Spring 2025 Black Belt Cycle

Candidate Journals

King Tiger Tae Kwon Do Black Belt candidates blog daily about their journey: their thoughts and feelings, their struggles and successes; their pain and their encouragement. Follow along on their journey; words of encouragement are always welcome!

re wednesday

To day I practised all my forms and self defence and falls to get ready I hope everyone does good

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re: two days more

So I woke up today at 4:00 and I said oh yeah I need to jurnal so I picked up my phone and did a small jurnal I hope I can still do the jurnals on friday if not then I am gone.

  1281 Hits

2 day mmmmmmmmmmoooooooirrrrtrrrre

One day m9 r e till bb testing we are I n the final hours

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my school

My school is so little now that Grand Oak is open and half the kids are there and not at my school... YYYYAAAAYYYY. I am very happy because the halls aren't packed anymore.

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10/23

Today I went to the class were Grand master Lee was teaching the class.  It was really fun, especially when Grand master Lee had me help him with demonstrations. 

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long day

today i round the bus to king tiger. when i got there i worked with ,Megan and Mrs Shelly. when we were working i hit my foot and brook my toe nail. i heart for a wile. also at school i ran into a door it didn't  really heart that much.that was my day.   

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10/22

Today I took class with Grandmaster Lee.  It was a great class and we did some fun exercises.  I got my last mentor session and all my requirements are done, except for 2 more journals after this one.  

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5 4 3 2 1

only a few more days till testing I am very exited but not at all nervase I am prepared and ready I have trained for 10 months and I am ready to crack my goal of getting a blackbelt.

  1205 Hits

one day closer

my knee is still bad and maybe even worse. i am going to the doctor tomorrow so hopefully ill get a brace or something for Friday night

  1339 Hits

almost here

i had class with grandmaster  lee  today it was so much fun to work with him.

  34 Hits

oct 22

Today I finished my last Mentor session with Master Richie.  I reviewed Self Defense.  Can't wait till Friday.  I need lots of sleep.  Tomorrow is Hump Day!!!

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my knee

well after a week of ice and heat, my knee is still messed up. i am going to the doctor tomorrow to look at it. hopefully it wont be too bad at testing. i really dont want it to affect my performance.

  1048 Hits

Home

At home and watching tv 

  35 Hits

my shrub

I just got my shrub for black belt and my dad and I cut it in a spiral shape. It was very cool. My dad got an already cut one as an example so he could cut it easily.

  971 Hits

worried about testing

lately ive been worried about testing its the only thing i can worry about besides school and im stressed out i really hope i pass

  2518 Hits

oct 20

I had fun at the kicks for kids yesterday.  5 more days until the belt test

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jornals

im going to behind on jurnals at the end of testing.

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a great saturday

today has been a great day! we had a great black belt class. then went over to Mint hill for kicks for kids festival and got to take my girlfriend tiffany along and she had a great time as well! we had popcorn, cotton candy, hotdogs and candy. we got a pumpkin and painted it. after that we went to her house and had dinner and went to michaels and bought some arts and crafts stuff for her project. now im relaxing in the recliner watching florida state pumble clemson! great saturday! GO NOLES!  

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OCT. 19

Today is the last day of the cycle! After saturday BB class we have the Fall Festival and everyone is getting excited for it! Im so relieved that I have it all behind me and now its time to buckle down for next Friday/Saturday. 

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Day 70!!

Well it's day 70 and I am alive so I am a happy camper!!  It has been a challenging journey but all is good.  All I can say it is up to you what you make of a journey.  Looking forward to the next one.

  3326 Hits

one week left

Well there is one week left till testing. i am done with all physical requirements as of today. my ham string is feeling much better but now its my knee. we will see how it fairs during tomorrow. i hope it isnt too bad and i hope it will heal before testing. i am still behind on classes from when i didnt have a car, i am planning to make those up. I can not wait to be done and test! i am feeling great!

  1166 Hits

Yes Finally done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (with physical requirements)

Today I have finished all my push ups sit ups and pull ups. Also random acts of kindness today. I am so glad I don't have to do all those requirements every day. :-)) Now I am another step closer to getting my new belt! WHOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  9326 Hits

king

today I went to school and we had the td teacher come in. also when I got to king tiger I finished everything for the day.

  1057 Hits

last miles

today i ran my last 2.58 miles before school when i got back there was these huge peppers and i said where'd you get those and my dad said there the ones that we grew and i said wow

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OCT. 18

Right after I got home from school. Donna and I went straight to South Charlotte to work with Master Chin. Master Evins stopped by and it was great to see him after all this time! Tomorrow is the Fall Festival and I am so excited! Every year we have great success and its always good to raise money for such a good cause. Although I will not be able to finish my journals in time (Ill have one extra...) Im extremely proud in how far I have come and how much progress I have made since the beginning of the cycle. 

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Oct 18

after school i went to the park to play.We are almost there.  

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Bobcats

Today we went on the bobcats cool school trip and it was pretty fun. and we got back they gave us water bottles and we started to soak each other but in the end the teacher told us to stop after some kid fell in an anthill. (it was a fire ant hill) 

  1243 Hits

10/17

Today I went to 3 classes and I'm really tired.  I'm also really happy that the cycle is almost over.

  1297 Hits

almost there

today i went to help out with class and took class we did some poomsaes and a lot of self defense also went on a field trip at school 

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testing

I helped out with testing yesterday. today I went to sparring at master burkharsts school. it was so much fun

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Fi ished

I am done with every thing. I finished all my requirements I passed my jump rope I only have 4 more jurnals  my tree stuff and my community servace esay I am so glad that I did all the work to pass.  I had to practise 2 hours straight but it was all worth it.

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BASKETBALL

I just signed up for a basketball league that Miranda is in so that after the black belt cycle I have something to do. My dad and I are going to start practicing because he is the assistant coach and he has to make up the drills.

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OCT. 17

Getting really excited for the Fall Festival this weekend. Last year was so much fun and we raised a ton of money for such a great cause. Im planning on swinging by South Charlotte to get my mentee to sign a form... hopefully she is there! Im finally done with the majority of my requirements and I was planning on going for a nice long run, but it started raining. Now im thankful that my schools campus is so large because thats what has helped me get in my run/walk! 

  1366 Hits

Slump Day Week!!

OK executive decision made no more slump days - -I have had quite enough.  This week has been a struggle and not productive on the TKD front.  Oh well it is what it is and time to be over it.  Looking forward to working with my mentee, Jillian, after work then helping in classes.  Will stay for adult class and hopefully will have enough juice left to get through it.  Looking forward this weekend to the Fall Festival.

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US Airforce recruiting

today i went to the Air Force recruitment office. i spoke with both active duty and reserve recruiters. i liked the reserves better. i am still going to look at the Air Guard and see what kind of programs they have to offer. i will most likely be joining before thanksgiving!

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c

This is a short jurnal just to fill in.  Today I went to the renesanse festivle on a field trip. And I still have to redo jump toope

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OCT. 16

Made a lot of progress tonight at South Charlotte. Sparring was a ton of fun and the kids really enjoyed it. It was nice not going to school today and getting that extra time to study. These next two weeks are going to be super busy but really fun. Now im just counting down the days. 

  1336 Hits

almost their

we are so close to being done with this cycle. yes , I also am so exited for next week.  

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no requirements

toda i didn't do anything but i still got to run 5.58 miles but went to a friends house this morning i have been bored out of my mind school field trip tomorrow learned about a lot of thins the past couple of days i wonder if people still  journal ill check tomorrow im ganna go make me a milkshake  

  1134 Hits

hurt knee

today in JROTC we had to run the mile. i was feeling great until the 800 meter mark. right after half way my knee started buckling and it hurt to run. i pushed through it and got a 6:35 mile. i know i couldve done way better. my knee still hurts when i walk. i talked to my cross country coach at practice and she said that i probably just tweeked a tendent. i hope thats it. i meet with the Air Force recruiter tomorrow at 3 oclock

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Long test

We took a test today that took up 3 hours so i had to stay in 1st block the whole time. it was so boring so after i finished i caught up with my sleep time and slept for 1 hour. then all of my other class were boring and my science teacher changed the seats so everyone cant sit next to their friends. -,-"

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jump rope

out of all the things I had to do on the test I failed jjumrope so I'd any one has tips phrase he l0 me

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fall

the fall festival is in 4 days. so happy. I steel want to know what I got on my test

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October 15

Still recovering from the physical test. I am still very sore. But I did pass everything. YAY!!  I cant wait to find out my score on the written test.  Hopefully a 100. The fall festival is Saturday so I am getting ready for that.I am so excited.

  4174 Hits

bored

today i woke up and ran not much to do i cant play video games and nothing to do 

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OCT. 15

Did nothing today at school. All of the upperclassmen are taking PSATs this week and we have to sit in first block for 3 hours. Its good time to get in some studying for all of my mid-terms next week. I don't have any school tomorrow so Im planning on finishing my running, poomsaes and self-defense. 

  1320 Hits

/\/\/\

So weare almost done with everything after hours upon hours of training we are near the point of testing the final battle the test of all test the test gor you black belt.

  1203 Hits

Slump Day

Yesterday I took the day off to focus attention on other items that I have let go while trying to catch up during cycle.  All was good but then today I felt like I was in a total fog all day.  It was definitely a slump day with little productivity on anything.  At work I was out of sorts most of the day then went to help in classes and work on requirements.  About 3/4 way thru black belt class I just looked at Inst. Hsin and said I have nothing left, that is not like me.  Oh well guess every day can not be a happy dance day and hopefully it will be better tomorrow.

  1490 Hits

bored

Today I was so bored because I am done with all of my homework and my mom is hogging the TV watching the Kardashians. I have a TV in my room but my room is really distracting to me. I have a lot of things in there:)

  1202 Hits

10/14

Today was a teacher workday so I was home.  I worked on some of the requirements and I'm really happy because I got some of my requirements completely done.  I also got started on my community service essay.  I'm so glad the physical and written test are done and we have just 2 more weeks to go.  

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school

today at school me and my friend Emily fell down and I bonked my head on the medal chair. it kind of hurt but not really.

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not much

late ley theres not been much to talk about since stuff has been finished except for the test i hope i make it   

  900 Hits

Oct 14

today i had school also the cycle is almost done.woot woot!!!!!

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OCT. 14

Im still loving Mondays even though the weather here is horrible. However on Mondays I get in a ton of classes. Hopefully by Wednesday I will be done with all of my requirements other than journals. 

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mid monday

I went in during senior release today and went over all the poom saes i need to know for testing. we also did a workout and ran. it felt really good and i still have cross country this afternoon as well. im gana be tired tonight!

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a2

This will be short because I am doing it on my phone and it is moving slow so don't read this please good job on your physical everyone . Ate almost done

  1201 Hits

my day

today I had a really fun day because I made a movie with my friend Isabella. she also spent the night last night. I passed everthing but pull-ups I could do 2. still pretty good.

  20 Hits

oct 13

       today I came home from a sleepover.I am tired from doing the sleepover.i am ready to get some sleep.

  208 Hits

OCT. 13

Just finished working on homework for the past 7 hours. Not the best feeling in the world after spending the entire weekend studying. Knowing that I still have to run/walk 11 more miles is a little scary...But by Friday I know ill be done. The only other main concern that I have are my recommendation letters. I just received one from one of my current teachers, but it could be touch and go for the second! 

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just got home

today i got home from my grandparents i didn't run so i got to ketch up 

  1088 Hits

10-12 failed to save

on saturday 10-12 I did my pre test it was better than last time all I need to retake is my v-situps But i don't know what i got on my written test but I fell good about it 

  996 Hits

physical and written test

yesterday we had the physical and written test. i ran a 10:24 mile and a half. i also did very well on the written test, i am still waiting on the results but i feel i did very well. i go Wednesday to the recruiting office so i hope that goes well.

  990 Hits

So tired

Wow after the test and the two classes i wiped out till 6 then we went to a restaurant and now my legs are still sore  

  56 Hits

Physical Test and Hospital Day

The day started off with running and then was pushups, situps, burpees, v-situps, pull-ups and kicks.  I think I passed everything except v-situps.  There was a written test.  I felt like I knew most of the answers.  I was not able to take class because of a soccer injury from Thursday.  I spent 4.5 hours waiting to be seen at Levine's Children's hospital. It only took 30 minutes to examine me.  They said I might have a mild concussion.  I will take it easy for the next few days. 

  5614 Hits

I did a lot today(and yesterday)

I finished my kwans essay last night plus those other two. It kept me up late. On physical testing, I passed everything except pushups, which I will retake later this week. On the written test, iI think I did well. I finished jump rope today, finished my classes because of the AAU, and this is my last journal for the cycle that's required. I'm  starting to finish early, and i hope that I finish the rest of the cycle early, too.

  5079 Hits

Big Busy Day!!

Whew - -physical and written test complete, everyone did a fantastic job today!!!  Now it's time, even more, to stay focused.  Thank you Inst. Randle & Weeks you were great partners. I ran errands after class and by time I got home I was spent.  Yes I admit it, I was tired, curled up on the sofa and out I was for an hour or so.  Made the decision that I was going to take the rest of the day off from TKD and focus on the domestic front.  Family coming in town soon and do not want to get too far behind.  All about balance.  Have a couple committments tomorrow, and tomorrow night, so am thinking it might have to be a light day.  It's all good and I am happy where I am at.  Hope everyone enjoys the rest of the weekend. 

  1370 Hits

Study Study Study

i have about 4 questions that i am stuck on still!!!! ughh ive done all i can to memorize them! i feel really good about the physical part though. o and correction from last journal, it is October 16, next wedensday that i go to the Air Force recruiting office and hopefully sign up for the military!

  1258 Hits

TESTING

I've been studding all night. im ready for testing yahhhhhhhhhh. i went to kobe. it was so good and tomorrow is my moms b day

  32 Hits

Different Productivity

While I may not have been productive in regards to physical requirements today I was very productive in other aspects.  Had lesson with Master Chin today and she got me on track with the items I was not certain on.  Much better but still work in progress.  Went to class in Mint Hill tonight and as always great class, thank you Master Burkart.  Got to see Inst. Tucker tonight and what a positive influence.  All is good and looking forward to tomorrow!!!

  732 Hits

OCT. 11

Today I had a test in almost every class. After school I came home and immediately went to work studying for the written test that is tomorrow morning. Im feeling confident in the physical test but ill always be a little anxious! I nervous about the pull-ups and the jumprope,.. they have never been my strengths. However Im always crossing my fingers. I hope everyone does great tomorrow and really pushes themselves. 

  1131 Hits

Fun Friday

Today was a fun Friday! After school I had soccer practice. We got to run 1 1/2 miles. That helped me a lot because now all I had to do was study for the written test. I think I am prepared for tomorrows tests. But the only thing I am worried about is my head injury. I get easy headaches just by running a mile so I don't know how I will do it. I just hope for the best.

  53 Hits

We can write 2 today?

Im just saying I am wondering if we can write 2 journal enteries today... If we can I would just like to tell you I am going to the Lee Borthers Cup on November 9th and I get my report card and PS4 on November 15th!

  1405 Hits

Well, it was nice knowing you guys

Have you seen my journal enteries, it looks like I am not passing the cycle. Good luck to everyone else though. I will still try but I am probably not going to pass

  888 Hits

almost done

today i finished a bit more requirements pretest tomorrow a bit stressed if i don't pass i wont pass my dad so i better make my pretest and my test or im dead :/

  24 Hits

10-10-13 failed to save

on thursday 10-10 I ran and went to black belt class I also helped out to class in black belt class we worked on different strikes and kicks it was alot of fun

  1014 Hits

4 More Essays

Today I finished my book for my essay. I have to finish a LOT tomorrow. At least the fourth one is community service, so we have to wait a little bit, so I can write the first part in the middle of next week, and the rest after the festival. I shouldn't have waited so long to do them. I'll just have to put in my hardest effort tomorrow and get them done. Well, on the other hand I only have one mile to do tomorrow and I'm done!(with miles) I didn't get to jump rope today, but I'll do them tomorrow. I mostly read my book today, and nothing else other than school, tkd, and making more rubber band bracelets. The bracelet thing is also going well for me, and I'll have a lot done for the festival. We are going to raise a lot of money for the hospital!

  1422 Hits

Essays

jeez so many essays. im joking i think i only have like 2 essays :D. i will get them done tomorrow. It is gonna be a last minute thing. As the wise kid once said, good things come to those who wait.

  40 Hits

essay day

i finished all the essays today. i got the book reading one done, finished the Kwans one, and did the mission in life essay. i finally have my appoint for the Air Force, it is november 13th. i can not wait to join the military! its going to be extremely hard but so rewarding in the end. God Bless america.

  1036 Hits

10/10

Today in black belt it was interesting because instead of hitting the padded part of the bags we we kicking the bottom black parts of them. I'm also really happy because I finally got all of my leadership credit requirements done.  

  1761 Hits

Injury

Today after school I had a soccer game.  It did not go as well as I thought it would.  First, All the good players did not get to start so that the second string players could play.  Second, When I got in I was injured within 3 minutes.  A crazy guy hit me in the head with his head.  I did not get to play in the game after my injury.  It feels so good to get this off of my chest.  After the game I was able to get in a mentee session.  I only 2 more mentee sessions to go.

  1344 Hits

Zero's

I am a happy camper tonight, happy dance away.  This has been a very challenging cycle for me, and I know everyone else, but bottom line if you want something, and focus, you can do anything you put your mind to.  Requirements complete and the mail man put the icing on the cake when I got home.  Stressfull day at work, but will figure it out, then off to South Charlotte.  OK if you have not figured it out yet I am with Master Chin & Inst. Hsin at South Charlotte.  Did my queen of colorox wipes thing, got all the leaves off the walkway, finished requirements, helped in class then stayed for adult class, very productive.  Had a fantasic class!!!!  What I enjoy the most is that it's not a teaching method of do this, they explain why we are doing it.  It's blue stripe week and while sparring combinations are important,...

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  1009 Hits

9 more life

I only have 9 more jurnal entreys left I am so happy that every one kept working as hard as they could to reach this goal one question I want to ask where do you get the shirts that say thousands of hours of training hundreds of classes countless bumbs and bruises one black belt It would be helpful to know thanks

  7274 Hits

so tired

SO TIRED, SO TIRED, SO TIRED. Did I mention that I was tired. Yesterday I was tired because I barely got any sleep that night. UGH.

  1486 Hits

scared

i have been studying for the test. i going to try to work with Megan to see if we can do everything for Saturday. i cant believe it already here.

  1184 Hits

OCT. 10

Just went on a extremely long run/walk and was a little concerned.... For the past few years I have had a dislocated rib that tends to pop out of place every so often. Today on my run I couldn't breathe and felt like something was poking into my right lung. This is not just a problem because of testing but it is very dangerous to my health. Im hoping it wont be an issue come Saturday so meanwhile Im crossing my fingers and holding my breath (literally!). Right after school I started typing my History of the Kwans that I wrote last week. Hopefully it will take up 5 pages! 

  1146 Hits

cross country meet

today i had a cross country meet. i ran a 23:12 5k. it is slower but everyone had slower times because of the course. there were hills, rocks, roots and pretty much everything you could think of. before my meet, i studied for the test this saturday. i also brought my flash cards on the bus to study on the way to and from. i have about 6 questions i am still trying to get down. the other ones i think i got down! feeling confident!

  45 Hits

1 More Mile and Completed Mentee Sessions!

Today I finished my required mentoring of my mentee. I also walked a lot, so I only have one mile left as well as only 6 jump rope rounds done which I'm finishing tomorrow. I have to take a picture of my mentee and mentor forms and upload it to Drop Box, which Dad can help me with. I had a pretty good day today, but I also have to do a lot tomorrow. It will be a long, but worth it day.(hopefully)

  1325 Hits

Today

Today I went to Durham Raleigh after that I got my flu shot I also got bloodwork done I got a hurt arm Yeah I had a busy day  

  28 Hits

Happy Wednesday!!

Well busy, crazy day at work, but hey what's new, then off to South Charlotte.  I was not as productive on requirements today as I wished but I did get a ton accomplished.  Sometimes time management does not go as planned but in the end it all works out.  Helped in 3 classes tonight, worked with both my mentee and mentor.  Again can not say enough I am very lucky to have the support system I have.  Ms. Tucker rocks and Jillian & Luke are the best!!! I would just like to finish ahead of schedule so I can focus on knowledge, fine tuning everything and I do not want to be stressed.  This is a journey, I want to enjoy it and do things for the right reason. 

  808 Hits

ugh

Today I stayed up to knock on all of my neighbors doors. I did that so I could raise all of the money for the kicks for kids. A lot of my neighbors gave me ten or twenty. I am really nervous for the end of this cycle.

  1160 Hits

hard workout

today i woke up just like any other day, but i hit my head on my bedroom door :p. i got dressed, ate waffles, bacon, rice crispies, milk, and a protein shake for breakfast (not much variation in my breakfast on most days), then went to the bus in the COLD morning. i was freezing because my jacket dosent cover my legs and i was wearing shorts because i had gym today. i got to school and went inside in the WARM, thank you insulation and air conditioning. in first block we had to bring in an object that we thought was "beautiful", i brought in a megalodon tooth that i found underwater when scuba diving off the coast of florida last year. i can tell you that no one had an object as interesting as mine!! they all brought in pictures of family, food, clothes, or baseballs. in second block...

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  51 Hits

getting on top of my requirements

today i did extra on my remaining requirements because i finished a lot of the others im really close to finishing, getting a bit of homework though now 

  1000 Hits

Wacky Wednesday

Today I did not have practice so I went to afterschool.  In afterschool I got to finish my homework.  I also got in a mentor session.  I only have 1 more mentor session to go. I should be able to get it in on Saturday. By the end of this week I should have all of my physical requirements done (except my miles) - but I will be close.

  1390 Hits

Going Hard

Today I went really hard on my mentee.  Since it is really close to testing, I think I should of.  For everything he did wrong on his form, he had to do two push ups  He did really well.  He only has three forms, but he still dd amazing!  I hope everybody does well on testing.

  5506 Hits

oct 9

today I got my breakfast at my house.When I get to school I do safty portal.woot woot hump day.

  1533 Hits

Back in the Green!

Today I'm green in everything except weekly black belt classes and sparring rounds, I did a lot today and m tired, but at least I'm green. I haven't had much free time lately, but I have to get stuff done. Today in black belt class we played jeopardy, and it was a good review for the test coming up soon. Doing all the requirements in the day makes it really hard to get to sleep at night. ?Tomorrow I need to do a lot to stay in the green 

  1595 Hits

10/8

Today I took 3 classes and I'm really tired but I'm really happy that I finally finished my kwan essay. I'm now ready for bed

  1499 Hits

almost here

im so scared for testing this weekend i hope i pass because on saturday its my moms b day. yahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

  1113 Hits

getting ready for the written test

i am really starting to study for the test saturday. i have read over it maybe once a week the last couple but i am now making flash cards and quizzing my self on them. i am also highlighting the questions i need to study more one color and the ones i know in another color. i hope these study tools help those who read this! almost done!!

  1501 Hits

I am done

I am done with every thing besides pull ups It feels very good to finally be done with every thing I evan finished my 5 page esay wow it feels great just so good to finally be done with every thing on the cycle so now I only do pull-ups with a few of everything else ;)

  1305 Hits