Candidate Journals

I went to BB class today and worked on my requirements.

today i had to rush to get my requirements done because of back to school shopping. i think it is important getting as many requirements done before school starts again. depending on how much homework i have from school and how much i have to practice from dance class may leave me behind in requirements. i have most trouble getting my running in and doing my pull ups. running is hard because i have trouble remembering to breath while i am running. that makes me take lots of breaks when i am running resulting in me taking a longer time to run. i have trouble with pull ups because my body is not strong enough to pull up from a dead hang. though i have trouble with those certain requirements i am determined to get all of my requirements done.

Today was a great day in terms of spending quality time with family and friends, but a tough day for completing requirements. Jess had her last softball game this morning, then a friend of mine I haven't seen in over 2 years was here until 7:30 tonight. And my mom, Ben and his friend came back from the beach and we had to run some errands before they leave for MO tomorrow am. So I just got home at 10pm and I'm done for the day. I did get a run, some poomsaes and self-defenses in, and a ton of kicks ( which I did while talking with my friend!).  I will need to make up a bunch tomorrow.

I want to thank Master Evins for letting those of us that audited the last cycle, carry over one third of our physical requirements and classes.  That really helped my numbers! I got up this morning and did some pushups, situps, burpees, poomsaes, and self-defense.  Then I went and taught Little Tigers class.  I couldn’t stay for BB class because I was leaving for the beach. Getting to the beach was tough!  A 4-hour drive became a 5+ hour because of traffic.  I just finished up all of my requirements.  We didn’t get to go out on the beach yet, but I’ll be out there bright and early getting in some miles.  J  

Today was our first official Black Belt Class.  I realized that I really need to work on some of my stances and my punches.  I figured out today that the re-chamber is actually important because it gives you power for your punch.  I realized that I actually need a little bit more energy in the classes because I was tired the whole time.  I did run two miles before class.  I guess I need to build my endurance by running more and doing double of all the requirements just in case I forget to do something.  Today I doubled up on kicks.  

I went to black belt class in North Charlotte today. We sped through a lot of things today. I really enjoyed it. I really need to do a better job of waking up to my alarm. I set it for 7:00 and didn't wake up until 8:00. I also had a hard time squeezing my requirements into my morning before class. 

I am off to a very rough start.  Please do not laugh at my requirement accomplishments I will get on track.

Today I had a yard sale in order to raise the money that will go to the Levine Children's Hospital.  I exceeded my goal, and all the money is going to the hospital!

Today was a great day! I did a kick up with no hands.  Right out of the blue.  I have been practicing for years.  The black belt cycle helped.  I ran two miles today.  It was tough.

Today was a great day!  I did a kick up with no hands today.  I have been practicing forever.  I ran two miles. It was really tough. 

So much to do! Reports, School Prep Book, Requirements, SCUBA Test Studying, and the Annual Summer Reading Program! I really NEED a schedule. I think it  will really help. There so much to do and not much time to do it. Anyways, today I went to Walmart and couldn't find a jump rope!(even with help) I really need to get a good jump rope because I feel like they're all too big or too small for me. I got a cool green water bottle, though.

Today I ran 3.41 miles. Today I was very sluggish, so I just need to get used to getting up in the morning again. No worries.

Today was a medium day.  It wasn't really great and it wasn't really bad.  My muscles are very sore from all the physical requirements that I have to do.  I am tired because its late at night I waited too late to write this journal entry.  I think the training is hard it you just start into it.   The running has been my biggest challenge so far because I haven't done a lot of distance running and now I'm trying to run three miles a day.  The basic kicks have been the easiest for me to do every day because I've been doing kicks every day since I was a white belt.  That was two years ago.   I haven't been very hungry since starting the training.  I have started drinking a protein shake for breakfast instead of eating a meal.  I think that helps me because it has protein...

today i took blackbelt class at the mint hill location. the class was different and the class was small. i figuerd out that i need to woork on staff form 2 and knife self deffence.

I am sort of ready for this black belt cycle. I did my empathy day yesterday and my report today. Check this out. I'm writing this from my bunk bed which my dad just set up for me a few days ago when it was just a bed. From my experience I know it's going to be a long cycle, and that  I'll have to push myself. I have more experience now after one cycle and I know what to expect. getting to start 10 days early will be a huge help.

Today I got a kind of late start. I had a camp so I got most of my requirements done early. I'm still getting used to all of the training. I'm happy that the cycle has started before school so I don't have homework and school to do with my exercises for a while.

Today I was squeezing in 10 push ups here and 10 sit ups there.  Did poomsaes while on conference calls (when the long winded folks start talking).  Found a stick at the park and went through stick, sword and staff forms while Jess' team was warming up before her softball game.  Forgot double stick form 2!  Yikes. 

Today was a busy day and I’m really tired.  But, I’m headed to the beach for a week of vacation so I should have the opportunity to rest and get lots of requirements done. J Hopefully, by the time I return, the requirements will be easier and I won’t be sore anymore. I accomplished all of my requirements and my plan is to keep up (or get ahead) while I’m gone.  I’ll also be working on my last two essays and my new skill.

I got some leadership credits today and went to the black belt class in mint hill. My requirements are coming along good Im ahead in some things and right on in others.

i worked on my requirements

Today I worked on my requirements and did more to get ahead. I also went to the black belt class in Mint Hill

Ready set go - -it's time.  I am ready for this journey and will complete it.  Confidence!!!  It's going to be a crazy hectic month but I have got this.  May not get all requirements in every day but the balance will be there when it is time to finish.  Needed to badly decompress after work yesterday and went to the park across from the hotel.  Found that doing intervals with running and jumping rope is going to be the ticket for me.  Looking forward to seeing everyone soon.                      

And so it begins…. I got up this morning at 4am to do some training before I left for work.  I was able to get my pushups, situps, poomsaes, burpees, self-defense, and kicks done.  (I find that I do better early in the morning, instead of waiting till the end of the day.)  I did two miles during lunch today.  I finished up my sparring rounds, jump rope, and pull-ups after I got home from work, before class. I toke the TKD Plus and BB classes tonight.  I was going to take PMAA, but I forgot my shirt. It looks like we are going to have a very large group of testers this time.  I hope everyone works hard and has a huge sense of accomplishment by the time we get our belts!

First day of my audit cycle.  It's a long journey to test for my 4th Dan. Since I spent 9 hrs in the car today, I didn't get to all the daily items. I need to establish a rhythm. 

Dear Journal,  I did not know how to start this so I started with "Dear Journal".  This is the first day of the black belt cycle.  I've been preparing for this over the weeks but this is probably the hardest thing I've done. My mom read somewhere that out of all the people that start a white belt only 3% reach there black belt!  They say a journey of 1,000 miles (The black belt cycle) begins with one step (The First Day Of The Cycle) and a good pair of shoes.  This will take more than shoes this will take sweat, a whole lot of it pain in your muscles, and tears because of the pain.  I've gotten a lot of advice from the masters that have gone before me like Master Burkart, Master Thamm, Instructor Jaque, and Instructor Alexander.  Master Thamm said to double up or triple up on the...

Today was the first day of requirements. My body was not prepared for today so I am a little tired. But I will get used to it again sooner or later.

i had ballet today so i had barely had enough time to get the rest of my requirerments done.

Today was hard. I had fun.  I figured out to work in the computer journal/program. 

ive been doing all the physical stuff already so they dont feel any harder yet...still first day haha. last day of eating junk. about to go healthy the next couple weeks

Today was hard, but I knew it was coming.  It takes a lot of dedication, time, and effort.  If you are going to do this, you have to be strong, patient, and dedicated-like me!

I am so excited that the cycle has started!  Since I have done this before and I know what to expect, it doesn't seem as intimidating. 

Its day 1 and this is my first round so I dont really know what to expect but I know I can do it.

Starting the Black Belt cycle and feel good but nervous.

The cycle has started!  Since this is my second time around, I feel I know what to expect and I'm ready.

Well, today is the first day of the Fall Black Belt cycle and I am excited and nervous. I know it will be tough, but rewarding. I will learn a lot about Tae Kwon Do, myself and the others on the cycle with me. It seems like a long time but I know the time will go quickly therefore effective time management is the key to success.

This is my last journal and now I am done with the cycle. After another 10 weeks for me to finish up, didn't quit and still finished it all.

Last Tuesday of school.  Gonna see my dad on Saturday in Indiana.

Had a concert at school, glad i had no homework

Didn't like it when there was no sparring class but I just realized I did all fifteen of those sparring classes by checking it.  So after this journal I have three more left.  That will be it and I'm done. :)

1 week of school left and then it's summer.  

Finished my last leadership credit today

gonna do my last leadership credit tommorow.  I have 3 projects due this week

Glad Monday was off.  43 journals done.

Didn't get to go to the King Tiger Tournament.  Darn it.

I know I'm finishing the requirements,  It may look like it's not updated but I am doing requirements and I'm still logging it down.  All I need is 1 leadership credit and 2 sparring classes and journals.  That's all.  Did all the pullups, leadership credit 2, mentor and mentee sessions even though it's not updated.  Thank you, just wanted to let you know.

Did leadership credit.  Had science Eogs today. :(

Did Leadership credit today.  I'm going to King Tiger Tournament to finish my sparring class credits.  

I have about ten journals left and four leadership credits.

Fast week went by and a Saturday came.  Can't beleive there is no sparring class.  I needed to do one.

Too late for the credit today.

leadership credit donev today and yesterday.  5 more left.

Made a card and getting two great things for my Mom.  

Glad it is Friday.  Probably not going to the tournament because Lots of Mother's Day Planned out so I'll just go to the remaining two sparring classes  

2 sparring classes left. I'll probably do the aau tournament to finish those two sparring classes out of the way.

Did leadership credit and did last mentee meeting.

Did leadership credit and mentee meeting.  Awesome day

Finished all my pullups and leadership credit 2.  10 more leadership credit 1,   2 mentee meetings,  1 mentor meeting,  and 2 more sparring classes and I'm finally done.

Relaxing Sunday.  Too muddy to go outside so I relaxed today inside.

Had a great sparring class.  Getting ready to eat lunch now.

Just finished homework.  It was pretty hard but I managed to finish at 10:39

Leadership credit 1 and 2 and did mentee meeting.

Today got my leadership 1 and two credits done.

today my grandparents flew back to LA.  Had a good time with them.  My face is really better now and I can do leadership credits this week.

Three Sparring Classes in one week along with finishing all of my other requirements prior to testing, I can finally say that my cycle is truly & completely finished. Yeah man!

So, we had color belt testing at the LKN Dojang yesterday and today. It was fun helping them. I was able to work in a sparring class today as well. This leaves me one more sparring class and my cycle will be truly complete.

Same thing again today, the swelling is going down but can't take class still. 

I had another typically good Tuesday of classes and workouts. Most importantly I did another Sparring Class, leaving me two more which I will complete Thursday & Saturday.

I can't do take any classes right now since the kick in the face I got in sparring class.  It is really swelled up and it is hard to talk and eat since of some damage inside my mouth.  Hopefully it will heal by the end of the week.

We had a very nice Black Belt Retreat at the White Water Center highlighted by the Canyon Spur High Ropes Adventure. Instructor Dege & I conquered the challenge with relative ease. The BB Moment came on our way home when we earned a group Random Act of Kindness assisting a lady when she forgot to replace her gas cap. I am already looking forward to my next official cycle in 2015.

Today I did five laps around the school track.  I have my friends running with me too.  Great time.

I feel disappointed in my success with my split. By "success" I mean "still a good 5 inches from the ground".  I just wish I had started stretching earlier in preparation for this goal so I could have had something constructive to show for it on testing day. I didn't even really fully stretch out for the afternoon testing, I felt too tired to do it. I'm going to keep working at it, though, especially since it will only get harder as I get older- it's now or never!

I can't believe that I am still sore from testing!!!! I'm slowly starting to be fully stretched out again, but my shoulder, knee, ankle, and hip continue to bother me. The cut on my hand is healing nicely though and I don't think there will be a scar, so that's good!:)

I came off the bus late today because bus driver wasn't feeling well and blablablablablablablablabla.  For that I missed My Leadership credit today and mentee meeting.  What a bummer

So, after a few days of chilling after a awesome weekend I eased back into things today. I went to the mid-day class @ Master Evins' Dojang and then ran a mile and did light workout after shopping & chores. Overall, I had a great weekend. The overnight was terrific and we finished early. Master Evins released us @ 04:30. I came home and drank a Whey Protein Shake, ate a Roasted Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breast I had cooked the Thursday night, took a shower and slept off and on for 4.5 hours. I then ate a three egg & cheese omelet and went to our afternoon testing. And that went quicker than I thought also. So, I was able to return home and shower before heading to work @ 17:30. The Scholarship Dinner went great and we finished @ 23:30. After a very good night's sleep I went to church Sunday...

Did leadership credit and mentor meeting today.  Gonna finish all these extra requirements I didn't finish up.

Had a good time at testing and just recovered from the overnight testing.  Gotta do 32 more journals.

Had a good time at testing and just recovered from the overnight testing.  Gotta do 32 more journals.

Feeling really sour from testing..but had a nice sleep! Just trying to do a couple more journal entries  

Slept right after i came back from the early morning test... Woke up at 9 and had an apple!!

Okay I've practiced everything I know at least once, hopefully it's enough! The self defense is really extensive, though, I'm getting them mixed up. 

I just want to send some positive energy toward the Black Belts that are testing tonight!  You guys are going to do an awesome job.  Just remember, you know your stuff, now it’s your chance to show everyone how hard you’ve been working.  Be strong and breathe!  J

I am so jazzed about our night ahead. I am drinking an amazing amount of water to help prevent dehydration and cramps. We are going to have so much fun. See you all tonight!

SO TERRIFIED FOR TESTING!!!!! I hope the fear and adrenaline keep me awake! >_<

Getting hours closer to testing and feeling kindve good. Hope i dont black out during a form on the test. Hope everything goes well.

Didn't see it but his is my last journal! I've been at my internship do its been busy, busy! Tomorrow is the test I have practiced and perfected my creative poomsae, even put music to it! Excited, scared, happy, nervous is how I'm feeling right now!

I had very good afternoon/evening at the LKN Dojang. I am also really jazzed about the overnight this Friday. We get to take a class that allows us to practice & perform everything that we have learned. We get to do every poomsae, self defense, back fall, hopkido, staff, sticks, etc. It is awesome. Well I have to get up at 04:00 tomorrow to teach just like this morning so goodnight people.

Almost done everything. Im getting pumped for this test. It took a long time to get to this point and I hope to have learned a lot from this experience.

After a good mornng that included class at the North Charlotte Dojang the afternoon and evening went well also. I prepared dinner for the St. Mark's Mid-Week Service and Dinner series and then went to sparring and PMAA classes @ the LKN Dojang. Now, if I can just figure out something to do this Friday night and Saturday morning.

Attending the midday class @ the North Charlotte Dojang on Red Stripe Day is always fun. And you are guaranteed to get some requirements knocked out along with an awesome fun workout. Thank you Master Evins!  

Im almost done choreographing my creative form. Only the last four steps left but trying to make them good. Great cycle and cant wait till friday

I'm so excited that I have my creative form done!  I'm very glad I chose to work with a staff because I love it so much.  I worked it out with a short stick at home, though, so it will take some work adapting it to the staff.  

As the week of our Black Belt test is finally here, I think about how much I have learned, but I wish I felt more confident with hapkido. It's not even the hapkido really, it's the memory. I know...repetition, repetition, repetition, but time is running out for repetition. I was able to take my last required sparring class today after Black Belt class and finished up one of my last essays today too, so that is a big relief. Just one more to complete! A big THANK YOU to Instructor Randle, Instructor Tucker, Instructor Lloyd and Master Cavazos who have been extremely encouraging this whole cycle! And Camille too! I couldn't have gotten this far without out each of you. At what point do we say that we've practiced and practiced and studied and studied, that we need to trust ourselves to perform our best? Do we ever get to that point? It would be nice to...

I really like our TKD Saturdays. Got to the dojang early, ran, did pooms and requirements, BB Class & Sparring Class. You have to love it.  

The next two weekends are going to be very interesting. Work on Friday the 12th from 08:30 to 19:20; Over-Night Testing from 22:00 to 06:00(4/13); Open Testing from 12:30 to completion; work at Ai until 23:59. Lay Eucharistic Minister Sunday the 14th @ 10:30 service. Then on Friday the 19th I orchestrate a Dinner Reception @ the Art Institute until 17:30; attend Tea Ceremony @ 18:15; Deliver Continental Breakfast to St. Mark's @ 08:00 on the 20th; Black Belt Retreat with some incredibley awesome people.  

Last day of snowboarding, we leave for the plane tomorrow. Been working a lot on hapkido and I have a dad to thank for that. Super sore from all the snowboarding and even with a good night sleep I should feel even worse in the morning! 

There is no doubt that the concept of Black Belt Training is a great standard whether one is "on" cycle or not. I continue to train even though the requirements are complete (except sparring classes) and I will continue even after testing.

A Poomsae is a choreographed demonstration of various kicks, blocks, and hand techniques of Tae Kwon Do which the student utilizes with an imaginary opponent.  A Poomsae is a choreographed demonstration of various kicks, blocks and hand techniques of Tae Kwon Do which the student utilizes with an imaginary opponent.

Last night got through all of the hapkido, going to go through them all again. Went up on the mountain again, but this time we went on some new trails; which was a lot of fun. This morning woke up with snow everywhere, great for snowboarding. Tomorrow hopefully we will go snowmobiling, busy busy week!

Getting micro-organized for the next two weeks. I have everything planned out for each day and I have a ton of review and a ton of writing. The test feels real and I'm terrified about being too tired on Friday to preform well or being that one person that messes up and makes everyone have to practice a poomsae like 20 times. I don't know, I guess we'll see. Also found out my best friend scheduled something over black belt testing....awesome to have his support when I need it. 

Wow I had a blast snowboarding today! I actually didn't think I'd ever get the logistics about it, but it turned out to be easier than I thought. Although I was soaking wet from falling, I had a ton of fun and I would defiantly encourage people to try it some time. Maybe tomorrow ill go back and shred some more but I'm just waiting for the soreness to kick in!