Candidate Journals

The PMAA class was good yesterday. I'm just trying to learn my basic stick forms. The rotunda and that advanced stuff is beyond me right now. I love how working with the sticks makes you stay in the moment. If you just pause and think, "hey, think I got this," then you miss a beat and mess up. Loved working with the knife. Disarming and taking them down is my favorite part. Wanted run, planned to run yesterday, but the cold wet air was not great for my lungs. The puppy and I walk/ran today. Breaking in my new shoes. They feel different. they have changed my stride, for the better, I hope. Walked more than I ran because Nala kept wanting to sniff things and we kept seeing neighbors and other dogs Nala wanted to greet. I might have to leave Nala home next time. I thought running would be...

Well, I started the cycle yesterday and I have been doing my requirements regularly. I can't seem to log them into the website yet. I registered myself as payed at the Charlotte dojang, yesterday. Maybe it needs a little more time to process.

Yesterday was not a bad day at all, except that I missed the combatives seminar. I was away from home the whole day, took my elder one to hospital and she has a strep throat. We had to have our lunch outside which I do not like at all. I believe that "one should only eat what one can cook with their own hands" (Gandhi). Then did my regular grocery shopping for the week ahead. Came back home and worked on my thesis for some time and read some related articles. My husband and girls went to bed early, but I was awake to finish my requirements in the silence of the night. I am going to start my requirements for today early and hopefully get a nap in the afternoon. I have this burning in the throat that won't go away. HAppy sunday all. 

We need to have more of these seminars. Fun stuff. Got alot of requirements in, got my BB booklet, ready to roll.

I missed the stick seminar yesterday. My dad had yesterday's plan booked a month back and I had to go to. My mom showed the pictures in FB and i feel sad to have missed it. I could not do much yesterday given we were out pretty much all day. I am done with my assignments and just finished my push ups and situps. Want to finish most of my requirements before my friends come and we go to D&B

First official day of the Spring 2016 black belt cycle! That in itself is a little overwhelming. There is so much to do and still things to learn and then for the new to not be as if it is new. The time will go by fast and testing will be here before we know it. Enjoyed a great Phillipine Combatives seminar today. 

Hello my fellow Cycleillian's, Great action guy day today at King Tiger. Had a ton of fun doing and helping with the PMAA seminar today. Mr. Weeks and I always have a blast pointing out each others short falls in life. And if you ever wonder what your short falls are gentlemen, ask your wife. She has a list. Guys, I wouldn't return the favor if your wife ask you what hers are. She's perfect in every way. Practice that. And if your not married yet, enjoy living in ignorant bliss for the time being. Anyway, that was a fun time and some great training with the sticks and knifes. It's always good to walk away from a class with something to show for it. I particularly enjoyed the reverse retunda. Talk about stepping into the deep end, that was awesome. Nice job Sir. Action days are important. It adds adventure...

Great Seminar today.  Fun with the kids and the adults!  Love hanging with Foster and Weeks...they make me laugh! Glad to see Mr. Eric today, who has been out for a couple of months and Captain Awesome (Mr. Gould), who has been out for a couple of years!  Good start to the actual cycle!  Mabuhay!

I did so much today. I went to an awesome Combatives Seminar at King Tiger Tae Kwon Do. Did a lot of requirements as well. Then went to guitar lessons. After that my family freinds left back to Raliegh, about to take a bath and go over to a freinds house. That's why this journal is a little early. 

I could not do any requirements yesterday. I am having a sore throat since yesterday afternoon and a cold since night. I have been gulping Apple cider vinegar with honey and garlic since last night. I am going to miss today's seminar and I hate to lose this opportunity to get some credits, which I need the most. I hope to feel better before evening so that I can work on today's requirements. Have a great weekend all.

Finally its weekend today. Got up late from bed as my dad was tired to do the run in the morning. I am finishing my assignments and then need to start working on my requirements for the day. I could not do my full daily requirements for the last 2 days and will try to catchup this weekend. Tomorrow our friends Nate, Jessie and Lexi are coming to visit us and we will be going to D&B. They live in Belmont.

Really long day at work today. I left frustrated from trying to figure something out. Maybe taking a look with fresh eyes will help. I sure hope so. Looking forward to the sticks class tomorrow. 

It's amazing that over thirty years, one movie still captures the kid in everyone. Of course I'm talking about Star Wars. The very first three movies are still the cherry on any cake, but they did a good job with this last one. Keeping the story line and some of the original characters was a big hit. Trent went to the Parents Night Out at the North King Tiger location and had a blast. Of course, Katherine and I didn't go out, we went separate directions to do some needed resupplying. I'm calling it resupplying because guys don't shop. We track down what we need and kill it to bring it home. I'm old fashion that way. Anyway, Connor and myself went to Target to hunt down some deodorant (much needed) and a couple of books to keep him happy and occupied since he rarely is allowed to play video games....

Had a great day today. Finished all my quizzes and they were easy. I am sure I did great on all of them. Got report cards back and got straight A's which I am happy about. Then came home and played video games with my friends and had to get ready for some freinds coming over form Raliegh. We hare having a fun time right know. Just finished my dinner. About to watch a movie. Hope everyone had a great day!

Just reading the Journals from yesterday...read about Inst Dege not being able to get into a good schedule...I am feeling the same way.  Every day is very different and there isn't a "same time" that is good daily!  I am sure that many of you are having this issue.  So I have just been looking at my requirements and seeing what I need to do "most" today.  Today,We  I have been alternating between jump ropes and kicks, with an a poom sae thrown in here and there.  I have to do a certain number of push ups and sit ups a day, because there is no "making up" for those.  I seriously don't think I can do more that 150 push ups in one day and still be able to move my arms the next day.  Black Belt class tonight at Lake Norman....want to work on some staff training.  

Yesterday night my dad came back home very late. He came to my room before he went to bed. I woke up all of a sudden and asked him "Who are you and why are you in my room"?? He told I was sleep walking too. Now my dad is thinking if he is really traveling too much :). Heading to school and will have all my requirements done before I hit bed

Just getting some pushups done during the day means I can work on other things before calling it a day. Thanks again to Master Tucker for working on self-defense with me after class. Still struggling to find a routine. 

Here's an odd thought, what if those guys in the Bible practiced Martial Arts? What if Moses went up and side kicked Pharaoh in the head to emphasize, "Let my people go!" Now, of course, that's not the Christan way, but since Martial Arts has been around for thousands of years, and Biblical stories are thousands of years old, someone from the line of Abraham had to have been able to do a wicked flying tornado kick?  I'm a big fan of the concept of mind, body and soul. It sounds a little cliche, but I think most miss the soul part of the phrase. Faith and Martial Arts are quite synonymous. Martial Arts is training your mind to believe that your body can do amazing things. Faith is the belief that there are amazing things out there beyond our imagination. When we witness an incredible demonstration that completely blows you...

I had a great day today. We had a field trip to UNCC to watch the 49ers and they won. We had a lot of popcorn and cotton candy. I loved the game. Did most of my requirements for the day. I had a great swimming class as well. Worked on perfecting my strokes. My teacher made us do a lot of laps in each of the stroke. I helped my mom after coming back from swimming class as she was sick and my dad is coming back from Texas late tonight.

Nice to have another restful day to recover from sparring and lots of jump roping. Wish I had had time to get a run in though. Need more conditioning. 24 Day challenge day 4. Doing a pretty good job with the consumption

I have been so much studying for my quizzes tommorow. I have a French Quiz and also a Math Quiz. I have been trying really hard for my Frencg because that is proably going to be that hard one. I have been having a pretty good though. About to go to sleep. Did a mentee session and also a mentor session today. Did a a lot of requirements as well. Had a pretty good day!

Such an excellent day! Had a break at work mid day and took advantage of open mat. There was a returning black belt (forgot his name) and we reviewed all the color belt poomsaes and solid color self defenses. It was a good review in the dojang without an audience. I'm still getting adjusted to the space (especially when we are facing different ways during the poomsaes).  Bought a new pair of sneakers. Although it seems old fashioned to call them sneakers these days. The technology that goes into running shoes is no joke. My old shoes have practically fallen apart (the soles have worn down to the secondary color). They were about five years old, well past their prime. Plus after being properly fitted, they were probably all wrong for me. These new shoes feel great. They have some cushion and may help my knees and back.  Class was awesome,...

Hello, just got done with sparring class. I think I hit my leg. Can barely walk on it. Instructor Marcus says I should put a lot of my weight on that leg so it will heal quicker.(Really hurts!!) Good night.

Yesterday was a good day. I could feel some improvement in my push ups and sit ups. Also I am finally able to do Pal Jang with confidence. Some how Pal jang always intimidated me, but not any more. I am able to do with out referring to the video or making as many mistakes as I did earlier. 

I am not doing a good job journaling at night.  I get home and get busy....So, I am going to try to journal in the morning about the previous day.  Good day yesterday. Meeting and work out with the other school owners.  Had prepped all my food again for the day and that really helps me stay on track. Challenging part is getting in all my water. Today I need to do some jump ropes. 

I will have to find a way to fit in some pushups during the day. My wrists do not like the attempts to do them all in a short period of time, mostly right before bedtime. I also need to make better use of weekends. Right now I need to make the most of sleep time. To some sleep may be over rated, but I can tell if I don't get enough sleep. Lately it has been most obvious with my eyes. 

Even when it's not a great day it's still great to be alive in a place where I can come home and have the freedom to dislike my day and make the next one a better one. That's true freedom. The ability to dislike something and having the power to change it. Sometimes we forget how valuable it is to change something in our lives. There are millions of other people around the world who may never know the feeling of changing their lot in life. So, when your boss chews a nice chunk out of the south side, remember, that you are choosing to stand there and allowing him or her to chew on you. The alternative may not be pleasant or lucrative, but you still have an alternative, and that's a great gift. Go home and make the next day a better one. Just don't do anything illegal to...

Well, today I gave my first mentee session. I now need 4 more mentor and mentee sessions. Gotta act quick. Well, theres not much to talk about so, goodnight.

It has been really cold the last couple of days. I try to do my running during recess. I don't think I get the same number of miles like what I get when running with my dad. Just finished my regular class and we did sparring in Hyper. It is Miss Melissa's birthday today and we wacked her with the noodles. It was fun. Tomorrow we have a field trip and we are going to UNCC and see the 49ers.

I could not log my requirements yesterday and could not do the journal entry, so doing it in the morning today. Yesterday was a long day.  I could work only a little on my requirements. My girls were coming down with cold and cough. As my husband is travelling this week, I had to take them to class nevertheless. I had a very good mentoring session with Master Randle. Thank you so much ma'am. Then attended the black belt class. Girls and I came home and had dinner. It was difficult to put them to bed and i know they did not get enough sleep. At least one of them woke up every hour the whole night. I wanted Aditi to take rest at home today, but she just would not heed to my advice. In a way I like it that she loves her school and does not want to...

Long day at work today. I was not expecting to have to work more after going to class tonight,  but sometimes I don't get the option. Thank you Master Tucker for working on self-defense with me. Thank you Master Evins for the credits for Boot Camp. To my fun sparring partner, thank you too. We will do that again soon. Now it is time for rejuvenation so I can do it again and more tomorrow. 

That's one of my dad's favorite sayings, "The more it hurts now the better it feels later." And it's so true, that temporary discomfort gives a great feeling of accomplishment later on. We usually just never realize it at the time of the discomfort. Let me first say that I have no pain or discomfort compared with some folks. There is always someone out there who has it harder than I do, whether it's dealing with a chronic illness, and disability, or a mental deficiency, I try to remind myself that I have it pretty good. This journal is a reminder to myself not to take self pity or worry about the little things in my life. It's a reminder that God has given me much to be grateful for and I am truly blessed with a awesome family, great friends, and a phenomenal country. Take care and God Bless

Worked out with my Burn Boot Camp ladies today...10 exercises, 50 reps each...best part about it was getting the burpees in!  Had another good food day.  Was able to prep my meals and snacks this morning and that helps.  Wanted to run both yesterday and today, but it was too cold and I kept finding other things to do.  I hope it warms up for the Pre-Test! 

It has been a very long and tiring day today. Could not run in the morning; however managed to run a lot in school during recess. I had a great mentor session with Master Randle and I also did my first mentee session today. I helped Junior Tigers as well to get my leadership credit and i had a great BB class. Did all my requirements for the day and getting ready to crash

Getting back in the groove for the new year. I've been spoiled by our small Tuesday/Thursday morning adult class. I realize that I get performance anxiety in the big black belt class. I get really frustrated when I fumble through poomsaes and self defenses that I know I know. I practice them alone at home and I feel good about them and I know them. Put me in a class with a lot of people and I get flustered. Not only that, the frustration shows on my face. This does not happen to me in any other area of life. I guess I've been doing everything else for many years. As adults we are rarely asked to learn new physical skills or a new language or memorize body techniques. Children do it all the time and they take it in stride. But when is the last time most adults have done...

Brrrrrrrr.......  It has been freezing today. These last two days it was freezing actually. If it only it rained so it would be snow. That would be great. Today I had a good. Woke up at 6 did some requirements, not a lot. Then went to school did my jogging on the track during PA. Then came back home did my homework which took an 1 hour. Then went to Tae Kwon Do did my helping and took BB class. Came home and writing this journal right now. About to go study for my Science Quiz I have tommorow. Hope everyone had a great day!!!!!

I finish a set of 25 pushups through pain, then have to wait for about a minute for the burning in my shoulder to subside. Something definitely not right there :-( First sparring class in a while. I'm exhausted.

Work has been really busy lately, so busy that the weekend even included several more hours than I expected. Hopefully this means that next month will be not be as crazy as last year. The next few months will require serious time. management and major multitasking all around success. It would have been nice to come home from work tonight and just go to sleep, but that won't be an option for a while. 

For those who joined some of us at boot camp, you will know who Sally is and why she has very few friends. Sally is especially thought of after day two from boot camp. That's when the real fun begins and you look at your stairs to the upper part of your house as a medieval concentration camp. My normal day usually has me going up and down a ladder, and today I received some interesting stares as undesirable noises (from my mouth) came out every time I went up or down the ladder. And, because Master Evins is a benevolent torturer, it was red strip day in class. What growns you makes you stronger right? It was a really fun class and probably good to get the things I used to call legs, moving again. Hope everyone had a good return to school. I know I did, as the boys...

First day of the 24 day challenge. Good food day and stayed well hydrated.  Good work out this morning at Cross fit.  I like it when there are Burpees in the work out....well, really I hate it...but it forces me to do them!  Then worked at the school, which was freezing, so I had no problem getting my push ups and sit ups in because I was trying to get warm. Also very happy that I got my computer back!   

Good evening people of the cycle. My parents are watching top chef again. I reached my daily goal of 10,000 steps today. I track with my fitbit. Not all of my steps, just the ones where I am running. I will run tomorrow with my friend Jaylen. Well, good night people of the 2016 spring cycle.

Got a nice 4.5 mile run in yesterday. Today's workout was  Work to one rep max of Push Press 200 m Run 5 burpees 58 KBS (54 lbs) 200 m Run 5 burpees 51 wall balls (20 lbs) 200 m Run 5 burpees 41 slam balls (30 lbs) Might have some rotator issues with my shoulder.

Well school started. I actually had a great day except for the fact that I had homework in every class. So because that I didn't get much done. I have to figure out a way to get things done during school. It was also freezing today especially when I was at my school track doing my jogging. I couldn't feel my nose. But felt good when I got back in to the school. After school I finished most of my homework and then went to Hyper Class where we did 560s. Then I came back and did homework. About to have dinner. Hope everyone had a great day!!!!

I am writing this journal a little late today. I had a great day in school. I finished all my requirements for the day. I went for my normal class and then did Hyper. It was super sweaty work out today. Master Evins wore us out today and I am ready to hit bed.

I did most of the requirements for today. I really need to work more on my push ups and sit ups, I am going over some beginner videos as to how to do them correctly. Every time I do push ups I have severe pain in my wrists, following some tips that I found online and hope these help me to improve my form and repetitions on push ups. would try to do some more push ups and sits ups before going to bed. Good night every one.

Hellooooo, just got done from a shower. I worked on some requirements today and played xbox. Me and my dad went on a run/walk today with my dog. Had lots of fun today. My parents are watching top chef right now. (It's "old show day" today) Well, good night.

Christmas break is over. I am really sad I have to go back to school back to my daily schedule. Today I had a great last day of break. Went to Church and then a restraunt for my cousins birthday. She turned 6. Then after I started doing requirements while trying to entertain myself Ike watching a YouTube video. Then took a break and then went back at it. I am know watching the Panthers game and during commercials I do requirements. Really trying to get a lot requirements before school starts. Hope everyone had a great day!

Another cold morning yesterday. My dad and I ran 2 miles only as he got exhausted. I finished all my requirements before lunch yesterday as i had to get my History of Kwan completed. I am almost done with the essay. My dad needs to edit and type it in. Its freezing today as well. My dad said we will go for our run at 10.30am.  I will have to do my run either in school or when i come back from tomorrow for the next few days as my dad is travelling out of town for work.

Fantastic Boot camp!! Almost forgot to add a journal entry for today. take care out there!

Had a really great day today. But I was busy with everything as well. I did a lot of requirements and did some other stuff as well. I went to get a haircut today morning and then went to do running and requirements. Came back and went to guitar lessons and then went to watch the Star Wars movie. Which was really worth it. Pretty sad about one part in the movie though. I couldn't believe they did that. But anyway really sleepy as writing so about to go to sleep. Had a great day. 

It seems my journals are frequently posted to the day after I really post them. I guess that means I am going to bed too late. Boot Camp this morning was a great way to start the year and it was great to see some people I haven't seen for a long time. Hopefully this year has many great things in store. 

Boot Camp was great! Lots of burpees to add to my requirements makes me happy. Starting the 24 day challenge on Monday with my family. 

Went on a 3.2 mile run/walk today. Got some requirements done today. Happy new year!!! My resolution is to have an 8 pack by the end of this year. But I won't be body building though. Well, good night.

Nice to get the bootcamp workout in. It was a pretty light workout, but those are nice every once in a while. Squats (20 lbs) - Bring Sally Up 5 min Farmer's Walk (carrying the heavy bag 60lbs?) 5 min Stair Walk (20 lbs) 10 burpees    1 SU 9  burpees     2 SU 8  Burpees     3 SU 7  Burpees     4 SU 6  Burpees     5 SU 5  Burpees   5 min Self Defense    1 burpee, 2 SU, 3 PU, 4 Lunge (x3 +6)   Not saying Sally didn't hurt though.

Nala, my puppy any I ran a mile yesterday before walking. It felt good. It was such good practice on mental focus. It was good for puppy because she hates being cooped up because of the rain. The mean little internal voice kept saying, "You can't do this. Stop now, you're breathing too hard. Oh no, you are getting a cramp....."  Once I learned to ignore that foolishness, the run was not bad. Most importantly, I felt good afterward. Puppy and my shoes were muddy after the walk. Puppy hated the bath. Boot camp was fun. I'll be sore tomorrow, but at least I'll be able to stand in church. Although I hate it when Sally showed up, I'll thank her when I'm 70 and I'm able to stand up on my own power.  Mama visited Friday and we went to see Kinky Boots. She left this morning before Boot Camp....

Yesterday was cold and my dad and I ran 2.5 miles in the morning. It was freezing out there and my dad was catching up on his breath when i had already finished the run at least a minute ahead of him. I then finished all my requirements for the day. Helped my mom with laundry. In the afternoon me and my dad played football for a little before my friends came. We played football, rode our bikes. Our neighbours got the fire pit going in the afternoon and we did smores.  In the evening we watched a movie together. One more day before school. I need to get ready for my run today!

It really is possible to get a lot of requirements done while watching television. I did some work today then decided to work on catching up on The Voice. Maybe by the time the weekend is over I'll know who won. Not looking for a spoiler. We have a long way to go, but we can do it if we persevere. 

My New Years resolution is I don't do New Years resolutions. I like playing the short game, minute by minute. My long term goals don't change with the turn of the calendar year, so I try to set my focus on what I want before the mind and body goes out on me. Before the mind and body go out on me. Where am I? It's like going into the pantry. You're hungry and the goal is to cure that hunger with something tasty, so you head into the pantry and totally forget why the heck you are there. You are in there for a long time hoping that thought will come back to you or until your significant other thinks you are a complete idiot, so you emerge out of the pantry with cake mix in your hand. You have no idea how to bake a cake, but you do...

Had a really fun day today. Had friends came over after going to Church we just hung out. Had a really great time. Didn't get much done neither was I able to do any running. Woke up at 9:30 today and had to get ready for church and right after that our friends came over. Just had a fun time. Hope everyone had a happy New Year!    

I did a lot of walk/run today and worked on my forms. I will do some push ups and sit ups in the evening. Over all a good start to the new year as I did a lot of studying, cooking, cleaning, reading and writing with kids and Taekwondo.  Happy new year all and hope we all receive our new black belts in this new year. 

Happy New Year to everyone. 2016 is here. I did all my requirements for the day. My dad and I ran 2 miles. I beat him comfortably. He was still trying to catch his breath when i had already finished. I am almost done with the history of the Kwans. I have written close to 3 pages and my dad will type it in the laptop for me. Yesterday evening we made dinner together at home and had a great time with the family. Watched some shows and then our neighbours were bursting fireworks. It was really good. Went to bed at our normal time since i need to sleep the maximum before school starts. Getting ready for my morning run with my dad. 

I finally got my basement set up. I think it would make Tim the toolman Taylor proud, with mucho testosterone toys. Like pucnching/kicking bag, kicking targets, workout mat, push up bras, sorry, bars, got me thinking of something else. And of course the 60 inch screen TV. What more can a guy want. Of course the wife wants to decorate it now, taking some of the guyizms away. We shall see. "What's that honey? Oh, nothing, just thinking about you." Where were we, oh yeah, my ultimate guyville barrio. That's Spanish for neighborhood Master Cavassos. Anyway, it almost time to relax and enjoy a frosty adult beverage (yes, it hasn't started yet) and start watching all the places far, far away celebrate New Years. Enjoy and stay off the roads if you can. Be safe, be good, and shake what your mama gave you. Just don't let her see it, that's...

Almost New Years. 6 more hours for me as I am writing this till this year end. Got a lot done today. Went running in the morning and afternoon which I happy of. Felt good after running. Then went to the store to get some food. Had a good day today and pretty much a good year. About to go to my friends house to celebrate for New Years Eve. Going to be watching the New York ball drop. Hope everyone has a Happy New Year! 

The rain has been really making things worse. I was not able to do my run yesterday but I finished all my requirements for yesterday. Working on the pull ups the way Master Evins taught me. To keep my arms wide. It is tough. In the afternoon i played Halo with my friend and then he came over to our house and we played the Wii too!  Wish everyone a very Happy New year and my next journal will be next year!

Woke up this morning in lots of pain. Shoulders, traps... All those crazy power cleans and hand stand push ups yesterday. Push ups will be lots of fun today.

Had to lighten up on some requirements for the past 2 days. My knees were aching.....not injured, but they certainly registered a complaint.  I think it is the kicks and Red belt self defense # 2.  Also, work has been busy. It's the end of the year rush since folks have met their deductibles. I have eye strain from so much computer charting. Regardless, I am grateful. December 2013, I was in tears because of another delay in opening the office. I was convinced that my dream would not come true. Now at the beginning of 2016, my office schedule is full and I'm whining about being busy.  I need to note the lesson: When experiencing despair, remember the possibility of joy. When experiencing joy, remember the possibility of despair.

I had a very long day today at work. I am tempted to just go to sleep, but there is still much left to be done and tomorrow will be a busy work day as well. Probably not much of a break on that front until March at least. I did a couple of sparring rounds yesterday with fun partner. I look forward to a rematch soon. 

  Talk about some rain. Isn't it amazing that we went from a drought over the summer to a monsoon season over the winter. The river in our back yard, which is normally a trickle, had mobile homes floating down it. Well, I guess it will make the start of a new year memorable. I guess it's true what they say, What doesn't drown you, keeps your hair looking good. Something like that. So blow up your GI Joe arm floaties and enjoy your wet Wednesday.  

This is my first journal entry. I am just back from Disney vacation in Florida. Though I was on vacation, I was able to do some of my requirements every day. I am happy about that. I am still not able to log my requirements in. Looks like there is a problem and hope that it will be fixed soon.   

Really exited for New Years to come. Had a great day. Got a lot of requirements done today except for the running. It was pouring today so I couldn't get any running done. Have to catch up on running. Did nothing really today though aside from the requirements and watching YouTube.  

Endurance is my current goal. Hopefully, the extra running and exercises will dramatically affect my stamina and breathing. EMOM HSPU Plank Hold (35lbs) WOD 400 m Run 20 Hang Power Clean (135lbs) 30 HSPU 20 Hang Power Clean 400 m Run

It was a good yesterday. Did all my requirements for the day. Played with my friends in the afternoon for a couple of hours. I am finally done with all my assignments. My only focus is to get as many requirements done before school starts. I did my second mentor session with Master Randle. I just started doing my research on the history of Kwans with my dad. Need to get that essay done by the end of this week. Planning to go to the library today to see if there are any books on the history of Kwans. Yesterday i helped out Junior Tigers class. It was fun. Too many little kids running around and it was a difficult job to keep them in one place.

Not feeling 100% today. I need to go to sleep. One of these days will need to be super productive. 

Oh, what to be when I grow up. So many choices, so many directions. From the guy who takes your call, to the guy in Hollywood who takes a fall. Will I be rich or will I struggle, when taxes come, what will be, the bug or the windshield, nobody can see. Anyway, I'm not much of a poet, don't I know it, but I was in the flow. But when I do grow up, I want many things: dedication like Mr. Weeks, a cheerful disposition like Master Knight, a lover of life like Dr. Brandon, a hard liner like Master Cavasso, a phenomenal leader like Master Evins, and a great organizer like Mrs. Evins. My word of advise for tonight, don't let age be the precursor of being the person you can become. Dream big, Do big. And when you fall and can get up, give fate the bird and go...

Had a great today kind of I guess. I did a good amount of requirements, I want to do as much as possible before school starts. Had to run in the rain today morning but then went back to run in the afternoon. Then I played some games with my friends watched a movie and did requirements throughout all this. Pretty tired. Now I have to go to Family Class to help hope I can start tracking my stuff when they get my problem fixed.  

Started the day by stepping on the scale and weighing more than I ever remember weighing in my life. Not the kind of bench mark I want to set. Strict Press to 1 rep max WOD 60 Jump Rope       x 5 = 300 15 Thrusters          x 5 = 75 (@ 75 lbs) 10 Pull Up            x 5  = 50 Ran 1 extra mile after class Spent the day making repairs around school, then laying flooring with my son at his rental property.  

Yesterday was a good day. I did most of my requirements including my pull ups too. We had a small class yesterday - both regular class and Hyper. In Hyper Master Knight made us do head stands and cart wheels and rolls and falls. I am working on making my poomsae look good. Master Knight was helping me in fixing a few stances which i was doing incorrectly. Managed to do my run before class and the rain. Overall a good day yesterday and looking forward to making it productive today!

Wow! I need to increase my cardio capacity significantly. I also need to figure out some way to increase my wrist strength without damaging them. My wrists hurt the worst from pushups. Thank you to Instructor Weeks for working with me tonight on color belt self-defense and to Master Cavazos for working with me on Wang ho 5. I will get that eventually. Now time to rest up for work tomorrow. 

It is quickly becoming clear to me that gravity is definitely stronger now than when I was in my twenties. 15 push ups come along and I am looking at the ground like it's a nice soft bed to take a nap on. So it must be stronger gravity, it sure as heck know it's not me. There's an old saying about looking ahead to see when we are done. When you see the light at the end of the tunnel, make sure it's not a train. As I have discovered in my more uncomfortable years, it's best to live one minute at a time. Looking ahead can cause discouragement or despair. Live moment by moment, and enjoy the ride.

Wow, I really noticed how dirty my floors are when doing push ups. I guess between the rain, the cat and the dog, my floors get pretty dirty. I've never gotten this up close and personal with my floor. If this rain keeps up, I'll have to run in the house. That always freaks out the pets. Just doing what I got to do to make my requirements

CrossFit this morning. 5 sets of ring rows. Made my sets of push ups and sit ups difficult later in the day. Couldn't force myself to do any burpees.  Was just about to head out for a run when the rain started. I don't mind a little rain....but this was drenching!  Never made it out after that.

One more week before school starts and I have tons of assignments to get done along with my requirements. I somehow managed to get most of my requirements done yesterday. My dad has given me the plan for the day on how to get through the requirements and my assignments. Will go for a run in the evening once i am done.

Wow! What a great day. Got some workouts done. I have to keep kicking myself to get going on my requirements. I guess it's Connor's turn to keep me on track. Ha. Take care out there. Brian

There is so much to be thankful for and the holidays bring that right to the forefront. The holidays give us opportunities to take a break from work and spend time with family. 

On Friday while having breakfast my parents all of a sudden came up with a plan to do a road trip. We hopped into the car around lunch and drove to Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh). It was a fun trip. We just came back today. I missed to write my journal yesterday but it was a fun day and i guess i can give it a pass. We went to the Carnegie Science center. It was amazing. I did a rock climbing challenge with my dad on the hardest level and we both made it to the top. I did the medium level too and did that with ease. Also i did the amazing climb as an astronaut. I did all my physical requirements yesterday; however I just came now and need to do the requirements for today. Been sitting in the car all day long and tired. Will do everything except my...

hello, I forgot to write a journal yesterday so I am writing this about yesterday. I got some requirements done yesterday, went on a two mile run. I am very happy that I am already half way done with my burpies. progressing quickly. Well, bye.

Team workout yesterday. Finished 5 rounds of: 100 m Run   = 500m 8 Thrusters   = 40 @ 95lbs 8 Slam Balls  = 40 @ 30lbs 8 Burpees     = 40 Still not eating clean. Getting rid of holiday foods ;-(

Just got back from watching the new Star Wars. Impressive and fun. Didn't have the wow effect the first one had back in 1975, but it was cool. They actually have a story line and a good set of characters. Maybe that's the real sign of getting older, knowing most things were cooler in the past. I finally got out there and went for a run. I'm glad we live out in the country because it was embarrassing. Fortunately, the only ones watching me huffing and puffing like a cheap steam engine were a bunch of cows, and they look very unimpressed.

Eventful day. Visited a friend of here in Charlotte. During the visit, were heard yelling across the street at a neighbor's home. At first, we thought someone was sick and we went outside to offer assistance. But it became obvious that it was an emotional argument and likely an episode of domestic altercation. Inside, we called the police and prayed while we waited. From the screaming, I was terrified that someone would be killed before the police arrived. The firetruck and the ambulance arrived before 4 police cars. They were in the house for a while before bringing out a woman in severe pain with a suspected broken femur. The police said the story was that she fell. How a young woman falls hard enough to break her femur is beyond me. I was sick, nauseous, and tearful on the drive back home. Someone could have very easily been killed in...

Got a few PU and SU in on Christmas morning. Busy morning, then spent the rest of the day in dress clothes. Today will offer a crossfit workout.

Merry Christmas: The presents are unwrapped, the cookies are gone. Life is getting back to normal. Christmas always reminds me of how darn lucky we are here in America. The biggest worry we had today was if one of the many toys the boys got wouldn't work. While at this very moment, there are children looking through a dumpster trying to get enough to eat. I pray my boys grow to know of struggling and discomfort so they can relate to people in different parts of the world whose goal is to survive one day at a time. So, hug your kids, wife, parents and grandparents, and remind them how lucky we are to live in such a great country. Remember the order of priorities: God, Family, Country   God Bless

Hellooooooo, I just got back from watching the new star wars movie. It was awesome!!!!!! Well, I guess i'll rap it up for today. happy holidays!

Yesterday was a great day. My dad and I did a lot of requirements together. We ran 2 miles. We did a lot of jump ropes as well. I beat him in the jump rope competition :). He made me do a lot of kicks and sparring round. He wanted to me to keep on going just like a sparring competition. I normally lose my breath in the first few minutes and then my kicks start becoming lower and lower. We were working on keeping the kicks same from start to finish. Really sore after the requirements yesterday. We have another good schedule planned out for today and I am hoping to catchup with most of my requirements before school starts.  Wish you all Merry Christmas!!

Woo Hoo, finally able to post! That quote is an inspiration for me as a beginner. I'm so excited for Master Evins and his team for the new Dojang. I know first hand how hard and frustrating it is getting a space ready for business. Two steps forward and one step back. No requirements tonight, baking for Christmas. I've learned the hard way, I can't multitask and bake....wait, do I smell smoke?? Gotta go! Merry Christmas, everyone ;-)

Happy Christmas Eve folks! It's time to work out so I can stuff myself until I can't walk straight. Eat, drink and be fat and drunk, and don't bring up politics at the family get together. B

Today my dad is going to help me with kicks. We are also going to start pull ups from today. I am going to work really hard on the pull ups. I will try to finish a few assignments which i have and then start my requirements for the day. We just have less than 10 days before school reopens. 

Oops, I did it again... Ate too much Christmas Goodies... Paying the price :-( Need to get a run in this morning, Get in my requirements while watching kids this morning. Think I have through Nebinjin III remembered again.

Hello All. I am super excited to start my Second Poom Black Belt Cycle. This is my first journal entry for this cycle. Just came back home from my Hyper sparring class. Had a few good rounds of sparring done today. Earlier in the day my dad made me do a lot of push ups and sit-ups. The reason is i need to get as many done before school reopens on Jan 4th.  My dad and i have a schedule planned and we try and run during the day. Our goal is to hit a minimum of 1.5 miles - 2miles. Over and above that I also ride my bike and do a lot of chores at home. I also did my first Mentor session with Master Randle yesterday along with Dr Rochelle. I am trying to make sure i have all my poomsae and self defense from the color belts...

I haven't gotten into the habit yet of journaling everyday. Something I need to change. On a happy note, I finally finished putting in the new floor in the basement, so the wife is happy again. On the other note, I now need to trim out the doors, add baseboards, and crown molding. The fun never ends. Hope everyone out there built their ark. That was a lot of rain. Did the worms come aboard the ark two by two? Aren't they A sexual? Food for thought. B

Crossfit this morning. Worked on pull ups and double unders (jump rope passing under your feet twice).  I did Ring Rows for the pull ups and tried to really concentrate on using my lats and not my biceps. It was harder, but I really need to strengthen my lats for regular pull ups.  I want to be able to do at least one for my pre-test.