Spring 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!

Day 27

Today I overslept (again).I went straight on the treadmill and got my running done. I think that I have improved on my pull ups. My requirements have worked their way into my schedule and life. I am so glad that I have another week to go before school starts. I helped in a class today. I did all of the exercises and kicks with the students. I also got to do Cha Gi Sool many times. I really enjoyed my day

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Day 27

Today I came home from school early wiped out. I slept for most of the rest of the day. Then did a mentor and mentee session and the 4:45 class and black belt class and did my requirements for today. Now I am tired and ready for bed.

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8/27

Today I went to class and we did so many push ups, sit ups, burpees, forms, self defense, and jump rope rounds that I had as much energy as a dead battery.

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Si hits the road

Today, we got to put Si in the ball.  If you don't remember, Si is my class pet hamster.  Really, he started hitting the classroom walls.  The kids were doing their work while Si got to roam around.  When we went to get him, I grabbed the ball from behind Mrs. Piercy's desk.  He almost went through the cloth of the table, I caught him at the last second to prevent him from going under the table.  

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Hard Time Getting Everything Done

It is kind of hard now that school started because now I have school, physical exercises requirements, studying for school and my Tae Kwon Do classes in the evenings. I still have essays for TKD to do. I am focusing hard to get my school project done so I can focus on my requirements and essays this weekend. 

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Finding a Mentee

Today I finally found a mentee.  I am so happy.  Yesterday I actually had a dream that I failed my black belt test because I didn't have a mentee.  His name is Reid Bacon,  he is a high white belt.  Tomorrow I get to do my requirements with Miranda.  It will make it alot easier!

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requirement log

today i had to re input a bunch of my requirements and got my stuff back on track my dad got mad and my mom frustrated i hope i don't have to do this again 

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exhuasted

today i am completely drained of energy, i woke up again at 4:15 and worked out, did some kicks, push ups, burpees, forms, self defense, jump rope, sparring rounds, and pull ups. then i made myself some eggs and bacon with a class of milk and a glass of orange juice, and a protein shake. i slept on the bus to school and most of my day was just going over any questions anyone had about the class or the school, going over peoples names, and doing games. i was assigned homework but not that much and i already finished it. i slept on the way home too. then i ran a bit and did my homework, involving world issues and immigration, adoption, and the discovery of farming in the 9000 BC area. i went to class at mint hill and we spent the first 10 minutes stretching and the next...

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Monday

We had a great Black Belt class at South Charlotte with Instructor Hsin and Master Moon last night. We worked on Wang Ho 1 & 2 as well as some kicks. The tornado hook kick (I think I have that right) is challenging. I am terrified that I am going to come down wrong and hurt my ankle for some reason. I guess it goes back to when I sprang my ankle falling down some stairs when I was in my early 20's. Today I am struggling. I am feeling very weak and like I may be getting or have a sinus infection. I took some over the counter meds and will push through as best as possible. I think it is too early to go to the doctor about it. I just can't seem to "wake up" even after drinking some coffee. My coworker observed that usually one cup makes me...

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Getting Back on Track

I'm getting back on track from my sick days, but I'll need to put in an extra effort to get where I need to be in some areas. Today was my second day of school, because for me, school started on Friday! The homework's easy so far though, but it will probably get harder. I helped with junior tigers, specifically the new student, Camille. We worked on white belt self defense one and two and blocks. I also demonstrated how to make a proper fist. After that I took Dream Team, and it was our last time doing staff, the next time we would be practicing something else. I've worked out a self schedule for myself, and will use it to help get myself organized. I'm also getting my yard sale prepped for our(my neighborhood's) special neighborhood yard sale day.

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Jayson Day 26

Today was the first day of school.  I met all my teachers and saw all my old friends.  That was good.  I did a mile during healthy kids, and another 2 with my dad after school.  I want to run more so I can complete my test without getting too tired. Now that school has started, I don't want to get overwhelmed.  Mom says I have to start going to sparring on Tuesday's.  Dream Team on Wednesday, and black belt class onThursday.   I already have homework!

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first up last to bed

this morning i had to wake up early up at 5. and i went to bed around 10. i woke up and did my requirements went to school that started  at 7.  after school i took class. i helped out with a class. then i helped out with a class. then i took leadership class. after that i came home ate dinner then went to bed. i had fun today.

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Time...

Yay Monday!  Not really – I’m just trying to physch myself out.  J  It seems like the weekends are never really long enough.  I didn’t get the rest that I wanted over the weekend because I ran out of time.  During the cycle, time becomes a commodity that we all crave. It was interesting reading journal entries yesterday.  Several folks were mourning the last day of summer and some of them acknowledged the fact that the cycle is about to get harder because of school.  I would say that this is when time management becomes so important!  Doing well in school and keeping up with requirements will be a challenge.  But I’m certain that everyone will figure out a way to make it work.  Just remember – anything worth having is worth working for and the harder you have to work, the more it means when you accomplish it!  J

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AUG. 26

Today was the first day of school and I managed not to get lost! Going to a new school with so many people was quite overwhelming! However, right after school I did all of todays requirements, and then went straight to South Charlotte. We had an amazing class that was filled with helpful information needed to know for testing. Hopefully I can remember it by tomorrow morning! 

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Credits Galore!!!!!

I went to class in Belmont again today. I got a lot of credits today. Before class I got a mentor meeting done. I worked on rolls, basic forms 1, 2, and 3, and the correct stances for the wang ho forms. During my class, I got to work on more rolls and falls and a lot of kicks. I stayed and helped with the class after mine. They did a lot of kicks, exercises, and poomsaes. I did the sit ups, push ups, and burpees with the class. I got a mentee meeting in after that class. I worked with Zachary on his poomsaes and self defenses.  I found this quote on Instagram today: "It's gonna get harder before it gets easier. But it will get better, you just gotta make it through the hard stuff first" -Unknown

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first day of school

Today was my first day of school. Gaston County made a new school to try to take students away from south point. It was still crowded, but it was cool to see most people from last year. My class schedule is decent.

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First Mentee Meeting

Today was my first mentee meeting with my friend Matthew. He is a green belt. I showed him green belt self- defense two step and one step. I thought he learned really quickly. I thought it was awesome being a mentor because he was listening to what I said and he was learning from me! 

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First Day of Si

Today at school, my class decided on the name for the new hamster.  His name is Si from Duck Dynasty.  He is very cute and he is very active.  Tomorrow I hope to put him in the new ball and let everyone play with him.  

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8/26

Today was the first day of school and I thought that all of the teachers seemed pretty nice.  I also think that this is going to be a good school year and I might be able to get all of my daily requirements done. 

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mentor

I love the Hartles. They are so nice to everyone, even me. I am so happy that natasya is my mentor she is mean in nice way.

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Day 26

"Life's most urgent question is:  What are you doing for others?"  By Martin Luther King, Jr.  To me this quote means that instead of thinking about what you can do for yourself you need to think about what you can do for others.  Its like the Random Acts of Kindness in the Black Belt Cycle.  They cause you to stop thinking of yourself and think about someone else.  On the black belt cycle you have to do random acts of kindness but we should do it everyday.  I guess what I'm saying is that your whole life should be the Black Belt Cycle.  That doesn't mean that you should do all the sit-ups and push-ups and stuff.  But you should keep doing the random acts of kindness.   --Wish you all luck,  Kelsey

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at home

At home I have been doing as much as possible. Everyday it is work, work, work. But it is also training me for my life and job ahead in my life. I am happy it's that way because my family can work together with me.

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day 26

Today i had my first day of school

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after school

After school is really good for me because I can get all of my stuff done there and not at home or school. I also thought that summer camp worked to and I have a pull up bar in the back so I can do my pull ups back there and not going to the park every day

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Day 26

Today was my first day of school. It was hard doing all of my requirements and going to school. I need to make a schedule for my requirements and school. It was tough today I verily got all my requirements in and tomorrow is going to be a long night I am going to have a hard time getting my requirements done. Wish me good luck!

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HELPING OUT WITH CLASS

I like helping out with class a lot. It is a lot of fun to do with new kid he likes to do kwon sol now and I feel good.                                                                                   

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first day of high school

today i woke up promptly at 4:15 and spent 10 minutes in the bathroom brushing my teeth, getting dressed, waking up, and i did 10 pull ups. i immediately went downstairs and ran outside in pitch black, i ran 1.2 miles. i caught my breath and went downstairs in my basement, at this point it was 4:40. i did half my pushups, sit ups, kicks, forms, self defense, jumprope, sparring rounds, and burpees. i was completely drained of energy. before i fell asleep i went upstairs and changed into better clothes. then i went downstairs and had a bowl of rice crispies and a protein shake to keep me awake. i packed up my bag and was out the door at 5:55 because my bus comes at 6:15 and there is no way i was going to be late. i got on the bus and sat next to my friend Kennedy....

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Last Show Day of Year - -

Well it's the last show day of the year which also mean last very long day of the year for work.  Unfortunately very little physical requirements will get accomplished today as the goal is to be out of hear at 10:00 tonight.  When I am done it will be time for bed because early start tomorrow loading trucks.  It's ok though- - all will work out in the end.  Yesterday was long - -show floor by 7:30am till 6:00pm then mad dash to hotel to change then show event last night.  Had a good time with friends, industry colleagues and clients - -even better potential new clients.  Back to hotel just before midnight so no requirements got in- - - it was straight to bed then back on the floor at 8:00 this morning.  I always love a good challenge whether physical or mental.  I am however looking forward to being home.  ...

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Full day then off to Jubail

Worked a full day then skipped dinner to go to the gymWe had some fruit for dinner now off to the airport to go to Jubail (still in Saudi Arabia). 

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Busy, busy, busy...

When I woke up this morning, I was a little sore and a lot tired!  I drug myself out of bed after stretching, and began my requirements.  I got most of them done, although it took longer than usual because I was doing household chores in between. I was finished by lunchtime, except for my miles, which I intended to do this afternoon, but my plan changed.  When I drove into the driveway, I realized that the bushes in front of our house were taking over.  I began trimming one bush and I ended up working in the yard for three hours!  Needless to say, when I finished I was bushed!  (No pun intended. J) I didn’t get any miles today, but my yard looks much better and I finished the day feeling very productive. 

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Sunday

I was very sore and tired today.  I didn't get many requirements done.  We went to Carowinds and I just didn't feel like doing all of my requirements today.  I chose to take the day off after getting just a few things done.  I'm very glad that I have been doubling up my physicals because of days like this.  I had a really fun day.

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Jayson Day 25

Last night I finished my book.  I read Skill With People.  I wrote the essay on it today.  The book teaches you how to better communicate with people.  I don't have any free time anymore.  No more free time, and it will get worse.  School starts tomorrow!  Darn it!

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A Weight off my Shoulders

Today I finished my book report(for school) called: Alex Rider: Stormbreaker. I got it printed and ready for tomorrow. Talk about last minute! I worked on it all day, practically rewriting the book, with a break every about thirty minutes. When Dad checked it, he realized I was doing it wrong! Thank goodness I already had two parts of it done! I had written about 4,000 words, 3,700 at the least, but I got some good writing experience which will prepare me for writing in school. . . a lot. It's also one of the reasons I wrote this journal quickly. Well, I had better brush my teeth and get to bed for school tomorrow.  

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sunday

i got up extra early today to get my requirements in. i woke up at 5:45am and started. i spent the rest of my day with my girlfriend, Tiffany Tran, who has been away all summer at Basic Training for the North Carolina National Guard. Hadn't seen her in over 10 weeks. today was an amazing day and wish it would never end. 

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Pull Ups

Today I had a struggle with pull ups . So to get better I put my chin on the bar and try to hold myself there for 5 seconds. A lot harder than you think 5 seconds would be. To get my run in me and my family walked 2 miles. My goal for the pull up is by the end of the week to be able to hold myself up for 15 seconds. 

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Chill Day

Today is the day before school, so I relaxed some and got ahead for tomorrow so I won't have to get up at 5 am. Just 5:45. We also got to go to the melting pot for my sister's birthday dessert, and that was really yummy. Also I got to read a lot of my book, which is really good. It's all about a hunt for an easter egg in a simulated reality game in the future. But it's really good That's all I really did today.

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Go karting

today i went go karting at victory lanes.  it was fun but it was hard to hit the brakes.  using the brakes was like doing front kicks.  turning the wheel was like using my staff.  I still got requirements done.  tomorrow is the first day of school so i have to wake up early to get most of my requirements done.

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Day 25

Yesterday was the pre-test for the black belt cycle.  it included a physical and written test.  I realized what I need to work on.  I realized what I'm actually doing well on that I thought I was doing badly.   I need to work on Red Belt Self Defense because I keep kicking with the wrong leg.  I need to work on my pull ups because I only did four.   I was surprised that I did good on my physical stuff including my running.  I finished my run in 10 minutes and 15 seconds which made me really happy.  

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last day of summer

today was a very short day, i woke up feeling sick with stomach cramps so that was a clear sign that this day wasnt going to go well. after i ate something, drank some ginger ale (ginger naturally settles a stomach), and took a nap i felt better and went back to school shopping with my mom to fill up my bookbag with things i need like pencils, pens, paper, notebooks, ect... and im very happy with how much my bookbag weighs. last year my bag weighed 35 pounds from textbooks and 5 subject notebooks and that was without my lunch in it, this year it weighs 15 pounds with my lunchbag in it and packed up. that will make things easier. im about to go to sleep, i have to wake up at 4 in the morning if i want to workout before i leave for school. hopefully tomorrow i...

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last day of summer break...yayyy

well this time i hope my entry does not post's it self 15 times. Today was a pretty boring day for me, it started out with church then we went to the mall for 3 hours but it was still pretty dull and the rest of the day was eating and sleeping. I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow.

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day 25

today i swam in the pool alot.i ran my 1.5 also.

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breaking ground at church

Today our church broke ground for a new sanctuary.  Awesome! I never lost a race in the bouncy house. I am pretty sure I was the best there.  That's not the important thing. The important thing is that is everybody fun. I had so much fun.  I hope everybody else did.

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slow day

Today was a slow day. I had church that went to 9:30 to 11:00. Then I went to kohls to get new running shoes. Then we went to panera bread to eat lunch. I had a sugar cookie after for dessert, Yum. Then it was boring from their on. I had to do homework first, boring. Then I had to do requirements throughout the day. Today was slow but tommorow is school so it should better than today, considering that I started a couple weeks earlier for school.

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Getting Started

Finally got logged in and glad to start tracking my information it is always fun to track your progress I added it all into one day since I am behind in logging in but have been keeping track    I wish all the candidates good luck and may the journey never end peace out 

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school

im cant beleve that school is tomrwrow . i just got back from the beach it was so much fun. still got in everything. sense i wasent here for the pre test im doing it tomrorow . i hope i pass i am study really hard.

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Pretest

Well, the pre-test was yesterday. I felt pretty good about my results. I knew I would do well on the written portion. I was not happy with the time I had on the run but it is no one's fault but my own. I am looking forward to improving my time and getting stronger. It will just take work. I am really looking forward to going out of town next weekend but I am also having 2nd thoughts. I am going to need to work extra hard this week to get some extra done before I leave for Camp Tekoa. I plan on taking my jump rope, kicking target, running shoes and will seek out opportunities to get in requirements.    

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Day 25

Today I enjoyed my last day of summer. I swam in my pool, played with my dog, and spent time with family. I have had a lot of fun. But the day isn't over yet so I am going to enjoy my last few hours of summer. Every single minute will be enjoyed. 

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Day 1 in Riyadh

After spending all day yesterday traveling then catching up on sleep/jet lag, today was a work day and then I got to go to the gym at the hotel. They've improved the women's gym since I was here in May. For starters, this is Saudi Arabia, so there's a men's gym and a women's gym.  The men have a huge swimming pool, full basketball court, tons of equipment, etc. I'm told this by my male colleagues, since I can't enter. The women's gym is now decent. Last time it was a small room with 1 treadmill, 1 bike, 1 elliptical all crammed in with no other space. Now it's much bigger with more equipment and more importantly, a space big enough to do poomsaes with mirrors, jump ropes, yoga mats, free weights, etc. It's actually really nice. (For $480/night it should be!). So I spent over 2 hrs in there tonight...

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Finally - -Productive

Wow finally I was able to get away yesterday for some requirement time and oh am I a happy camper- - feel great.  Would like to have accomplished more but pleased with results.  Not as fluid as I would like to be and still have some brain freeze moments but end up figuring it out.  Better than before so in my little world any improvements are good.  Not sure what today will bring so just have to roll with it.  Sounds like everyone did great on the pre-test so big congrats to all!!!!!

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Hard Day/Fun

Today I did the pretest the physical was hard but I tried my best to do good. I was able to do 37 situps and 15 burpees and 25 quality pushups. After the pretest I went to the fields with my friends to play soccer it was fun, I scored 2 times and when I was  in goal I blocked 5 goals. After that we all got ice cream!

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taking the test

taking the test today was a little bit different from the last pre-test. finding out the day before that we were going to be running 2 days before made me a little concerned. it was a good thing to be concerned. my running time was 15min 50sec. my goal was 16min. i guess i just need to run a little faster next time. i also have to study more. i have to retake the written test. though i was worried about the written test i was way more worried about the running and pullups. i think next time i need to relax to get a better score.

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Pretest...

I’m really glad that the pretest is over.  It was a long hard day physically.  My legs felt like noodles by the time we got to poomsaes, but I persevered.  (Although I did stumble once on Sa Chang.)  L I was pleased with my performance today, although I wish I had been able to do more burpees, and at least one pullup!  I was really surprised at my miles.  I had thought that it would take me at least an hour to do four miles – I was shooting for 53 minutes and I made it in 51:51.  (For you guys that can run a mile in less than 10 minutes, that may not sound very good.  But I’ve never been able to run a 10 minute mile, even before I hurt my knees.)  I will continue to strive to do better on all of my stuff.  I want to feel...

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Fun!

Woosh I am tired! I had a long day that I was expecting. First of all, I had a great run during the pretest and all went pretty well. Then I went to my friend's pool party and got to see my close friends that I hadn't seen most of the summer. That was tiring enough, but still after that I cleaned up to go to my other friend's birthday dinner. It's nice to get dolled up every now and then after weeks of sweat. But now I am super ready for bed! Goodnight!

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Pre-Test

Today for the pretest I did okay, I failed the written portion so i must retake that. I need to work on high red belt form and self defenses. I ran my mile fairly fast considering im not a runner(9:26). Tomorrow is the last day of summer it was fun but its time to go back to high school. 

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Pre-Test

Today I was very excited and pumped for the pretest. I was very nervous because I did not know how it would go. When I was done I felt better because I had finished the test and was done. 

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Day 24

Today I woke up and had a healthy breakfast and then my family and I headed to Master Evins for the Black Belt Pre-Test. I ran my mile in 9 minutes and 58 seconds. A good time for me. Then we did our push-ups, sit-ups, burpees, pull-ups, forms, and self-defense. Then we did the written Pre-Test. I am I glad I studied because I got a 100 percent. Yay me!!!! After the Pre-Test my dad took me and my brother to Subway and Go Cart Racing To celebrate. It was so much fun. Overall I had an awesome day. Tomorrow is my last day of summer so I am going to enjoy it as much as I can. But it is time for summer to end. Goodbye Summer!!!!!

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passed pretest

today i woke up motivated and prepared, i made sure i ate a breakfast with alot of protein and drank orange juice to make sure i was fully awake. i got all my things together and i went to master evans, on the way there i studied the color belt book curriculum to make sure i could pass my pretest. when i got there i put my stuff up and we jumped right into the pretest starting with the physical part, i got the fastest mile time and i surpassed or met all the physical goals. then we went on to forms which i did great at getting a 4 on il, sa, and oh jang and got a 3.5 on pal jong so i dont need to go back and retest. then we ran out of time and had to start class but as soon as warm ups were done...

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Jayson Day 24

Today was the pre-test!  I was excited.   I did decent, but not as good as I wanted.  I finished my run just under time.  I didn't pass the written test!   I have to retake it.   I studied, so that was disappointing.  Today I found out what I need to work on.  

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Almost School Time

Only two more days till school, so i gotta make to last to days of summer worth while. Anyways I'm heading to the 8th grade and at my school the lockers are like half a foot wide. Good luck to all of the people going back to school on monday!

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Pre-test

Yay, the pre-test is done!!  I was really nervous but once we got started it went away.  I am pretty happy with my results.  I still have lots of room to improve.  Today was the first time that I could do 2 pull-ups!  I'm really happy and proud of my running time.  The questions on the written test were easier than I thought.  Everyone was very encouraging to each other, especially during the running.  I liked that and it kept everyone going.

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AUG. 24

Extremely happy that I got through today! Not so pleased with my written test but had the same outcome last year... I am very pleased with how the Poomsae and Self Defense portion of the test turned out. This past week thats all I worried about! Everyone did a fantastic job today at North Charlotte and did a great job pushing themselves. So proud of everyone!

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Black Belt Pretest

Today was the pretest.  I was so worried. I kept saying,"Please don't fail. Please don't fail." I was so relieved when I didn't have to do it over.  I didn't let my little brother down.

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Getting Ready

I have been so busy these past couple days. I have been studying for the pre test and working on requirements. I was very efficient today, I got a bit ahead for tomorrow and wrote another essay. I also got a present for my friend's birthday tomorrow. I'm going to have a very busy day, I'm going to a pool party and then a dinner party right afterwards. I hope I'm not too tired!

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Friday...

I plan on helping with testing again tonight.  I know I’ll get home late but I like to lend my support to the people that are testing and that I’ve trained with.  I know everyone is anxious about the pretest tomorrow but I’m sure everyone will do an awesome job! After the pretest, we’ll be able to begin focusing on the black belt curriculum more and the cycle will get really exciting!  J

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White Belt

Today I was helping out in testing and I was a white belt so it was really humiliated because all the people were saying" how is he helping out in testing he is a white belt". 

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fun

today i had fun doing my requirements. i did my requirements everywhere. i did them at home. i did them at the park. also at the barber shop my brother and dad go to. everyone around me was impressed. some people tried it themselves.

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Bruce Lee

I didn't know who Bruce Lee was. Instructor Luna said I should know who Bruce Lee is.  He was surprised I didn't know.  I am getting ready to watch him so I'll find out soon.

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Jayson day 23

Today, at summer camp, we had an electronics day.  However I didn't use all of it for electronics.  I had to do some push ups, sit ups etc.  also I helped out with the 6:15 testing for leadership 1 requirements.  it was interesting to see something I had not seen in a long time.  it seems so different to me now than black belt testing. 

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summer camp

Doing my requirements at summer camp has been really easy because Master Hartle  put up a pull up bar in the back room for the kids on the cycle. Also having all of the other kids is helping because I ask them to attack me for self defense.

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school soon

i had a pretty on track day, i woke up and ran 2 miles then mowed my neighbors lawn. i then went home and worked out and got all my requirements done, i also worked on all my forms, sparring combinations, self defense, and weapons. i think i am prepared but i do need to study more, there is alot of information i need to know to pass and its difficult to remember it all, especially with all my other requirements and school starting monday. im going back to school shopping sunday, really excited about that. hopefully the pretest tomorrow will go well. 

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8/23

Today I went to the open house at my school and met all my teachers except for one that was sick.  When I got home I studied and I'm able to remember most of the things except for a few things I just can't remember.

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Day 23

Today I practiced everything for the Pre-Test tomorrow. I have never done the Pre-Test before so I don't know what to expect. I'm so nervous and scared. 

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Middle School

Today was my first day of middle school, and it wasn't what I expected. It was only the first day, though, and it was only five periods. It's not what I expected, but I'll get used to it.

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Work am, travel pm

I worked and got a bunch off requirements done this morning. The afternoon was spent preparing for my trip (packing, spending some time  with Ben, picked Jess up from school, etc).  Now I'm at the airready preparing to sit for hours on end. 

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Pedometer

So I have always been curious when I do these trade show just how much walking I do in a day.  Well I figured out the Smart Phone, yes it's still smarter than I, and downloaded a pedometer app.  All I am going to say, its not an excuse but there is a reason when I leave the show floor that my knee's and feet hurt.  If I counted my walking my running requirements would be complete + + + some.  I am determined and will run all of that requirement because my cardio needs improvement and it will not improve if I do not run.  I may be the last one on the cycle that finishes the requirements however I will finish.  I got it - -it's all good!!!!

  691 Hits

Busy Day

Today I mowed the yard for the first time. I got all my requirements in except for my run. I'll have to double up tomorrow!Tomorrow my goal will be to get extra requirements in since school is starting soon.

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Thursday...

Tonight I helped with testing, took BB class, took PMAA class, and had a mentor session with Master Cavazos.  There were some of my requirements that I didn’t complete, but I’ll make them up this weekend. Since they were having testing, we baked some cookies to sell and raise money for Levine’s.  We also sold some raffle tickets for the Kindle Fire HD 7” tablet that we are raffling off to raise money for Levine’s. When I’m helping with testing, I always look for the white belts.  I make a point of speaking to them to try and make them less nervous.  I remember how nervous I was the first time I tested.  I try to help them begin the test with lots of confidence.  I tell them what someone told me the first few times I tested. “It’s obvious you know your stuff or you wouldn’t already have all of...

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  20 Hits

bake sale

today i spent the morning relaxing and working out, not doing much because i knew i was helping out with the open house and testing at mint hill later today. i got alot of stuff together for a bake sale that i made my self and we sold it to help raise money for levine childrens hospital. then during the open house i helped with the dunk tank and took a few turns on the seat. i took a break and went inside to do the rest of my requirements. testing started and me and a few others helped out with a testing with 37 in attendance. i sparred and it really hurt my feet because i didnt have shin guards. i need to study more in order to be in good shape for the pre test this saturday. 

  758 Hits

Finally ... sparring Class

I finally got a sparring class in.   The kids beat me up. I've got a sore thigh where a caught a heel to the muscle just above my knee and kick to my ankle bone.  Kids--cut your toenails!  I left bleeding too. Marcus did a great job teaching. It's been fun watching him grow and mature.  1 down, 14 to go.

  852 Hits

Crazy day

Today was a very wild day. Today after school we had soccer practice, we had to do five laps, we have a real tye of track too. We had to do sprints on the curves and back peddle nonstop, and it was extremely hot too. After that I had to do homework. Then I spent like two hours at KTA doing requirements. After that I took black belt class. Then I had to do more homework. And now I am tying up my journal. So today was a little crazy but not bad.

  755 Hits

tired

i am so tired i could skip everything for a day. i would just drop everything for a day and just sleep. if i was my brother that would be easy. my brother sleeps a lot. but if i stop everything for a day i will get behind.

  31 Hits

Day 22

Today I got to help Master Shin and Ms. Pam by sitting at a table at Mountain Island Day's orientation and signing up students to take Tae Kwon Do after school.  It was a lot of fun and we got a lot of names.  I was impressed with the number of kids that were excited to sign up.  It made me think back when I first started doing tae kwon do and I remember calling my instructor ma'am instead of sir!  It was just another regular day of requirements today.  Nervous about the pretest but I feel like I'm ready.  I still really need to work on my study guide.

  809 Hits

8/22

Today I studied for my pre-test and later helped out at the testing at Master Burkart's.  I went there earlier and helped raise some money for Levine's by manning the snow cones during the open house.  I also did the dunk tank and really enjoyed it.   

  1024 Hits

Working Hard

Today when I woke up I did all of my poomsaes and self-defenses twice for most of them. I'm still trying to get ahead on every thing. Today I also went to help with Master Shins other testing. It was not as big of a turnout as Wednesday but they brought a lot of energy.

  866 Hits

jayson day 22

today at summer camp, we had kona ice (snow cones) they were pretty good. I mixed watermelon and grape flavors.  I actually got some free time before going to bed today and got to do some extra requirements.  today I also learned my new skill.  my mom taught me how to file a tax return!  I filled out my own 1040 ez form.  I used a sample w2 form to fill it out.  it was really interesting.  I plan on doing the essay this weekend. 

  890 Hits

practice

Today I did every poomse I know once, and some more than once. I did most of my self defenses today also. Today was open house for school, I think im ready for school to start back up. 

  858 Hits

AUG. 22

Today I took a day off from classes. I needed a "me" day just to relax before the pretest and to get my thoughts together. This morning before Behind The Wheel I woke up with a terrible headache and felt like I hadn't gotten any sleep. Hopefully this day of rest removed any chance of that happening tomorrow. 

  905 Hits

Hard to breathe

Today I couldn't really breathe. It was very hard to do my requirements. I had to take a break from pushups and sit ups. I hope that I am better tomorrow

  706 Hits

Persevere

I woke up this morning at 4:00 ready to get up and work on some requirements but had a killer migraine and couldn't see. I had to feel my way to the bathroom, take some medicine and go back to bed. I was able to get up in time to come to work and can persevere. I am going to work on my requirements at lunch and after work in class and when I get home from class. I am looking forward to our Wang Ho class tonight because it is Red Stripe. Yahoo!  

  756 Hits

behind

Today I had a very busy day so I could not do very many requirements. I helped out at testing for Master Shin, it was nice to see all the other students make it to their next belt. It was also cool to see the progress from the white belts to the high red belts.

  806 Hits

8-21

had a great day today! in my mentor session, we were getting ready for the pretest Saturday, got to see what i need to perfect before then

  22 Hits

Wednesday

Today I helped with testing at Master Shin's.  My brother tested for his high red belt.  I am really proud of him.  I read my essays and improved some of them today.  Getting ready for the pretest.

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Today August 21

Today I am really tired so we won't get as good of a journal. Today was a struggle to get all my requirements in, why you ask, because today was my first day of school and all the teachers did was talk. I think this year will be better than last year because we are not in a grade with one of the teachers from last year. Our school you wake up really early so I have to go to sleep. See you tomorrow!

  816 Hits

Jayson Day 21

Today at summer camp, we watched a movie called horrid Henry.  The movie was not as good as I thought itwould be.  I did most of my requirements today.  Went to dream team class, we worked on rolling and cartwheels.  I found out I need to work on my cartwheels.  It was fun though.   I was looking forward to dreamteam class today.   

  819 Hits

White Belt

Today I just started my week of being a white belt. I was in the back of the line in class. It's humiliating to be in the back as a white belt so this is definitely a challenge. It reminded me of when I was a white belt working my way up the belt levels. I am also back from vacation so heavy on the requirements. Also studying the study guides for the written exam coming up.

  22 Hits

Wednesday...

Today was another day in the cycle…I got all of my requirements done, a leadership credit, and a mentor session with Master Cavazos. My arms are a little sore from the sticks class last night.  And I have a giant bruise on each of my shoulders, so I must be re-chambering correctly when I do my sticks.  J

  49 Hits

Busy Day

Today was a really busy day to start off I had allergy shots in the morning and then at two I had to go to a different doctors office. Later I went to go help at Master Shin's testing.  It was nice to see everyone succeed. I was also able to get some of my requirements done today.

  65 Hits

late night

today i as thinking of just journaling then logging tomorrow. but my mom made me. had ballet today for 2 and a half hours. my dance teacger told me i need to work on my balance while keeping my leg over my head. i think that might help me with my kicks. 

  794 Hits

8/21

Today I helped out at Master Burkart's Tae Kwon Do camp and got leadership credit.  I finished my sparring class requirement thanks to all the credits from the summer.  I studied for my pretest also this afternoon.  I am looking forward to help out tomorrow at the Open House at Master Burkart's school and dunk a Master in the dunk tank. 

  1021 Hits

Conference call day

Ugh.  I was on conference calls all day.  I did get a lot of requirements done while people were going on and on about a topic. And we took a 20 min lunch break so I went for a run and got 1.6 miles in. Then I taught family class and ran Jess to/from softball. Ben came home today!  Yeah!  I have only seems him for 2 days in the past 4 weeks and I have to leave Friday on a business trip, so I want to absorb him.  :)

  827 Hits