monday and I sure do dislike Mondays. I was sleepy all day. I had a tennis match, then tutoring classes and a mentee session. Now I am going to touch my homework finally and study for my test in Civics tom!

  925 Hits

My Monday

Today I had a good day. I played football with my friends at school. I had a good day at Tae Kwon Do to. When I got home I did more cycle stuff and studied for the written test. I played with my puppy to. 

  1047 Hits

Today I we...

Today I went to school then after that I did some homework and then I went to tae kwon do that was fun because it was my last day of leadership1 then I did hyper we were doing some touph work it was fun then I came back home and ate teeth vitamins and now I'm going to bed

  0 Hits

9/25/17

Saturday was rest day and Sunday was stomach bug day!  But, back on track this AM.  Increased pushups in a row to 50, fell short of burpees but got the rest in and some staff work. Just keep swimming.

  944 Hits

Chill Day

Today was a pretty chill day after PMAA. I didn't do much besides homework and some requirements. I also helped out my mom with her Dance School anniversary.

  1075 Hits

Blisters and Pain

I woke up today barely being able to walk. Dancing is a lot of fun but the blisters and the soreness is not very fun. I am in so much pain its crazy. Today's gonna be a very lazy day, I can already feel it. 

  856 Hits

9/23

I went to TKD this morning after sleeping at 3 and I thought I would be very sore but after stretching I felt 10x times better and I felt no pain in my legs. The only pain I had was in my shoulders, which wasn't so bad. 

  989 Hits

Today was ...

Today was awesome I went to sparring class in the morning and then I went to black belt class then I came back home and watched some tv did some requirements then my friend came over and had a sleep over so now we're having some fun good night every body

  0 Hits

September 23

Today I had sparring in the morning. After sparring I had black belt class, but I was still doing my white belt challenge so it was different. 

  889 Hits

September 22

Today I had school and after school I came home and babysat my Siblings. I went to class at 5:30 and did my white belt challenge. It was weird.

  1003 Hits

Friday Friday

It was a great Friday. We got to go to the park and have fun. Black belt class was good to. I got to play some pokemon go and have fun with my puppy.

  1097 Hits

9/22/17

3 work outs in 26 hours, one being a black belt class.... I'm beat.  This morning was stick and staff along with some physical test stuff. I had not done the 3rd dan staff form since Sunday and completely forgot it!! Must be better at practicing staff forms during the week. Now I need to get one of my essay's done!!

  1019 Hits

Day Off...

Today was a holiday for me and every other CMS student. I got to sleep in a little bit (thankfully), before waking up and starting on my requirements and homework. I luckily got through my requirements pretty quickly and started on homework. In the afternoon, I went to Taekwondo to help out and try the sparring class. Unfortunately, the sparring class, while giving me some great practice and tips, didn't actually count! That's okay though, because hopefully I'll be able to get credits from the PMAA Beach Training this weekend (I'm super hyped!).

  1166 Hits

Fast Day

Ok so today was a really fast day. I went to the temple today. Then I came home and exercised. Then I came to TKD to help out and take Black Belt class. My dad let me drive home. I had a mentee session and had Taco Bell. 

  898 Hits

Today

Today I did not have school I worked on alot of black belt stuff. I have been helping my mom with our new puppy to. I am going to greenville this weekend to see my grandma and and some of my old tae kwon do friends there. No school tomorrow so it is going to be another good day.

  1078 Hits