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!

Day 20

I just got home from helping at Mint Hill and then taking sparring class. I am really tired. During sparring class we did 10 sparring rounds without a water break. I am still sweaty and it has been 20 minutes since the class ended. But it was a good class we worked on foot work, kicks, we did a lot of push ups and sit ups, and we helped the younger belts get a feel for sparring. But I am not done yet I have a mentor session with Master Richie and then black belt class at Master Evins. Until then I am going to work on my essays and relax.

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Quiet day

I didn't do much today, I mainly puttered around the house when I got home from my sleepover. I got my requirements done and cleaned my binder for school next week, not really looking forward to that, but oh well. Anyway, It was a really quiet day.

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blurs

all the days are starting to blur together. that is what i think.it is my same routine. wake up. watch tv. eat breakfast. clean the house. eat lunch. do all my physical. take class. eat dinner. log. take a shower go to bed. i also have to find some thing i need to work on a lot. it just happens to be pullupsfor me.

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Day 19- Jayson

Today at summer camp, I was expecting to go to the library.  Instead, we went to a bowling alley.  I had a fun time losing. I forgot my mentee credit.  But I did get my leadership 2 credit done.  The mentee that I was supposed to have came back, so I need to make up my credits tomorrow, and for the rest of summer camp. 

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progress

today i made alot of progress, not only did i workout and got everything for my daily requirements done, but i finished another essay too. i also got the book i need to read for another essay and i can start to read it and get it done soon. this week i plan to help out and get credits but i also plan to enjoy my last week of summer, so i now have 6 days left. i read a quote today to put in my role model essay and found it true and interesting, it was "A leader leads by example, whether he intends to or not." this is a great quote and thought i should share it. but hopefully i will get alot more things done tomorrow and finally take some stress off my shoulders. 

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Decent Monday

I had 3 hours of conference calls this morning and got a ton of requirements done during those calls.  Usually I get impatient when one if my long-winded colleagues starts going on and on, but today I start did a round of push ups and sit ups or a poomsae or self-defense. It was a win-win. I had most of my requirements done before 2 pm including a noon class, and then I taught family class and took the adult class to a got some bonus requirements in. Since I will be traveling soon, I'm glad to get a bit ahead. 

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Rainy Monday...

Today was a nice rainy Monday.  It started with training and then I had to take my daughter to her open house for school.  Later, I met with my mentee, taught Junior Tigers class, and met with my mentor. I’ve video-taped the sticks singlewalees, so maybe I’ll learn to associate the terminology with the movements. I’ve got to spend some time this week reviewing the colored belt study guides.

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Only One Green Number

Well only one green number and that's a major bummer but I have got this.  Flight got in on time last night but somehow my bags got lost from the plane to the belt so needless to say did not get home till 11:30 and I was seeing double by that time.  Back out tomorrow morning for another eight nights and thankfully last show of the year.  On a positive note at least I am almost done wtih my book so I can get that essay knocked out of the way.   What was I thinking 388 page book - -not a wise decision with my time issues.  Oh well it's truly all good and sometimes situations happen that you have no controll over.  Just have to do the best with what is handed to you.

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8/19

Today I helped out at Master Burkart's Tae Kwon Do camp.  I also did a sparring class.  I am going to it again tomorrow.  I did some studying from the study guides.  I'm not yet where I would like to be with that.  

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day 19

Today I went and helped with tae kwon do camp. And did 2 hours of sparring. It was a good class to take to get a lot of things done. Got to go because we got to go pick up our new exchange student from China! I am really exited because it will be a fun way to learn new things. so I got to go bye!

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So Many Credits!

Today I had a mentor meeting, a mentee meeting, a class, and I helped at the 5:30 class in Belmont. I worked on my poomsae, staff forms 1 and 2, specials 2, 1st dan self defense, and hapkido. I worked on Tae Keuk Oh Chang, blue belt self defenses, and kicks with my mentee today. He is testing on Wednesday and I am excited to watch him. I am getting better at my running and I did 1 1/2 miles today. 

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First Day of School

Today was the first day of school. I had a really ggod time.  My teacher trusted me to do some research on some pets to see what would be a good class pet.  I would get to take care of. I hope I don't let her down.

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No practice

I dont know if I told you guys this but I made the school soccer team. But today it rained througout the day. So, today we had no practice. So right when I got home I did my homework and got right to my requirements. I got finished early so when I got the chance to shoot some hoop I took it. So I guess today was a good day.

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day 19

today i did a 3 hour class.1 hour was credits.2 hour sparring class.

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mentor sessions

Natasya and i are getting a lot done. A lot of running to. Today we got running done. Two miles

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Day 19

Today I got to help out at Mint Hills Tae Kwon Do Camp and helped out with the younger belts. I also got to take the sparring class that was during the camp. I got in a some credits and requirements done while I was there. It was really fun to work and help the younger belts. It was awesome and great experience for me. I can't wait to go back tomorrow and help again.

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AUG. 19

Just got back from Behind The Wheel and I really need to catch up on all of my requirements. The rain is once again putting me back from taking a run. Yesterday I completed two essays and did a ton of kicks (which I could feel this morning). It will be good to be back at South Charlotte tonight for Mondays Black Belt Class. 

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Star Wars

Awesone tabs relaxed day today! I got to wake up late and do my requirements. Then I got to go to my friend's house for a Star Wars marathon! Super fun! Now I get to sleep over! Wooh! A great break.

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Slow requirements day

Today we spent the bulk of the day at Great Wolf Lodge, then went shopping to get a few last minute things before school starts.  Ben is off to the beach with a friend for a few days and left this evening.  I've barely seen him the last 3 weeks. Although I didn't get a lot of physical requirements done, I got a ton of RAOKs by clearing dishes for others, helping other parents with their kids, picking up clothes that had fallen at stores and hanging them back up, returning stray shopping carts, etc. 

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The 18th day

Today I rode home from Virginia.  It was a five hour ride and we left around 2:00.  when I got home I ate dinner.  That gave me just enough time to get some requirements done.  I'm still having trouble on my pull ups.

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the 18th day

today i rode home from virginia. it was a five hour ride and i left around 2 pm. when i got home i ate dinner.  that gve me just enough time to get everything done. i am still having trouble with my puullups.

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Day 18

Today is our last day with four people in the house! Tomorrow night at 11:58 PM we go to the Charlotte Airport to pick up Logan, our Chinese exchange student.  I am pretty excited.  I hope I can stay awake that long.  It is going to be pretty hectic around here for the next few days.  We have to take him to the school on Tuesday to learn all about his schedule and tour the high school.  He will be in 11th grade.  I won't be the oldest anymore.  That will be pretty weird but I will like having a big brother too.   On Wednesday we go back to school D: I am not exited at all. Some people like going to school because they have friends at school but I have friends out side of school that I see during the summer too. The worst part about school is...

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Meditation

Today was a pretty good day.  I finished most of my requirements early and I even had time to go to the movies.  We saw The Wolverine.  It was pretty good. I discovered something this morning - my cat doesn’t like it when I get really still.  I was sitting on the floor doing my meditation with my eyes closed.  My cat came up and started meowing like he was asking if I was okay.  I didn’t respond so then he decided to tap me on the arm with his paw.  When I still didn’t respond, he climbed up on the couch behind me and decided to tap me on the shoulder.  I finally had to pet him.  I went on with my meditation and after he decided I was okay, he decided to lay on his back and meditate too! J

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Jayson Day 18

Today is Sunday, so I went to church.  The lesson was on godly parenting.  Pastor said he teaches the parents godly ways so they can raise the children.  We came home, I had lunch and finished my white belt essay. Me and dad went running.  2 miles today.  For some odd reason it was harder than I thought it would be.  Then I did my physical requirements.   

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today

i went to the park to run and did everything today

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Mont-Tremblant Iron Man

I was only able to get my run/walk requirement today as I was cheering my Aunt Kristin in the Iron Man today. I was also able to go up a ski lift and take a luge car down the mountain. Fun! I was able to some acts of kindness in helping some strangers at the race. I return from Canada tomorrow.

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Sunday

Today I squeezed in my requirements in the morning and a little bit at night. I was writing a lot for school today. I took a walk with my dad in the morning before it got hot. I think that running/walking with my mom and dad is building a better relationship between us. We are also having fun together. 

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new week

today i had to catch up on the workout i missed yesterday. i had not done much workout yesterday but i had a head start so it took less time than usual. i really need to get my essays done before school starts, im soon going to get my recommendation letters, and the book im going to read for the essay is on its way. i have earned alot of credits for classes and i am trying to get as many as possible before school starts in a week and a half. i hope its easier to be on the cycle and to be in school than i think its going to be. 

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Last day of summer

Today was the first day I got to run in my new sneakers.  I did so much better with running sneakers than high-top sneakers.  I have gotten better at all of my athletic skills.  I really think that they should give us at least four months of summer off.  

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Day 18

Today I am doubling all my requirements so it will be easier to do them when school starts. The more I do now the less I have to do later so Im going to do all I can now to make it easier for later. Because when school starts everything will get alot harder. With homework and school functions Im going to have a hard time getting everything done. Im bracing myself for the worst. Hopefully its not as hard as I think but if it is I still believe I can do it. As Moliere said "The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it." I know I can do this and I will succeed.   "The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence."   -Confucius    

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Aug. 18

Today is the "comeback" day. Planning on going for a long run, doing at least 350 kicks, and knocking out poomsaes and self defense. Currently trying to establish next weeks classes that I can take where I can get as many credits as possible. Im excited to see all the fresh, new faces that are testing this fall. It will be good to meet new people and to build friendships throughout the cycle. 

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jaysn day 17

Last night, my friend came over and had to spend the night.  after he left today, I did my requirements.  I had to go to grandma's, after, because both of my parents had somewhere to go today..  My goal for tomorrow is to finish my white belt essay and catch up on my sparring rounds.

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Good Walk

Today was pretty nice. Black belt class was good; I got to work on the basic and wang ho forms which I am not as good at. Afterwards I ran errands with my dad and built up some extra requirements. Finally, this evening I got to have a really nice dinner with family friends from out of town. Also I went on a great walk with my dad around the neighborhood. I am ready to go to bed!

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Good Class

Today was a good class. Master Chelly Hartle taught class today. My body is still a little sore from yesterday tryouts. We worked on weapons and wang ho forms and Basic forms. After class I I did a bunch of requirements. After that I spent the rest of my day with my cousin and sister. My mom took all three of us out to tgi fridays. Today was a great day, I hope tommorow can be better.

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Good class

Today was a good class. Master Chelly Hartle taught class today. My body is still a little sore from yesterday tryouts. We worked on weapons and wang ho forms and Basic forms. After class I I did a bunch of requirements. After that I spent the rest of my day with my cousin and sister. My mom took all three of us out to tgi fridays. Today was a great day, I hope tommorow can be better.

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Running with a friend

Finished my requirements very quickly today, most of them before black belt class.  I don't get confused on the bolo form anymore.  I get mixed-up in the middle of Wang Ho 2.  I'm going to practice that more.  Ran with Miranda after class today in the rain.  The rain cooled me off.  I really enjoyed it.  

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Day 17

Yesterday when I was watching TV I heard a quote  on a preview for Football Friday Night.  It was from Paul "Bear" Bryant and it said, "Its not the will to win that matters, everyone has that.  its the will to prepare to win that matters."  I thought about this tonight as I was running in the pouring rain.  The track was muddy.  The mud was sticking to my shoes.  I was already sore from my black belt class today.  I still had to study all the curriculum for the pretest and write an essay.  And I thought. . .this black belt stuff is a lot of hard work.  When I was a white belt Master Burkart had us write our goal on the first board that we broke.  Just about every white belt had the same goal--to be a black belt.  That is will to win.  Everyone wants to reach...

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Biking in Canada

Today  I did a rail trail. And I did bike 11.2 miles! itbis hard keeping up with my exercises on the road. 

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So much I need to do

 Today I haven't done much. I did some requirements at KTA, but not too many. I didn't get my walking in today, but I'll walk 2 miles tomorrow. Today in class we worked on kicks, poomsaes, bolo form, and stick and staff forms. I also did SCUBA after black belt class. I will do more requirements after this journal. Also, my new skill is cooking..... maybe.

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AUG. 17

Todays Saturday Black Belt class was extremely helpful at North Charlotte. We reviewed a lot of things that I need to know for this upcoming test. Slightly stressed out because I am behind by so much. After taking the first week off the cycle I am feeling a litter overwhelmed, but Im sure I will catch up eventually. Planning on keeping up a healthy diet and trying to squeeze in a run as often as I can... although the weather isn't helping much. Tomorrow I have a long workout ahead and reviewing as much as I can. Mondays class at South Charlotte is always fun so I am really looking forward to that, and always looking forward to getting more update on how Master Chin is doing. 

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TKD then Great Wolf Lodge

This morning was dedicated to TKD, then we were off to Great Wolf Lodge. My company is having our picnic here so they got a discount to stay the night. What a great weekend to play at an indoor waterpark with all the rain!  I love watching the kids have a good time. 

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Rainy Day

Today it rained all day so I had to jog my miles in the rain. It wasnt that bad though it actually felt good. I took the 9:00 class at Mint Hill and got some leadership credits and then went to Master Evins for the saturday black belt class.

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Rainy Saturday...

A nice rainy Saturday – I love it!  I got up this morning, did some requirements and then went and taught Little Tigers’ class.  There’s always a lot of energy in the dojang when the Little Tigers are training.  J After teaching, I went to Black Belt class.  Master Chelley Hartle taught class.  It was a really good class with a little bit of everything.  Thank you ma’am! Later I had to take my daughter out to shop for school.  That was almost harder than BB class.  L  And then it was home for chores, with requirements thrown in between.. Anyway, all in all, it’s been a very productive day!

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8/17

Today I went to master Burkarts school to do a Tae Kwon Do plus class.  Later I went to Black Belt class at Master Evan's and  I was so glad to be picked to do warm ups!  I liked the part we did with the bolo and knife.

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Great day yesterday!!

Great day yesterday!!   New city, fantastic hotel, awesome work out facility and even better I was able to get a way for a little bit and get some requirements in.  Not as much as I would have liked but some is better than none.  Hoping today a can get a way for a few to get in some more before obligations with clients tonight.  Even better I can see the NFL & MLB stadiums from my room - - pretty cool.

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Glad it's Friday

workiWork started early this am but during the 4 hrs of back-to-back conference calls I got a lot of requirements in. Love that mute button on the phone!  Went to black belt class tonight. I'm pretty sure I strained a muscle in my right pectoral muscle because its still killing me. Pull ups make me want to cry. My dad and Ben drove here today from MO...so happy to see my baby boy!  I've missed him.

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Awesome Canadian Ironkids 5K

Today I did a 5K in Mont-Tremblac Quebec in 21:57. I really had a lot of fun and wore my King Tiger t-shirt in the race. I am a bit behind in some requirements but will try hard to catch up. Tomorrow will be biking on a bike trail in the mountains. 

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Last day of tryouts

Today was the second day of school. All we did was go over the LNCS Handbook. After school was the last day of tryouts. Everybody made the team. I'm really happy I made the team. If you want something you have to work hard to get. That is why everybody made the team because everybody worked hard. It is just like the black belt cycle if you work hard you will get it.

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On track

Today was a good day. I woke up and mowed a lawn and got 20$, then I ran and worked out but I really focused on mug forms, my stances and hand positions need work. I am going to help out with testing and the open house next week, trying to raise money for levine children's hospital. I looked over my book with the requirements and so far I am on track with everything, so in excited!!!!

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8/16

Today I wasn't able to get all of my requirements done because I went horse back riding and went to the raptor center, but I went to black belt class. Today it was nice spending time with my family since my dad had the day off from work.

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Day 16

Today i helped out and did a weekday black belt class.Also i went to work with my dad.

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Day 16

Today I helped out at the 5:45 class in Mint Hill. I also did black belt class in Mint Hill. There was no thunder and lightning this week so thats was a good thing.

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Feeling sick

Today I woke up and stomach really hurt.  My grandma tried to make it feel better, but I was really sick.  I had to my black belt stuff later in the day.  I'm still not feeling well.  Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

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Jayson Day 16

Today I did my sparring rounds & jump ropes in the morning instead of at night.  That worked ok.  Today at summer camp we played a giant game of hide * seek with no lights.  the seekers used light sabors to find us.  Of course some one screwed it up, but it was still really cool. 

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Last Day of camp

Today was the last day of breaking camp. It was awesome, and the kids did a great job with their breaking routines. I met with my mentee again and got to relax at home for a while. I didn't go for my drivers license because there was an expected 3 hour wait, but I'll go Tuesday. It gives me more time to practice too. It was nice out so I went for a slightly longer run too. Overall a pretty good day.

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Gym 2day

Today I went to the gym and did my requirements on a track.  I had some extra time so I took the last part of my mom's boot camp class.  It was very difficult and we did a lot of bicep work.  Today was a reminder to myself that I can get my physicals done in under an hour if I focus and not let anything distract me.  I need to try to do that everyday so I have more free time, or time to touch up my essays and do my summer schoolwork. I got my iPod taken away the other day and it has helped me not become distracted as easily. 

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TGIF!

I had a good day today and I also went to see Dr. Bill!  He is so awesome.  I always look forward to seeing him because I always come out feeling so much better.  He gave me my 50,000 mile adjustment, including several adjustments to the knees, popping the wrist to make it stop hurting, and acupuncture. J  Now I’m go to go for at least a couple of weeks. I’d like to say congratulations to Master Chin on the new addition to her family, Emerson Rose, and to Master Knight who is getting married this weekend.  Big events in the King Tiger family!

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Get of my own way

I am sore but it is a good feeling. I am rather frusterated with myself because of my emotional eating in response to stress. It has been a difficult personal year that is summarizing long and difficult personal and family journeys.  I have been stuck in a horrible place in my head and I have no one to blame but myself for my weight gain. It frusterates me because I allowed poor decisions to compromise my ability to do something I love, my Tae Kwon Do. I have no choice but to start where I am and do the best I can where I am physically.  I know I can do this. I just need to get out of my way! Today's preparation determines tomorrow's achievement.  

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AUG. 16

Today has been very low-key. Slept in late and logged in yesterdays requirements. Last night was a blast at Mint Hill. Everyone was very welcoming and sparring class was a blast. So excited to hear about Master Chins new baby girl, named Emerson, that was born Wednesday night. And I obviously love the name selection... 

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Sleep- - - -

Sleep is an amazing thing- - -I think I almost feel h uman again.  Hit a wall big time yesterday and I have hardly any requirements done - - -not good.  If schedule goes as planned I can finally focus a few hours this weekend on tkd, yes finally.  I am being positive all will work out in the end!!  

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Great Sparring Class

Today was pretty good. I helped out in camp again, which was really fun, and got to work with my mentee for the fourth time. I also went to sparring class at the Mint Hill school, which was amazing. It was a great time and I really enjoyed it, even though I don't do a lot of sparring regularly. I have to put my nose to the grindstone to really get ahead, because I hope to have it a little easier for a couple days when I want to hang out with my friends. I have to work hard to make up for lazy days. My motto for this week is "I'm not going to want to, but I am going to" It's hard but I'm ready. Also on a side note I'm testing for my drivers license tomorrow. Wooh!

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Things to work on

Worked with my mentor tonight.  I keep getting Hapkido 17 and 18 mixed up so I'll need to work on that more.  I also need to start working on my pace when I'm running.  I feel ready for the poomsae and self-defense part of the pre-test.

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Day 15

Today I was working on my leadership credit.  I got to open class with the five tenets of Tae Kwon Do.  It was a great experience.  I was very proud when the other students bowed and called me sir.  It was a very proud moment.  I also got to lead the running.  Maybe one day I will be an instructor.  I liked it.  I hope to do it more.  I am really horrible at jump rope.  I used to be good at it but now I am horrible.  I think it is because my legs and arms have grown so fast.  Everyone calls me Gumby.  My mom says that my brain doesn't know where my arms and legs are.  I am pretty clumsy and not very coordinated.  I hope I get better at jump rope.  I think this is a good chance.  The push ups seem to be getting easier.  My...

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pullups

today i have to do my pullups last. for me they are pretty hard to do for my brother they are easy. right now i can do five at once.

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8/15

Today I was able to get a ton of credits today.  I did all my requirements and I went to 4 classes in total: regular class, sparring class, black belt class, and PMAA class.  I had to hurry after sparring class which ended at 7 to make it to North Charlotte at 7:30 from Mint Hill.  I got a mentor session and leadership credits also.    

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Thursday

I am so thankful that tomorrow is Friday.  I am so tired, both physically and mentally!  I really need to recharge so I can begin again.  J I took the TKD Plus class tonight, then BB class, and then PMAA.  I found out that there are several things we have to know for testing in PMAA.  And maybe it’s because it was the last class for the day, but I have the most difficult time focusing and remembering the PMAA curriculum.  I’m definitely going to have to find a way around that obstacle!  If anyone has any suggestions on how I can associate the names of the things with the actual steps in PMAA, please give me your suggestions.  J

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energized

today i woke up really late, around 10 o clock, after i got dressed and ate i went for my run and felt really energized so i immediately went into my workout and got all of it done within an hour and a half, including forms. i find that pull ups are still difficult and that is my weakest link at the moment. i went to a regular class and got a mentor session in, then i went to a sparring class and got more of my workout done. i went home and quickly got my weapons ready for the PMAA class at Master Evans school, i thought we were going to be late since it was 7:50 when we left, it takes a half hour to get there and i thought the class started at 8:15 instead of 8:25. i need a new schedule. now i am home and have...

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Jayson Day 14

Today was almost the same as yesterday. Only today I took black belt class.  I did some requirements during summer camp.  I also helped out in color belt class to get leadership credits.  I was excited to teach the smaller kids.  

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Lots of Requirements

I had nearly all my requirements done before TKD+ and BB class, so it was a good day from that perspective. My right pec is still so, so sore. But I will live. I had to take Jess shopping after classes tonight, so now it is time for  a shower and bed.  

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First day of school

Today was my first day of school. I am finally a seventh grader. Today was a little hectic. There were a lot of fifth and seventh graders not knowing were to go.  I liked all of my teachers. They all seem pretty nice! Later after school I had another day of soccer tryouts. Tommorow is the last day of soccer tryouts so I can make the team. Today is my mom's birthday too! Today I could not get in a lot of requirements because we went to longhorn steakhouse for my mom's b-day. But I'll get them tommorow

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Day 15

Today was pretty good. I walked, did some requirements, watched television, and took a black belt class. I still have some requirements to do, but I'm doing WAY better than yesterday. I need to practice a few things for the pre- test, but all in all, I'm doing pretty well.

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day 15

Today t did a sparing class at mint hill.WE CAN DO IT!!!!!!

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Wang ho testing

helped out with wang ho testing tonight. Everyone did amazing! took the time between testings to get a great Mentor session in. Worked on Wang ho 1 and 2. 

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Day 15

Today I did a mentee session with my mentee Eli. I also did my normal class and sparring class. During sparring class I learned some techniques on how to counter and attack. I also did some pushups and situps during class. Before my class I jogged 1.5 miles at Fairview Park which is about 5 minutes from my house. After jogging I was red and sweaty. I think I will be ready for the Physical Pre-Test and the Physical test. LETS GO LAUREN!!!!!!!!

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Black Belt with the Grams

Today I did some black belt stuff with grandma. I taught her some self defenses.  She was a great listener. I really loved spending the day with her.  Who knows what tomorrow will be.

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running

running has been really hard because I don't run listing to music. meditating is really easy at summer camp during 2 min when kids get in trouble  

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requirements done

today i had fun doing my requirements and running i ran faster than i usually run and it felt the same i went through my requirements real fast today i had fun today i hope  i have fun tomorrow 

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Don't give up

Yesterday was a tough day. Started out good but then I started feeling sick. It was a light day for requirements so I will be playing catch up/make up the next couple of days. My Uverse connection went down on Tuesday so I don't have internet until probably Friday so journaling had to wait until I got to work. I am looking forward to tonight's class. Hopefully we will see pictures of Emerson (Master Chin & Chris' baby).  

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AUG. 15

Super excited on what I have planned today. Thinking about taking a long run and getting all todays requirements out of the way. Might be heading to North Charlotte for a class tonight but still looking over my options. 

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Jayson Day 14!

Today was pretty much the same as yesterday.  I attended summer camp, spent today again as a white belt.  Two more days to go.  I also got some leadership credits in.  I did a dream team class today.  it was really better than I thought it would be!

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Bake Sale Prep

Good day, not a lot extraordinary, but still nothing bad at least. I'm getting ready for a bake sale I'm having on the 17th when Queens university students move in. I'll be baking cookies, brownies, and scones, as well as selling iced tea and lemonade. I'm still unsure on what I'll price them, but I'll figure it out. Lots of baking ahead!

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Mentors and Mentees...

Today was a busy day at work – I didn’t get to eat my lunch until about 3:30pm.  But it was hump day so things are going to get better.  J I worked with my mentee, Hallie, on self-defense, Hapkido, and Keumgang today before teaching Junior Tigers.  I can tell she’s practicing the things we work on because she’s getting better.  Keep up the good work! After Junior Tigers class, I worked with Master Cavazos on my double stick forms.  He’s helping me a lot to work on refining my movements now that I know the steps to the forms.  I really appreciate his efforts and attention to details.  Some day, I hope to look like him when he does the stick forms!  Thanks for your patience sir.  J

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Day 14

I read a great story last night in my book, "7 Habits of highly effective teens" by Sean Covey.   "When I was young and free my imagination had no limits.  I dreamed of changing the world.  As I grew older and wiser I realized the world would not change.  I decided to shorten my sights somewhat and change only my country but it seemed too immovable.  As i entered my twilight years in one last desperate attempt I sought to change only my family, those closest to me, but alas they would have none of it.  And now here I lie on my death bed and realize (perhaps for the first time) that if only I had changed myself first, then by example I may have influenced my family and with their encouragement and support I may have bettered my country, and who knows I may have changed the world."...

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Sore

My pecs are so sore that I swear the muscles are going to snap when I do push ups. I know I will get over it, but it can't come too soon. Today I had about half of my requirements in by 1pm, then I did another big set in the 45 min I had between dropping Jess off at softball practice and the parent athletics meeting at the school. And now I'm finishing up the balance. Except jump rope...I have to go outside or to the basement to jump rope, which should not be a big deal, but I always seems to skip a day or so and then double up.  off to get a few more sets of push ups and sit ups in, then off to bed. I have an early start tomorrow!

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Made it to Canada

Finally got to Canada in our RV. Difficult to gets my exercises in the RV. I found out I may be able to run a 5K here. Very excited!! 

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day 14

It is day 14 also a long 2 weeks and i am ready for tomorrow.

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testing

helped out with testing. i going to maggie her last day she is moving  to new york. im so sad. i also had singing lessons  

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Day 14

Day 14 already that means it has been two weeks. WOW. It doesnt feel like it has been two weeks. Well today I did my reqirements and then relaxed the rest of the day because I was so tired. It has been a long day.

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counting

today during camp i counted belts in a closet, checked off the belts on a list, then i sorted it back on the shelf in the closet. when i started the shelf looked like it was over flowed with belts. when i ended the shelf looked like it didn't have enough belts to go on it. the surprising thing was that there was 41 size 1 yellow belts. i also did kwon sool in the closet. figured out that i need bend my knees a lot more. 

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Run

Today I spent most of the day out of the house. I got up at 7:15 and ran my mile and a half in 17 minutes. I am making some progress! 

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saturday class

Saturdays with Master Evans is really fun. his class is so awesome because he is awesome  

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All work day

Today was a very long day, I woke up early and babysat 2 kids till 1:30, after I worked out I went to class to help out and I did a mentor session. I came home and when I worked out again I did a sparring round and I pulled a muscle in my leg, now I'm on the couch icing it off and I think it's going to be better soon. I just hope it heals soon and well.

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Slow Day

Today I at camp we had instructer Lloyd come to talk to us about eating healthy. Right after that I left. I left because I had soccer tryouts and I wanted to rest before I had to go. Tryouts were fun we ran 9 laps and then we did 4 scrimmiges. I at least had three goals and 4 assists. Since I had soccer tryouts I did not have time to do requirements. I was really tired after tryouts though. Tommorow is the first day of school for me. And we still have tryouts again tommorow. Tonight were getting everything together for school tommorow. I am exicted that school is here, NOT.

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testing

helped out with a great junior/senior tigers testing! they all did great and made us proud

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Kate Skate

Kate Skate was amazing. It kind of looked like a disco.  I had to rent skates because mine would work.  Its OK because they were included.  We played this one game called wipe out. When the music stops you have to get down on the floor and yell.  The winner gets an all girl or all boy skate. I hope to go back.  It was my favorite place all year long.

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Wednesday - -It's good at least I know what day it is!!

Crazy rough start however all I need to do is get past tomorrow and then I can start a somewhat realistic schedule till the end of the month.  I may be last on the list for requirements but I will catch up.  Since running is always a struggle I have been trying to focus on that with the time I do have available. 

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8/14

I finished my white belt essay today.  Yesterday Master Moon taught us the correct pronunciation of some of the terms in kwonsool and how to say black belt in Korean.  It sounds like commontee.  Yesterday I was glad to see my mentee's poomsae had improved since we have been working on it.  

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Wednesday

Last night we worked on Hapkido and our 1st Dan self defense. I especially enjoy the hapkido and feel like if I were ever in a situation where I needed to get away from an attacker that the hapkido would definitely come in handy and hopefully be easily recalled. I do need to practice the 1st Dan so that it flows more, however, I think it is coming along. The burpees are getting slightly easier, notice I said slightly. :) 

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AUG. 14

Made plans today to run, finish todays worth of requirements, and then some. Also planning on working on the History of The Kwans this week. Feeling good and confident on what I learned last night and just trying to not get another injury. 

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Day 13 Comlete

Today I finished all the requirements I could and I'm doing pretty well. I started late on poomsaes and self defense, but I'm done now.  I'm starting to really get into a habit, which I'll have to keep up or else I'll get behind. I need to do more sparring rounds, jump rope rounds, and pull ups.

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