Candidate Journals

Quite the terrific day. Started with homework; then ran 1 mile, 3 hour Sparring Seminar with Australian National Team members @ King Tiger and another 1 mile run. Then dinner with family and the movie Lone Survivor.

I went to Master Evins school and saw Master Shane. I also had the sparring seminar with Master Shane. I learned a lot more about sparring today and it was really cool.afterwards I was really sour but I still trained when I got home.and now i'm really tired.

I like the seminar today beacuse Becky and master Shane it was fun we learned how to kick at the right time to kick harder instead of soft. The best part of the day was seeing Becky do her sercet kick. I loved when we got to do different kicks at one time like roundhouse kick and outside in. At the seminar I was tired at the last part beacuse of kicking Aidan. The worth part was when I had to wear two sparing gear. I was ready to go to the seminar I was a little excited but had fun. I was so frustrated because I had to do my essay today. I got a great workout today by training with Becky and Master Shane. I think the black belt cycle will be hard I thought it would be easy but it's hard beacuse I didn't want to do my...

Great sparring seminar today! I loved everything... the kicking drills, the footwork, the instruction, my wonderful partner Ms. Pam.... but my FAVORITE part was when Master Shane said we were the most respectful school he has worked with. It made me very proud! My knees are swollen and hurting, but I'm so glad I went! Today is the first day of the max phase and my belly is full of water, supplements and Advil. Now I'm in bed... Ice on the knees.... Will probably be here until Monday. I'll lay here and study curriculum!

Wow, what a "G'Day!" Definitely a great sparring seminar today! I loved the way that Master Shane kept everything simple. It was definitely a good sweat, and I'm glad we had a great turnout. Today was the first day of the Max phase of my 24 day challenge. The number of pills/supplements went up dramatically! Not too bad, though. Had a huge amount of energy today, and it was great. Heading to Charleston tomorrow morning with my wife for the weekend. I will definitely look for some tasty fresh fish! Not fried of course...

Just came back from that Sparing seminar with the Aussies. Real cool yo. Was huffin' and puffin' at the end. Real hard workout yo. Next we stopped by to get some of those Which Witches sandwich. I picked the Tomato Avocado option. Got some swiss and peppers on the which yo. Except instead of giving' me that lettus, i got some nasty died cranberries.What's up with that yo? PS. Master Hartle(s) and Master Evan, if you do not find this funny and would like me to be serious, please let me know.

Feeling good about my training and 10 days in to the 24 day challenge. these cold mornings are a little rough on my walks.. The good thing is it is not snowing and no freezing rain. Will be happy when spring comes.

Today was a busy day! Still managed to knock out requirements, so that's great... Tomorrow is the last day of the "Cleanse" phase of my 24 Day Challenge, so I am looking forward to that. Been eating really healthy, and I can definitely feel a difference in my body! Crossfit tomorrow morning, followed by some sparring training. Also, sparring seminar on Saturday! I'm sure it will be a "good sore"...

Tough (but great!) Black Belt class tonight. Felt a little weakish so I might need to drink some extra spark on class days. In retrospect, edamame, celery and tomatoes for lunch probably didn't give me quite enough energy..... Tomorrow is day 10 of the 24 day challenge! Looking forward to the Max Phase!

Day 7 in to the 24 day challenge not to bad. But I do miss one thing , but how good it will be when I I have it again.

Great Black belt class tonight with my trusty sidekicks Instructor Dege and Master Randle. They are tag-teaming to make sure I stay on the right path and I love them for it! A shout out goes to Instructor Donna Harris as well for sending me frequent 'Go Tucker' texts! I'm very thankful for the support I receive from my King Tiger family!

Long, stressful day at work. Came home full of good reasons not to work out, but ended up pushing myself to do it anyway and felt better afterwards. Found my pull up bar and bungee! This is very exciting! Now I need to stop admiring it and actually use it. I've been thinking about trying to find a band of some sort to wear on the balls of my feet to help me with pivoting (my poor knees die a little every time I try to do a back leg kick). Socks work well at home but I would break something vitally important if I wore them on the mat. If anyone has any ideas, I'm all ears! Down 3 pounds so far on the 24 day challenge and this morning I think I saw a tiny indentation where my waist used to be! Things are looking up!

Well not as sore as I thought, feeling better after a long weekend of training, saw Bob Brewer has joined the Master Journey so welcome sir to the pain, glad to see your smile again. Hope all is well Got to go get some more stuff done busy busy busy, Burkart out

Saturday flew by this past weekend! Knocked out requirements, worked with my mentee, Jay Jay. Even though I believe he is the youngest person on this cycle, he will be phenomenal! Went for a 4 mile run on the Greenway Sunday morning. Started off pretty cold, but by the end I was steaming.

Ok so after six hours of training Master Jennings finally won, I am really tired and am going to be really sore. So I have a bunch of sparring rounds coming to me and I will have to figure it out, but wow, now understand what it is like to train with an Olympian he is a great person and I wish him all the best sorry so many of the king tiger family missed this great day. The knowledge of TKD is amazing and the speed is like lighting. He can kick you from anywhere and anytime I know I actually got to spar him and he was really nice to me and not make me look bad, thank you sir. Burkart out

I focused on the Palgwe forms and self defense today. Today is day 3 of the 24 day challenge and I already feel better. Still have a long way to go, but I've lost 2 pounds. Might seem like a tiny amount, but it's the first time in a long time that those numbers on the scale have been getting smaller. I'm encouraged and looking forward to more success. Need to start thinking about getting my essays and videos started.

working hard to keep up, legs sore and tired most of the time, been really busy with environmental work so missing some training classes, just finished some environmental work but have still worked on the criteria, hope to be in class next week after Master Jennings seminar I am going to get a lot of sparring rounds Saturday and I am sure I will be sore on Monday.

Too cold to run outside today! I know....bad excuse. Good day yesterday....1st day of 24 day challenge, ran with Master Schneider, did a kick boxing class in the evening. Have a Martial fit class tonight and tomorrow finish up my Foundation class at Cross Fit NorthLake and then head to Atlanta for the Advocare "AdvoNation" event! Super excited!

Whew! That Fiber drink will really wake you up in the mornings! Yesterday was a great day, got in a Crossfit class, and a great TKD class with Master Evins. Going to keep pumping out requirements, and EATING HEALTHY!

Day one of the 24 day challenge is pretty much in the books. It was a really good Wednesday to boot. Had a god day at work, a visit at the dentist, and then ran, took TKD (2) kickboxing classes. PJL CEC

Great first day of the 24 day challenge! Took all my supplements, drank 90 ounces of water, came home and made cauliflower cous cous to have with chicken, shrimp and vegetables, and then tackled some requirements. Looking forward to tomorrow!

So excited to start the 24 Day Challenge tomorrow. I have sort of started already, cutting calories and adding work outs for the last two days. I started Cross Fit this morning, then took class with Master Evins. Funny how you can do something every day (like teach Martial Arts) and then feel like you miss it......then worked out with the Huchinson's at a Martial Fit work out! Tired now but feeling good. Must admit that I am still feeling the effects of the boot camp on Saturday!

New year new challenges. tomorrow starts my 24 day challenge I'm a little nervousñ, but at least my wife's doing it with me. So it can't be all that bad.

Great black belt class tonight! Advocare 24 day challenge starts tomorrow and I am sooooooo ready to be successful and feel better! Going to bed now....date with the treadmill at 5am.

Ready to kick off 2015 the RIGHT way! Boot Camp this past Saturday was great! Wonderful, sweaty workout, and good people! Excited to start my 24 Day Challenge tomorrow morning before Crossfit class. Towards the end of 2014, I slacked off on some requirements (and logging them), this won't happen this year!

I am starting my black belt training again today....been awhile so I am very anxious about all the new things I need to learn. I have been training very hard the last 9 months - Crossfit, Olympic Weightlifting, etc. but feel totally unprepared for the new journey. Looking forward to seeing everyone and training with the best.

Enjoyed a good day at work; then did homework. Taught the 6:16 class @ LKN and took the 7:05 class. Did a lot of requirements which I am not able to log yet. Looking forward to BB Class @ North Charlotte tomorrow evening. Blessings & Peace

I'm still pretty sore in some interesting places post boot camp (lateral calves, anterior deltoids, inner thighs)....places that typically don't get sore doing push-ups and sit-ups. Burpees are very hard for me to do right now. I'm having to modify them in order to save my knees and lower back. I kind of hop back and down into the thrust instead of squatting, lower my body to the ground, push up, walk my feet toward my hands and then stand up. The jumping and squatting is painful. Hopefully I can work up to a full blown Burpee as I get myself back in shape. I received my Advocare products today and I'm very excited about getting starting on Wednesday! I've downloaded the iPhone app and I'm ready to go. Still don't have a pull-up bar and I'm WAY behind on that requirement. Planning on buying one this weekend.

So today was one of those days you say to your self ( WHAT IS UP !!! ).. Got to work and was told to look at my right rear tire on my chick magnet. Yes it is flat. Repair that OK. Then got home and had fuel leaking from under my truck and down the driveway. Then spent 2 and 1/2 hr under a wet truck and now will have to buy fu el lines. But ended the night with a nice dinner with my wife.

had a good training day yesterday it was fun and enjoyable, I also got an email from Master Evins about staying on track. I have been working hard at my requirements but not hard enough on the journals and entering every day. So hopefully today is the start of a new habit and a hopefully a good habit.

A good week of getting started ended with a fun King Tiger Boot Camp Saturday morning. Today was a great day at St. Mark's Episcopal. Our First Sunday Embracing the Sabbath focus was on programs in our community that offer people the opportunity to help others. There are so many beautiful people doing great work for others in this world.I hope everyone has a great week ahead.

Great boot camp today! Lots of fun. Went grocery shopping in preparation for the 24 day challenge and then cut up tons of vegetables and fruit this afternoon. My freezer is quite full and quite colorful! I'm going to do everything I can to make sure I'm successful. Worked on requirements during the Panther game and now I'm tired, sore and already in bed.

The first week of this segment of my Taekwondo Journey is going well. The focus for the week is running and Poomsaes. Throw in a Tuesday midday class with Master Evins and I am having fun. Looking forward to the entire journey. 

What a way to end the year with a awesome black belt class. Thank you sir. I think I am starting to love burpees. OK maybe not love just like them a !little.

Looking forward to boot camp and the 24 day challenge. Didn't get as many requirements done today as I had planned but I'm still hanging in there. Shoulders are aching from push-ups and knees are a little sore from squat thrusts. Trying to make sure I don't injure my old, tired body too early in the game.

Will the holiday are almost over, for me not soon enough. Don't get me wrong ,I do enjoy them. But my body is starting to enjoy them to much. My belt notch is going the other way.

I've been breaking requirements up by doing some in the mornings and some in the evenings after I get home from work and it seems to be working out pretty well as far as time and energy goes. My diet needs lots of improvements. Looking forward to the 24 day challenge that starts Saturday 1/3/15. I'm really behind in pull-ups since I've done…. well…. none. Need to buy another pull up bar. I'm really looking forward to 2015. I think it's going to be a very important year for me!

Busy, busy, busy in the Christmas frenzy today. Tomorrow I will start tracking requirements again after a 2 day break. Merry Christmas everyone!

I just went running 2.5 miles, even though the weather was really not the best. It was really cold outside, and their was a lot of mist. Everyone went running, except for one of my sisters because she didn't feel good.

I just went running 2.5 miles, even though the weather was really not the best. It was really cold outside, and their was a lot of mist. Everyone went running, except for one of my sisters because she didn't feel good.

Busy, busy day. No requirements done. Will push myself tomorrow. Hope Santa brings me a pull-up bar.

Great Little Tigers class with Master Randle and Instructor Dege this morning. Walked 2 miles with the "Mom's Club" before 2 more classes and ended up pushing my knees just a little too far. Went shopping with my son this afternoon and now my knees are throbbing. Seems like I'm getting more requirements done by splitting my workout sessions between early morning and in the evenings after work. I was working part time when I tested for 3rd Dan so time was not as much of an issue. I'm very thankful for Master Randle and Instructor Dege. They both inspire me to keep moving and to push myself. I'm also very thankful for Alleve and Icy Hot.

Long day. Worked on requirements after class last night and again this morning. Did some more after work. My push ups are just awful. Lots of work to do to get myself back where I need to be physically. Left knee is really hurting but I'm going to hang in there. Looking forward to helping Master Randle in Little Tigers class tomorrow, Black Belt Class and the Cycle Meeting.

Weighed myself this morning so that I can track my weight loss through the journey. It was ugly. It's a bit of a slow start for me as far as requirements go, but my goal is to gradually increase my numbers every day as I build up my strength and endurance. I'm trying not to look at the final number of requirements and just doing what I can for now. The requirement total is scary and I don't' want to risk becoming overwhelmed by looking at it right now. Flexibility has become a bit of an issue for me since I tested for 3rd Dan, so I will need to incorporate stretching into my daily workouts. My patients bring lots of really yummy holiday treats to the office this time of year which makes eating healthy a challenge. Need lots of willpower. Can't find my pull up bar (misplaced d/t lack...

Had a good week at work, but it mades for long days. I know in weeks coming up will be different, the Reserve pilots will be flying. So are workload will be a lot higher. Now for my training I have got a little slack it's time to kick it back up again .

Today I made a decision. The choice was to either give up, give in and continue to make excuses for why I've allowed myself to become lazy, unmotivated and in the worst physical shape of my entire life, or to get up, get moving, regain control of my body and my health and become the person I know I can be. I chose the latter. I have a long way to go and I'll have to take it one requirement at a time, but I'm determined to give this my very best effort. The journey to Master begins now.

well got my first belt last night very sore but had a good time looking forward in March to get the next one, woop woop

Need to get into doing this everyday I have been doing the requirements but not logging in so I post big numbers. Need to get into a better habit. Well I get to test for my new skill tonight so wish me luck .

Had a good day at work , wish I would have a book with me today. It is nice to have a kick back day ,but it makes for a long day. The good thing is I get pay for just being there.

The years have seem to fly by, in less than a month I will be in that ten week cycle again. Yes I an looking forward to be in it, but a always stil a little nervous about it.

Friday! always happy on a Friday! i did some math we got like 12 days of school left until chirstmas break.So hype for chilling for 2 weeks :D

still working at getting these things done, back at black belt class, sticks and so on god to see everybody and looking forward to 2015.

Got to love red strip Monday after the Thanksgiving week off. I sure needed it ,I took to many days off from my workouts. Will I got the hole week to work some of this turkey off. :) :) :)

Had to run that turkey off yesterday so got forms and stuff done, I plan on going to the park today to get more completed on the requirements a little sore as I have been training hard but need to get in front of my mentor soon

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Even though i may not be back home with my family i feel like i am with my family. Being surrounded with so many awesome people. Thank you to all for being part of your life.

Wishing everybody a Happy Thanksgiving, i am still here working hard at these requirements I need to get back on doing it everyday instead of once a week but this is always my busiest time with environmental work so doing the best I can right now. Testing Dec 10 for my new belt in my new skill learning so wish me luck Burkart out

Had a good day at work today a lot better than yesterday. But even had a better day at King Tiger tonight. Gratulations to all the new black belts. Wow so many young ones, what a good feeling to see this young people strive to be better than anyone else.

All I can say is I'm glad I don't live up in Buffalo New York or up by the Great Lakes. I love the snow when I ski , but not if I have to work in it or shovel it.

Cold cold day. Even I did not want to go out side and play. So I stay in and caught up on some notes I had on the PMAA class. Will have to start on my indoor projects soon.

good day a the park training, got a bunch completed in an hour and some, nice to be in the fresh air today, running was good did speed work for the first time in a long time felt good but still really slow can not seem to maintain for a long distance but will keep trying, the park has chin up bars and sit up benches so I got a lot done after the run.

A very emotional day. Picked up the friend that flew in from Maryland at the airport this morning and a new friend came up from Georgia. We all car pool to celebration of life of Master Davis today. I will miss this man. But I will never let him go in my memory.

Had a good day at work, it was a good day to kick back and read a book . Yes read a book and it had nothing to do about the work I do. This days are few.

Good Friday, hope all is well, still slugging along at these requirements, and really realizing that if you take a little time off you are just as sore, running is getting better and pull ups are actually getting better, hope all is well with everybody and look forward see you soon

slowing getting back in to running did 3.5 miles on Sunday and 2.5 miles today so far foot is OK not 100 % but OK, worked on Wang ho and started my new skill yesterday, it is exciting times and working n getting things completed for the last time around.

Happy birthday to my fellow Marines out there. Once a marine always a Marine.Semper Fi. Sept. 1975.

No school tomorrow!! Gonna play and chill and play video games and practice!

im in band right now and yes we are allowed to have our ipads out. sorry if i keep on writing journals and its annoying. i think its fun reading journals of your day. ok now i sound like a stalker. just pretend you didn't hear me.

i have not written a journal for a long time. i don't need them anymore but i still think its fun. i might sound a little snob when im writing this... sorry

Staying at home today to do my school project. Get to chill and get a break.

Hope all is well with everybody, working on forms I have numerous questions to answer and to try to figure out why we do this or that working on creative ways to teach kicks. Stay thirsty my friends

Finishing this book essay that I left out. Doing everything that I did not finish. Crunch time!!

Foot is finally getting better have been doing class and actually did my first jump rope, working on getting stronger and hopefully faster, ready for next year as long as I can stay healthy

Going to sleep now after a long test today. 1 down 3 to go. Wish me luck!

it's been a little while since I've logged in and journaled. How I miss summer it seem like that winter is upon us and I think my body is starting to feel some of the aches of the cold.. So put on the jacket and put on a smile and keep walking those miles.

Coming home after a hards days work. Ready for tomorrow to keep working harder and harder to new the best!

Last night my family and I drove down to Raleigh and stayed the night with my aunt and uncle! We went over there to celebrate an Indian holiday and came back today! It was really fun but I'm really tired, I'm just glad I have no school tomorrow!

its been a long time since i wrote a journal. i dont need them anymore but i like writing journals so i might write a journal once a while

Getting ready to go to the Hornets game. Going to go early for Hugo bobble heads! HOW COOL IS THAT?!

This is my final journal so hip hip hooray I can't believe it is finally over

This is my final journal so hip hip hooray I can't believe it is finally over

It one day before Halloween! I've really gotten into the spirit. Yesterday at my school we had an event called Trunk or Treat where we set up trunk for each of our clubs and give candy to children in our community. It was really fun, but I had to miss class because it was from 4-8 and I was required to be there! But tomorrow is going to be more fun since it is actually the day of Halloween! I am not sure what i am doing yet but I will be with my friends so it'll be great!

About to head to a football game. My last game for the season! Hopefully we do good out there and go out with a BANG!

today I went to my grandmas house and saw my grandpa who lives in Deleware. I had a lot of fun!

Cant wait for the tea party and the retreat good job to everyone who did the test

Today straight after school I had to go to my friends house to help decorate for an event held at our school called Trunk or Treat! Each club sets up a car and their trunk they set up a cool booth where kids can trick or treat from! The event is tomorrow so the different clubs I'm in all created their Trunk booths today, it was really fun! The theme is vampires!! After decorating i didn't do much, I barely had any homework today which was really nice!

Getting ready for tomorrow. Have some requirements to wrap up before I officially qualify to have the next rank. I need as much as I can to make it. Cause remember, "if excellence can be attained, then good isn't good enough".

Today was a good day. I had lots of fun at PMAA class. Learned some cool knife techniques overall good day.

it was the first official day/ class being a black belt! I was really looking forward to class and learning some of the new forms or self defense! And in class today that's exactly what we got to do we learned the first seven moves of gumgong and the first three 1st don self defense!

Tonight I made Halloween cookies and they are very good. They have chocolate chips in them and they are very small.

i think this might be my last journal entry and then im done. the problem why i cant see if im done is my ipad never makes my tracking pop up. maybe im not the only one or maybe i need to try again. well anyways by for now!

“A black belt is a white belt who never quit!” Shane Tassoul

Had a nice, long weekend and now it is time to get back in school mode. Also my foot is still swollen! WHEN WILL IT HEAL???

Testing was great!! Good job everyone on the test.....

today I went to a Halloween party and it was really fun. I got to see my old friends and some new people. I really liked it because their was a dance contest and I won.

Testing was great yesterday. I can't wait till the tea ceremony soon. I can't thank everyone enough.

Testing was great yesterday. I can't wait till the tea ceremony soon. I can't thank everyone enough.

We are all nearing the end of this journey but there will be many more ahead of us because it is not over

today was ok but im still proud of myself from yesterday. im just really happy and i want to do the next cycle and STAY ORGANIZED! my gosh this cycle i was SO disorganiezed! im really going to try harder next time. from what i saw i think that everyone did great yesterday. great job everyone!

Awesome job to all the black belts candidate that tested on Saturday. I know I could not make it , but my heart and spirit was with you all.

So glad testing is finally over. I do still have to finish up a few things. I am so very tired right now. I am about to sleep like a baby tonight.