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!

travel and training

Spent the past 3 days in Athens GA for work. Was able to get in one session of training at my old training room when I was in school there. It felt good. I also just found the King Tiger You Tube channel with all the self defenses. Not sure where my brain was at but I am glad I finally found them.

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I'm jumpin...

I'm jumping back into my training and the push-ups are killing me, even when I use my nifty "push up pump" that helps me keep my body in the correct form. I have been very preoccupied with work. I have to give two lectures at the Heart Rhythm Society's annual International convention this May and I'm scared out of my mind. I am extremely nervous. You would think after 20 years as an Electrophysiology nurse I would be a little more confident.

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Long day

I am so tired because I have been up for a while and was on a field trip since 7:00 even though I had to wake up at 5:45.

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Long day

I am so tired because I have been up for a while and was on a field trip since 7:00 even though I had to wake up at 5:45.

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Long day

I am so tired because I have been up for a while and was on a field trip since 7:00 even though I had to wake up at 5:45.

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Long day

I am so tired because I have been up for a while and was on a field trip since 7:00 even though I had to wake up at 5:45.

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Its spring...

Its spring break this week for us. Been working on my Kumon assignments and getting my poomsae and self defense done in the morning. Just came back from library - Monday's we have "paws for reading". Been going every week with my sister. We both love to read books and we do a lot of reading in the summer too in the library and at home. I have my Tae Kwon Do class at 5.25pm and then Hyper Pro. Just 10 more days before our final test.....

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Had a good...

Had a good weekend camping, I reviewed a little bit then, had fun camping. Then that my 2 year old niece came over.We had fun today

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Hi

Today I did more requirements. I spent the whole day inside doing school work. I'm planning to get everything 0 by end of this week and just review the last week.

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My bay is ...

My bay is good. I study for my ss test. And I had to do index cards. But so far to day was good.

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The Big Event

2 weeks until the BB test and I am so excited! I can not wait until the test! YEAH!!!!

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Had a rela...

Had a relaxing Saturday yesterday. Working on my details now and taking time in my poomsae and self defense. I have also been working on my pull up bar as well. I played wii games yesterday with my dad and had fun.

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community service & classes

We had a really good Saturday at King Tiger. We had our community service project, black belt class & sparring. Un fortunately I had to leave sparring early. It was for a good reason though.

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Going camp...

Going camping tonight. Then gonna do requirements as well

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I had a pr...

I had a pretty decent day because my computer kept bugging out when I was on the black belt web page. And the good part is that I finished all my black belt requirements.

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Today was ...

Today was fun I did hyper pro and black belt it was super fun beacuse we went over stuff that we need to know for testing. Today for lunch I ate chil dog and whopper jr it was good today I felt good going to tae kwon do to do my community project today.

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I did it

Today I finished my physical requirements. Did you finish? 

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I had a go...

I had a good day yesterday at school. Yay!!! Its spring break next week. I get to take rest and make sure i work on the finer details on my poomsaes and self defense. Two more weeks before the final test. We did our community service project today and I felt really bad for the kids. They really need support and I will do my best to give my share. Going to be a lazy saturday afternoon

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My day is ...

My day is going good so far. I woke up recently. I hope that every one is having a good day today.

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This was s...

This was supposed to be for last night but I forgot haha, everything has been finished as my requirements go and even though I am finished that doesn't mean I will quit working out. BLACK BELT STRONG !!!

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Story Writing

My dad is making me write a very long paper........... yay.

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Hi I reall...

Hi I really hope this is not too late. Tomorrow I'm going to spend all morning with Master Chelly because my mom hates me (just kidding, she'll just be busy) but I'm sure it's going to be fun and extremely productive. I can expect most requirements to be done by tomorrow.

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My day was...

My day was good. I Really didn't do much today. We had in door pa to da because it was raining .

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AHHHH

14 MORE DAYS TILL TESTING. PRACTICING REALLY HARD AND I AM REALLLY NERVOUS. I had a good day and I cannot wait till tomorrow for BBC. See you guys tomorrow.

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I had a gr...

I had a great day at king tiger and school. I also had fun at recess.

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finish

Today I am trying to finish my cycle by doing everything now while I still have the time.

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D.C.

Spent most of last week and the weekend in Washington, DC visiting some family (wife's side). Honestly didn't get too many requirements done on this trip. The hotel did have a gym, which I used twice to do some things. We stayed in downtown DC, so the miles were very easy to get in. It was fun, and a great change of scenery for a bit. I need to make sure I am journaling more frequently...it is very hard to get caught back up if I get behind on those!

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Had a very...

Had a very productive two days. Finding got my old truck fixed , yes it may have cost me around 150.00. But it save me in the long run. Now if I can get another 27 years out it ,OK may be 7 I will be happy. The most enjoyable day was yesterday , went from ONE password at work to 5 passwords. How I remember the days when we never had any. The good old days.

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Yesterday ...

Yesterday in my swim class my master asked if i was ready for a challenge. The competition was to do the racing dive and then streamline across the 25 mts and reach the wall the other side without coming up. I did the challenge twice and won... I took the day off from requirements yesterday; however back to schedule from today onwards. I have collected few stuff for the community service project and excited to be part of this project.

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So sore...................yet again.

I am so sore! I can hardly move my legs. It doesn't matter though, I'll live. :)

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Busy weekend ahead

I have quite the busy weekend ahead, but it is a very good thing. Every morning I thank the Lord that I am able to rise and accomplish whatever the day presents. My morning prayer is that I glorify the Lord as I do them. I look forward to seeing everyone for our community service effort tomorrow. Let's share our gifts.

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Assisted i...

Assisted in testing tonight. Need to do this more often. So much fun to watch these kids earn their next belt!

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Good night...

Good night at class tonight, going through some hard times in my life right now trying to figure out what to do... but still working hard to get my black belt

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my day was...

my day was good. I did my reading map testing today and it was good.

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my day was...

my day was good. I did my reading map testing today and it was good.

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I had a gr...

I had a great day at Tae Kwon Do and school. I also ran 4 and a half miles.

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Today was ...

Today was ok. I have to remember to go out and buy a cup this weekend though. I feel like i'm doing fine on my requirements.

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Loving the journey

This has been an awesome cycle. I cannot thank everyone enough for every part they have played. I would like to give a shout out to Masters Chelley for all their efforts in keeping us all on track. I would also like to give a shout out to Masters Hartle & Cavazos for working with me on Hapkido and PMAA. 16 days until testing!

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SO much to do................ again

I have got some stuff left to do. I will finish and become a BLACK BELT!

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My day was...

My day was good. Just did my regular class and leadership. I did the short sticks with Instructor Weeks. He went very fast and i matched him pretty well. I really liked doing it.

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Good class...

Good class tonight, had a "sparring" like class it was Good really tired right now good night

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My day was...

My day was good. I had no homework today. It felt great that i didn't have to do work when I came homework.

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new day

Today is a new day to do something new so go do it.

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YEAH I DID IT!!!!

I did it! I finished the physical and written exams! I am really happy! ;)

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Yesterday ...

Yesterday was a normal day at school. Finished all my home work while coming in the bus so that i can watch TV for a little. Went for BB class. Master Randle and i reviewed my stuff again and then I came home after the BB class. I was tired and went straight to bed...

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Rounding Third

We are rounding third and heading for home. Hopefully we will trot across the plate and not have to slide in headfirst. I had a very busy 48 hours yesterday through today. I still got in 2 miles yesterday and 2 today along with a BB Class, a PMAA Class and requirements. The bummer was missing classes on Monday.

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What a bea...

What a beautiful day , was able to get my tax's done. How much I love that. Then a TKD class at lunch. Then was able to mow my lawn ,my neighbors lawn and a common area. Then TKD and PMAA tonight. Now tomorrow this all about truck time and save myself from buying a new / used truck.

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Sorry for ...

Sorry for the delay of putting stuff in. Yesterday and today were pretty busy days. We walked a TON during our trips and ran across roads. I went to the hotel's gym every night while was meh. Well I'm back so it's much better.

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My day was...

My day was good. Had map testing today and it was not fun. Have fun what every you are doing.

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Gave blood...

Gave blood today. Then later tonight at Belmont we had a good Black Belt class tonight, reviewed material for the black belt test. All went good :)

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help

Today I had to help my sister get yuk chang down. She got it maybe

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I had fun ...

I had fun at school and had science at the end of the day. I also went to subway.

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back on track

After a few days of hitting the gym again I think I am back on track. I've hit each of the physical test requirements (but not immediately after one another) except the kicks. I need to find a bag to kick.

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Community Service Project

I sent a note to my class teacher last week on the community service project and my friends and teacher told that we will collectively come up with few items by tomorrow. I am really thankful to have such good classmates and friends. I had a good day yesterday. Came from school and then went straight to the library where my sister and I read books. There is a program called "Paws for Reading" and a lot of kids come and do that. We do this every monday. Then i went to Tae Kwon Do and Master Evins made us do a lot of rolls in Hyper..

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My day was...

My day was good. I got a 79% on my test for tkd. I almost forgot to do my journal .

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HELP

Today Master Chelley needed a lot of help. A lot of instructors were not here. She e mailed everyone and a ton of people showed up to help. It was a fun class. I took the family class after and I worked on pow gue. I did not have a lot of home work so I could have stayed longer. See you guys tomorrow.

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I do belie...

I do believe that the weather today did not know how to make up its mind. It start off OK this morning but at around 11 to 2 it was down right cold pluse the wind I had to find a jacket . Then at at quittin time around 3:15 the sun was out and it was about 60 and nice. O well all I know is its time to start doing yard work. Hello Tuesday and Wednesday. Gas up the lawn mower and weed eater.

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I do belie...

I do believe that the weather today did not know how to make up its mind. It start off OK this morning but at around 11 to 2 it was down right cold pluse the wind I had to find a jacket . Then at at quittin time around 3:15 the sun was out and it was about 60 and nice. O well all I know is its time to start doing yard work. Hello Tuesday and Wednesday. Gas up the lawn mower and weed eater.

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I do belie...

I do believe that the weather today did not know how to make up its mind. It start off OK this morning but at around 11 to 2 it was down right cold pluse the wind I had to find a jacket . Then at at quittin time around 3:15 the sun was out and it was about 60 and nice. O well all I know is its time to start doing yard work. Hello Tuesday and Wednesday. Gas up the lawn mower and weed eater.

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I do belie...

I do believe that the weather today did not know how to make up its mind. It start off OK this morning but at around 11 to 2 it was down right cold pluse the wind I had to find a jacket . Then at at quittin time around 3:15 the sun was out and it was about 60 and nice. O well all I know is its time to start doing yard work. Hello Tuesday and Wednesday. Gas up the lawn mower and weed eater.

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I do belie...

I do believe that the weather today did not know how to make up its mind. It start off OK this morning but at around 11 to 2 it was down right cold pluse the wind I had to find a jacket . Then at at quittin time around 3:15 the sun was out and it was about 60 and nice. O well all I know is its time to start doing yard work. Hello Tuesday and Wednesday. Gas up the lawn mower and weed eater.

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I do belie...

I do believe that the weather today did not know how to make up its mind. It start off OK this morning but at around 11 to 2 it was down right cold pluse the wind I had to find a jacket . Then at at quittin time around 3:15 the sun was out and it was about 60 and nice. O well all I know is its time to start doing yard work. Hello Tuesday and Wednesday. Gas up the lawn mower and weed eater.

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lazy monday

Today I had a lazy Monday. It was pretty lazy. I had some fun at recess. I was bored for the rest of the day.

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I get off ...

I get off track and then I have to play catch up. Not a good plan. Still coughing all day and night but I shouldn't let it get in the way of training. I can find an excuse anywhere......

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I had an a...

I had an awesome day because I did better today in school. And helped out with two classes.

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Testing Journals

I am enjoying reading everyone's journals about the physical & written tests. I am very proud to be part of a group collectively striving to perform at such a high level. It is an honor to work with such fantastic young adults. Keep up the great effort.

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So I meant...

So I meant to do this last night haha but, I had a awesome time doing my black belt physical and written test Saturday. On Sunday I was really sore, and even on Saturday afternoon, I came home and washed my step dad's drag car trailer with my brother. But Saturday was really fun for me, all of us candidates are one step closer to becoming a 1st degree !!

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Yesterday ...

Yesterday i had a good day. My dad and i went for our morning run.. we both ran at a lower speed than what we usually do..we wanted to run at a slow pace but longer time. After that I went to get a hair cut and went for shopping. We also met Instructor Dege while shopping. This is our last week in school before spring break. Our spring break is cut short because of the snow days.

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Sore

Today I felt sore, and I don't know why; I also felt really tired, and worn out. The only thing I did today, was go see one of my best friends perform with her brother at a coffee shop, where they played the drums, and the electric bass, it was sooooooo cool!! I also worked on Taekwondo stuff. I hope that everyone had a great day!! I hope that everyone has been keeping up with everything!!

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Outside

Today I went outside and played with my friends. I was doing some of my requirements outside. I had a good day I can't wait for next weekend. See you guys tomorrow.

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My day was...

My day was good. But to today I fell off my skateboard and I got a scratch on my back.

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Lazy

Today I have been very lazy and I have know idea of what to do .

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away

Hello, I'm in Greensboro right now on a TSA trip. I'm really tired and I'm doing homework and doing requirements when I can.

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these last...

these last few days have been leg recovery for myself and troubleshooting on my ford F 150 , ( 1988 ).I do believe I may have found the problem. May have to fabricate a heat shield for the starter and do a Kevlar wrapped around the exhaust. Then replace the stater again. O well it is better then buying a new/used truck.

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I had an a...

I had an awesome day because it was so warm and windy. I got cherry berry and it was really cold. And my cousin christian came over too.

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I had an a...

I had an awesome day because it was so warm and windy. I got cherry berry and it was really cold. And my cousin christian came over too.

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I had an a...

I had an awesome day because it was so warm and windy. I got cherry berry and it was really cold. And my cousin christian came over too.

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Woke up la...

Woke up late today. Feeling sore from yesterday's physical test. Feeling great that we are done with it. The entire group did a great job yesterday and cheering each other. Today i am going to take it easy and mostly focus on my assignments for the week. Will plan to help out testing this Friday.

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Today was ...

Today was good. As everyone knows we did testing or at least part of it.... Other than that, I lazed around a lot

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Physical and written test

I am soooo happy with the score that I got on my written test(105). I beat all of my scores from last time but I wish that I could have done better. I feel like I could have done better. I was really nervous about today. Throughout the whole day I had butterflies in my stomach and I was nervous. I felt like i was not doing well enough and I feel like I was going to pass out. I am happy with what I got today but I feel like I could have done better. How do you guys feel you did and what did you think and feel??? See you guys tomorrow.

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Had a good...

Had a good physical / written test today. On the pre test mile I got 9 minutes and 1 second, this time on my mile run I got 7 minutes and 49 seconds tremendous cut on time !!! Then for the written test I got a 105 on the test :) now on the home stretch for the black belt cycle TURN UP!!!

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Fitness Testing, and Written Testing

Today I had my fitness testing, and I am very happy of myself, because I beat everything that I did in my pre-test!!! I got 105% on my written test!!! Wahhhooooooo!!! So happy. Then after I took 2 more classes, and then sparring class. Sparring Class was a lot of hard work, Master Evins was teaching us how to try and use more foot work while we were sparring. I definitely learned a lot!! I will suggest doing those types of drills at my sparring class. But now I have absolutely no energy left, I am ready for bed. I hope that everyone had a great day!! I hope that everyone has been keeping up with everything!! Congratulations to everyone who passed!!

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I think I pased

 I passed my test. I got a  B  on the written test today and I got better on the physical test

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My day was...

My day was good.there is only 3weeks left instil testing.

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Today we h...

Today we had our physical and written test. In my pre-test i ran a mile in 9:17 mins behind TJ. My plan for today was to keep running a few seconds behind him. But he and Sam ran very fast and they are both very tall and guess finished in less than 8mins for their 1 mile. I ran my best and completed my run in 8:18 mins. I felt really good on my time and my hard work definitely paid off. I definitely beat my numbers from my pre-test in Pushi-Ups, Situps, V situps , Pull Ups and Burpees. I did well on my written test as well. We finished with our Black Belt class. I can really feel the finish line. By this time in 3 weeks we would be done with our final test too!!!!

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Back on track - reflections on a father

I missed a few journal entries lately and my apologies for that. Given recent circumstances I wanted my next entry to be a bit meaningful and entries related to training seemed a bit inconsequential. My father died on March 3.I turn 47 in less than a month, an age where the loss of a parent is common and sometimes expected. Such was the case with my father. He was 82 and had been in declining health for a while. He suffered from several medical issues associated with smoking. Metastatic lung cancer was the formal cause of death. (To those young people who are considering smoking, it takes a terrible toll and can lead to a very unpleasant death.)I want to share a few things about my father.What I remember most about Bill Baker is that he was a quiet and peaceful man. Because he managed a John Deere dealership, he worked...

Continue reading
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Soup

Today I served soup at my church. I was upset that I had to miss Black Belt class. Make sure everything is done for tomorrow. It is 11:56 and I am rushing so I can do this journal on time so it is short. See you guys tomorrow.

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Today was ...

Today was fine. I'm kinda nervous about the tests tomorrow. But I'm sure I'll do well

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Testing

Many people look at testing as an onus; I see testing as a culmination of what I have learned (or not learned). It is simply a measure of where I am so I can better determine what I have to do to get to where I really want to be. Tonight I had the honor of taking my Third Dan Physical and Written Testing with Master David Cavazos. We both did very well for a couple of 57 year old gents. I ran my 2.5 miles in 20:35 at a pace of 8:08/mile. I wanted to be sub 8, so I still have work to do. I did well with the remainder of the physical requirements as did Master Cavazos. We now begin to prepare for our final testing phase on 10 & 11 April. Let's get this!

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Busy Fnishing Up some things before my physical and written testing tomorrow.

Today I had to miss Black Belt Class, because I had a community service things to do for my church. But I am finishing up my last essay and getting ready to study again for the written test tomorrow. I am nervous and excited at the same time. I hope I do well, I think I will though, because I have been working really really hard to get to this point. I hope that everyone had a great day! I hope that everyone has been working on their stuff! STUDY STUDY STUDY for tomorrow, and remember that you will do great, and try your best. Good Luck! See ya tomorrow. 

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I would li...

I would like to thank instructor Lloyd for being there with me to do his physical and written test today. You rocked it out, awesome. Now two more weeks and testing. I would like to wish everone good luck tomorrow on their test. But I know you all will do good and rock it out. I wish I could be there with you tomorrow but I definitely will be there on the 10th and 11th of April.

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Today was ...

Today was bad beacuse I got not enough to eat sinse I'm sick. I think im going to not make it tomorrow I hope everybody those good on there test tomorrow.

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Sorta nerv...

Sorta nervous for tomorrow, its the physical portion and written test tomorrow :) im in the home stretch for the black belt cycle now :) cant wait to have my very own black belt (1st degree ) around my waist :) !!!

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my day was...

my day was good. I about to fell asleep in my first block. I hope you are ready for tomorrow.

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I had an a...

I had an awesome day at black belt class and school. I also was craving a blizzard from dairy queen.

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Tomorrow is the day

One more day till my physical and written exams. Yay (so nervous).

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Even thoug...

Even though my mentor sessions are done Master Randle and I still work together. Yesterday she went through all my questions and made sure that i knew them. We are 3 weeks away from our final test. This weekend is our physical and written test and I am hoping the weather is good for us to do the run.

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Sparring

Today I took sparring class helped out with Wang ho. In sparring class I felt like my kicks were stronger than they have before. I am getting better and better every day. I hope you guys are keeping up with your requirements and practicing/studying for Saturday. See you guys tomorrow!!

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Good day and evening

I had a good day in spite of the dreary weather. Usual day on the job. Then went to Phillip O'Berry Academy to be a tasting judge for their 2nd annual Taste O'Berry event. The event ran a little long so I was not able to get to North Charlotte to attend Black Belt Class, but I did make it to PMAA. That was good. On to the busy weekend.

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Sparring Class

Today sparring class was a little hard in the beginning, because my tail bone still hurt, but it was ok later on. But as I was sparring other people, I ended up hurting my knee, elbow, and the instep of my foot. This is horrible, this always ends up happening before something big. But I am determined to fight through the pain and try to heal ASAP. I hope that everyone had a great day!! I hope that everyone has been keeping up with everything!! I hope that everyone has been studying!! See ya Saturday!

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