Candidate Journals

Sometimes I have to get my requirements done in the afternoon just because that’s when I wake up. So I’ve been working out in the heat and it does make such a difference. I’ve been getting some requirements done during my lunch break too. I might try to get it done after work rather than before work. But my body is adjusting to the challenge.  But now the AC stopped working in our apartment. So all last night and today it was at 84° in the house. I woke up today feeling so sluggish, I turned on a fan and tried to make sure me and the animals had enough water and air circulation. The maintenance guy came and brought us a window unit, so now I feel more comfortable, leaving the pets at home. I kept thinking about going to Chick-fil-A, getting some ice cream or milkshake. Or getting a...

Here we go, Thursday, another morning of running and exercises down.  Unfortunately work has been a little slow the first half of the year. and now, as I wouldn't mind having the time and ability to focus on this black belt cycle everything is full speed ahead! It's nice to have Abigail doing this with me so we can hold each other accountable and work together on the daily requirements. See everyone at sparring tonight!

Over the course of the last couple of days I’ve had a great time swimming at a pond, going out to lunch, playing at the arcade, and getting into the black belt mindset. I’m giving it my all and when I take my pretest I will destroy it. I am prepared to do this.

Hello. I am not sure if I am ready for tomorrow, as it is my first cycle. Today I went to sparring and Black belt class. we practiced all poomsaes and some self defenses. Just getting ready for tomorrow. I am feeling apprehensive about pull ups tomorrow, because I am terrible at them. I could probably do 2 or 3 in one minute. But as It is the pretest, I will be able to improve before the BIG test. See everyone bright and early tomorrow. UPDATE:I can do more than 2 or 3 pull ups in a minute. 8 is average amount.

Good morning to everyone, Pre-tests are soon and make sure you are practicing and actually giving effort. Even though our muscles hurt, its not supposed to be easy. So go challenge yourself before Saturday.

Time to get going....camp, cycle requirements and physical stuff, assisting in class, and sparring this evening. I left my required reading in reach of my Pomchi, he decided to read it too....fortunate for me, he only wanted to read the back cover!  I think I'll challenge my campers into a competition of my physical requirements,  that way I can get mine done before 8pm .  Hope everyone is doing great 

  Training day used to be fun, but basic. Now it’s giving me brain like NCU. A lot happened today, my first official training day since cycle began. We practiced Kwonso, Chagi Sol, Taeguks, Koryo, Keumgang, Pyungwon, Taebek, and JiTae. Also self defense from white to green. While I had already covered all my daily cycle requirements earlier in the day. I also met some of my mentors and mentees today, as well as some of GM King’s students. One more critical thing that happened today is we moved the North Charlotte Toad to rearrange the Dojang. Every time we move the Toad I am reminded of Naruto’s master Sage Toad Fukasaku, who thought Naruto Sage Jutsu at  mount Myoboku. This was a technique that allowed the user to mix nature energy with human energy, to complete  techniques that would otherwise be impossible. Guess we are in Sage mode now ;)

Good morning, everyone! Yesterday was a long day. After finishing my requirements, my friend came over and we hung out for awhile. We went for a walk, and then ended up at her house. It was a lot of fun. After that, I came home and had dinner when my brother's friends came. Today, I woke up an hour ago, but my body is begging me to go back to sleep. I am planning on mainly focusing on my civics class today and then knocking out my requirements because there is a final coming up that is 25% of our whole grade. The pre-test is in 2 more days!! Have a wonderful day!

Day 5 of cycle was awesome! I finished up my pretest and I have to work on some poomses, but it went well. I got to help in class and do punches and kicks. And I also had water camp again which was fun but I got a little sunburned. My workout went good I went and worked on my poomses and that was it. I am ready for day 6.

Weird day. Had to get the animals out of the house to do mold killing house fogging. On top of that the A/C was out which ended up being a $600 repair Not covered under warranty mind you do to it being and "act of god" for lack of a better term. So, i had to try an sleep at my folks' house today which wasn't great esp because of phone calls coordinating the HVAC tech and the mold techs. As soon as my house get back to normal in a couple weeks hopefully i can get into a better routine. 

Midnight came around fast and I missed my time to post. This will be my EARLY post for Thursday.  I had a good yesterday with requirements, class assistance, warmup and black belt class.  I will always have something I can improve, of course. I have a mentee now which I am glad about. It was a struggle getting someone that is committed last time. However, if I have a problem again, there is a plan B to be successful.

 Yesterday, I did my requirements. Today will be my first sparring class in a very long time. 

Today I woke up and did some driving practice. When I got home I ate lunch and did most of my requirements. I stretched a lot today so I definitely feel better after finishing everything. In the evening I went to black belt class and it was mostly color belt review.

Hi King Tiger Family. Definitely late but good day. I got some requirements done today and basically caught up so I am feeling better. I am ready for sparring tomorrow night. Excited. It has been a while so will need to work back into the groove. I am still pretty sore but pushups were easier this morning so that was good. I had a pretty good day at work. I am going to head to bed soon but first I am going to read some bible. I like doing that before bed and also pray. I find prayer helps me get to the right place before bed. I hope you all have a great night. Take care. 

Today was a very long day. Some of the highlights of my day though, were: learning more students names at King Tiger, while working; talking with my pastor at bible study about both positive things and recent struggles of mine; and lastly getting two good runs in. I have been ramping up my training, heading into cross country season and am excited to see where my running journey will take me this year. 

It's been another weekday and therefore another internal fight over when to step away from my desk and practice.  I did better today - I got most of my daily physical requirements done before lunch and finished the rest after.  I'm still not happy with the timing but I know what I need to do.This is day three of the dietary challenge.  I picked something that I knew would be an actual challenge - I didn't want a cakewalk and a resulting cushy essay.  But now I'm noticing just how many of my regular, everyday foods contain what I'm giving up, including most of my go-to snacks.  I'm going to have to spend some time at the grocery figure out what's still safe to eat.  It's not as bad as when I was vegan for a few years but, fortunately, I know how to cook and bake and might just have...

So full disclosure: at some point in the cycle I always think "why in the world did I sign up for this?!? Is that extra stripe really that important?" Usually this hits about halfway through the cycle, but this time here we are and we are even at the pretest yet! I know it will pass, but right now it's a matter of pushing through.  It will get easier, just riding the struggle bus right now.  I also know it has more to do with other factors I won't go into at this time, so hopefully things level out soon.

Today, I completed my second 12 hours of no technology. Without technology consuming my time I found myself reading more books and taking naps. It was not an easy challenge. I took a trip to the public library and found a book to help with history of Kwon essay. Not sure how I am going to write four pages. That intimidates me. I tried my new shoes tonight, feet are sore. My time on my run increased a bit. I have to remember to go my pace and see my friend when the run is over.

Cycle is tough right now. I forgot how hard the cycle is. I don’t have a mentee yet but I had a mentor session and helped with class today but it’s a lot to do every day but I’m looking forward to going to the beach.

Antoine Hicks                                                                                                                                                             7/17/2024           Woke Up around 8:am. went to the store with my grandma. Came home and practiced my most weak points of color belt curriculum. Went to tkd about 6:20 because i thought class time was 6:30. We started blackbelt class at about 7:10......  After class i came home, and started my nutrition challenge of not eating after dinner. before winding down for bed I practiced my German.

Today was a wonderful day! I hung out with my puppy, Fred, and we had an amazing time. My friend came over and we played with the puppy. Tonight I went to TKD and helped out and took class. When I came home, I played with Fred and now I'm writing this journal. I hope everyone has a terrific Thursday! Good night!   P. S. Today is National Hot Dog Day!

Today was a great day. I ran my mile on a baseball field and went so much faster. I got 12 minutes and I did half of my exercises on the field and half at home. Also I worked on my poomsae self defenses and kicks. Last, I feel like I am getting better and stronger each and every day.

Today was the third day of basketball camp.  My sitter dropped me off, we shot some hoops, did a scrimmage and I scored.  Before basketball camp I worked out at Champions again.  I ran a mile and did my exercises.  My mom took me to Taekwondo.  I worked with Instructor Logan on poomsaes.  At home my family watched basketball.  

Today I woke up and got packed to go back home because I was camping. Before I left I went kayaking then I went back home. When I got home  I did some of my requirements for taekwondo. Then I played outside with my sister and her friend. After that I got ready for taekwondo and then left with my dad. We did 2 classes, and we are done for the day.

Today I woke up ate breakfast and then did some of my requirements. Soon I’ll be on week two! Then I went in the pool in our backyard I played with my brother and sister and then I went inside to play some Minecraft and then we got ready for taekwondo. I did a mentee session with my mentee then we went home and ate spaghetti for dinner.

Today I woke And I ate some food after that I sat down for like a little bit and I Went in my pool .then I did my requirements. I did one pull up and then I did My black belt workbook .then I went to class. I helped that one and then I took one. I also took my First mentor session with Master Chelley. 

today i went to jail for a tour. the prisoners were trying to scare up but were actually pretty funny.

Well journaling seems to be the hardest thing for me to remember. Got up for the 2nd day in a row and did 2 miles and a few minutes of each of the exercises.  I've said this a lot, but trying to remember all the self-defenses and Poomsae's is like unlocking a different portion of my brain that what I use at work.  Sometimes I feel it's just having the confidence to take the next step, and generally it's the right one even if I'm doubting myself. Still mixing and matching Poomsae's. Hoping this week is the hardest in terms of making the routine, and the weeks to come I'm able to just add to it.

I didn't sleep well last night, all I can think about is tbe pretest on Saturday,  the 26 laps ( 4 miles) I have to try and do, the situps I can not do with out someone /something holding my feet, the pull-ups I've never been able to do, and embarrassing myself infront of a bunch of kids. It's honestly all I can do from tearing up.  I think I'll be okay after the pretest is over.     On top of that, what is being asked online verses our book is different.  The book wants you to spend 'x' time doing your physical requirements, poomsaes, self defense, ect, but online is asking amounts. 

Good morning, everyone! Yesterday was a nice, long day. After finishing a few of my requirements, we headed over to Tae Kwon Do. I helped out with summer camp for a little, and then classes started. The classes were really nice, and I even got a mentor session, which was awesome. Today, I am planning on finishing my assignments for civics first and then my requirements because I have some friends coming over today. I am going to keep on focusing on my 3rd dan curriculum and my preps because I mostly have everything else down. Have a wonderful day!

Day 4 of cycle was awesome. I had water camp again and that was fun. Then after that I went to class and help in class and took a class and I also started my pretest for my poomses that was very hard. Lastly my grandma picked me up and took me home. I can’t wait for day 5 of cycle.

House is still being mold remediated and bathrooms torn apart and rebuilt. So, its upended our lives here on top of that the A/C goes out at 11pm. Life just keeps kicking me when i'm down. On top of that we have to get the critters and ourselves out of the house for 2-3 hours this afternoon because the mold remediation company is doing an anti fungal fogging and living things can't be in the house while thats going on. So, i probably won't make it to class tonight having not gotten much if any sleep. 

My third day of cycle was good. I went a lake camp which was really cool, I went to a small beach they had, I went water skiing which I thought was okay, then I had lunch obviously, last I did tubing that was the most fun activity. Then I went home and stayed there for a little while, then I went to class and I got my new sparring equipment!! After that I had a session with Magnolia and I was her  mentee. Lastly I went home and did my cycle stuff that I had to make up for from 7/14 then I did my 1 mile run. That’s it I am excited for the next day.

Antoine Hicks                                                                                                                                                             7/17/2024                  Got up and ready about 12:30. Went and did errands with my grandma for about 2 hours. Came home and finished up most of my physical part of the cycle. Went and helped with the 6:20 class and took the 7:00 class. Went home and took a nap, and practiced my German before bed.

This morning I practice my pomsae and self defense so I can be ready for my pre test on Saturday. It was raining out side so my Dad took me to my grandma and Paw Paw house to run on treadmill. I am going to do my best on Saturday for my pre test. I was sore in my legs and arms today because of exercise. 

Nothing like starting the day with two miles and other black belt requirements, to be followed by fasting labs (whee!), an updated tetanus booster, and a cortisone shot in the hip bursae.  After which I sat down and started mending some of Samuel's shirts he has ripped while he went into his dental cleaning.  After that it was guitar lessons and meeting with a dietician who helps with rebuilding gut biomes and other issues. I discussed with her the nutrition challenge and she came up with something for me to do for the month as a part of overall fixing damage done by lots of antibiotics.  Also ran into an old friend who apparently works at TNT now so that was exciting to run into her.  

Momentum would be a good word to describe today. I wake up to walk my dog and then I headed the park to work on a few things. Then I went to king tiger and got my class Assistance done. Work on poomsaes to prepare for the pretest. Sometimes I do worry that my technique is slacking since I haven’t practiced consistently. But that’s what the cycle was for. Then I went to work. I’m working as a task nurse tonight so instead of having patient care I just help my teams. I guess for the nutrition challenge I’ll give up process sweets and energy drink. It’s basic, but I feel like my discipline on sweets has been slacking. Taste energy drinks, but I don’t really need them for work.

I'm still having difficulty balancing work against the Cycle.  I'll tell myself that I've got plenty of time to work on requirements in the morning and then the next thing I know it's 11am and I haven't started anything.  I don't want to have to set reminder alarms on my phone but that might be what it takes as busy as things are right now.  I'm just grateful that I have a job where I can work from home and step away for a few minutes to work on things. I did get two miles in this morning before work.  I walked around a couple of parts of the neighborhood but not too many people were out and about except the ones driving off to work.  It's just so hot right now, even at 7am.  The pickup with all the weird anime stickers is still around - I remember seeing that...

Today I woke up at 7:00 to get an early start on my day. I first started with my 2 mile run before the day got hot, and finished with some poomsaes and self-defense to cool off. Trying to sleep earlier so I don't feel so tired in the mornings anymore.

Another day bites the dust! Today I changed my training start time so I can get some extended rest. Also decided not to push very hard and ease into the sets, and I was able to enter into some type of zen mood which helped keep me motivated throughout the day. I’ve also been thinking about the coming mock tests and other cycle requirements like essays and mentorship. Just trying to take this one day at a time.

The first part of my day involved shopping for new running shoes. Walked to many different stores in the mall. Come to find out in went up a size and 1/2 in shoe. I went the the same show just bigger size. Then I came home to start my requirements. My arms are beginning to hurt during my push ups. I spent the evening at TWD getting my leadership, class assist, mentor, and mentee. Tonights I ran in the rain. I wore my old shoes for this cause I did not want to mess them up. Tomorrow I will tackle the 2 part of my technology challenge. My nutrition challenge is going pretty well. However, I may forget sometimes asking for something t be reminded of my nutrition challenge. My sister will be at camp tomorrow so I may work on another essay since I will not have technology and brainstorm...

Good Evening King Tiger. It was a good day. Did not get everything done that i wanted to, but did get a good run in. I have more time tomorrow night and will make it up. Looking forward to the upcoming classes. I am interested to see how the coming weeks are. The first couple weeks are the hardest, but then it becomes a groove.  Have a great night. Take care. 

Woke up early today to run, wasn't feeling too well though, so I had to cut the run short. After some rest at home, I got into the rest of the requirements. I've recently been focusing on practicing correct technique in my workouts so I can get the most out of it.

Today I  went on a field trip in my YMCA summer camp to a bowling alley. I did not have a Tae Kwon Doe class. I will try to sign up for more classes in the future. I have completed all of my requirements and have run one mile on my treadmill, for it was raining outside. I will try to run for more miles this week and complete the seven mile total that is required. I still do not own a pull up bar or a jump rope, and I am hoping to buy them soon to complete those requirements. See you on Thursday!

Today was basically a bunch of repetition, because in the week days, I do requirements relax and go to King Tiger. I do enjoy doing everything though and today was a fun day. So can't complain.

Good evening, My name is Ben Karki. I am a Bo Cho Dan and  I am trying to become a 1st Dan Black Belt. This is my first black belt cycle.  On my first day, I went to my Saturday sparring class in the morning. This was my first required class for the black belt cycle. Afterwards, I completed my requirements at home. I did not yet own a jump rope or a pull up bar, and thus I could not complete those requirements. On my  second day, I did not have any Tae Kwon Doe classes. I completed all of my requirements at home (except for the jump rope and pull ups, as I still did not own them). On my third day, I went to my YMCA summer camp from 8am to 4pm. In the evening, I went to my first weekday black belt class. After my class, I...

Day four of not eating ice cream in the middle of the night. I had a great mentor/mentee session tonight, and was able to help out a little in class. Keeping up with requirements, with a litle extra emphasis on poomsae's so I can ace the pretest this weekend.

Today was an awesome day! I got a puppy!!! We named him Fred and went and got all the supplies he will need. Fred is a male Cavapoo and enjoys being held. I can't wait to get to know Fred more ang give him an amazing life. This afternoon my friend came over and met Fred. We played some games and made a peppermint chocolate bark to eat. Tonight I went to the 5:15 to help and took the 6:00 class. I am so excited to be on cycle. I hope everyone also had an awesome day and I hope tomorrow will be even better. Good night! P.S. Today is World Snake Day and National Corn Fritter Day!

Today, i guess I did a lot of cooking for my healthy eating. I made tomato sauce earlier and made eggplant parmesan. Aside from that I just did my excersizes and practices. Also, I helped out in the 5:15 class and did a mentor session.

Today me and my mom went for a bike ride for over 3 mi and then we took a walk for about a mile with our dog and my brother's and then we went to class tonight and I helped out with punches and kicks.

today I went to the police station for a camp and I did a lot of things and learned alot about the work force for the police.

Today I woke up and I went downstairs to eat breakfast. I ate some cereal then I watched some TV and then my dad made us do requirements. he set up the pull up bar and I did one pull up it was so fun. Then I had to go to class and I helped out with one class and took the other class. I watched Ethan mentor his mentee it was so fun helping out my class today.  I came home I went upstairs and got dressed and then I ate dinner my mom’s yummy yummy yummy rice and beans

Hi my name is Ethan this is my first journal. Today I woke up not knowing I was going to do a journal. I woke up ate two waffles and then my dad put up the pull up bar so we could do pull ups I struggle to do one but then I got the hang of it. Then I did my requirements and then I made something in the oven  they’re supposed to be muffins but I made it more like brownies. I ate two and then my dad said we had to get ready for TKD I helped out with class went home and ate dinner.

Today I got up and went to camp. I finally have a mentee and we had pur first session today.  'A' enjoyed her session, we worked on tbe first 10 moves in IL Chang and self defense # 1 and 2.  I did not want to overwhelm her, so we stopped there.  Thid afternoon, I have my physical requirements and sticks class.   I'm still struggling with my self defense, which makes me very worried about my pre- test Saturday....the high belt self defense is much different than what I learned at my previous school.   I also can not get onto the King tiger app for do e reason,so I will need to reach put to someone for help. I had it on my phone, my phone updated, and I lost the app. Now the play store will not let me download it

I was expecting to receive an email when the website login was ready but never did so... sorry for being behind in posting. Doing good so far, I think. Henry and I did 3.2 mile bike ride this AM and then a 1.5 mile power walk (bad back here so I have to modify). My body is sore but it is a "hurts so good feeling"! If anyone is interested, I have created an IG account for Henry and I to post about our cycle journey: instagram.com/rupeblackbelts

Well even though my brain is used to all of this, my body isn't. even though my body hurts a lot, i'm starting to get used to it a lot. Keep doing everything you need to do and you will be fine!

Hello everyone it's me again. So I am eating dinner right now. It is very good. I finished my requirements except for kicks which I am about to do. Just finished my run at the gym because it was raining outside. Getting ready for the pre-test on saturday. Hope it goes well for me and everyone else on the cycle. Goodnight.

Good morning, everyone! Yesterday was a great day. I got my requirements done before heading to Tae Kwon Do. I helped out with summer camp for a bit, then classes started. I always love helping out in classes because it's always cool to see the uniqueness of each individual. After helping out, I got both my mentor and mentee sessions in. Master Natasya told me to focus more on my preps since I have the forms down. After that, I took a second and higher class, which I really enjoyed. We did a few old hapkido moves, and then we moved on our belt self-defense. Today, I have a few more assignments to do for my civics class, and later I will head to TKD. Have a wonderful day!

I have not done as much as I would like by now with requirements. Right now, I am on my last night of 5-day stretch (2 12 hour shifts and 3 8-hour shifts). However, I am off the next 5 days so I will be back on track soon. The way my job is and working nights, I realize I have to do this in intervals but make sure everything is done before the next work cycle. I went too heavy last time on workdays, missed needed sleep and was sick a couple of times. I am not worried because everything works out at the end. Well, there is one thing I am worried about, and it is the run this Saturday with this unbearable humidity. When you add my hot flashes in the mix, I feel like the life is being sucked out of me. I am trying to be...

Woke up and went early shopping with Mother. When I got I began working on my requirements and ran a mile. Hoping tomorrow goes well too

Went to high belt class today. Was very distracted though. Had a massive headache but powered through as best i could. It was good to be back though. Do to some unfortunate mold issues in my house the past week or so has been rough and i haven't been able to get to class much. It was good to get back and work out some. I always feel better after working out and sweating. 

Burpees are tough, and so are lounges. But it seems that without pain, growth is likely to be stalled. I managed to complete the cycle requirements for day 3, and by now I have concluded that we must feel pain all day long throughout this period. There’s almost no joy, well except for the silent voice incessantly repeating “no pain no gain”! My old TKD instructor used to say that so many times, now it’s almost haunting!

So today I'm not horribly sore, but I think this might be due to the Prednisone I'm taking due to hip bursitis.  I have four more days of that and I guess we'll see how things feel.  I can still feel the muscle fatigue though, so make so mistake I'm not speeding happily through this due to roids.  I ended up with a client today that went half through my lunch hour, so unfortunately I was not able to get my milage in so I'm planning on getting up tomorrow early and trying to walk in what seems to be passing as an oven outside before God turns up the heat to bake biscuits or whatever else is on the menu.  I'd also like to get some of the other requirements done early since I'm supposed to get an updated tetanus shot tomorrow (oh joy)!

Today in the morning and afternoon I did my requirements. Ran a few miles on my treadmill to get prepared for Saturday. Tomorrow, I will begin reading the required book because I start school in the fall. I want to get my essay done before then.

So far the cycle has been very tiring. I am VERY sore all over my body. It is my first time doing the cycle. My first run was surprisingly the easiest so far. But the running has still been going smoothly. Today I woke up and almost immediately started my requirements. Today I did more push ups and sit ups than the other days. But I did have to do double pull ups because I couldn't do them yesterday. Despite the pain, I am excited to do the cycle because whether I pass or fail, I will still be glad I did it.

It's Monday and that means back to work.  Spent some time at home working on physical requirements (but no running in this heat - I'm not behind on mileage).  Since I was working, I had to stop here and there to knock out some stuff in my home office.  It beats when I was a bocho and was literally doing pushups, etc. on the office carpet IN the office. Went to the dojang tonight and helped with class.  Then color belt class was great.  Lots of hard work and lots of sweat and I also learned I've been pulling a few kicks so I know what I need to work on.  Then home for dinner and some self defense practice before bed.  Hopefully tomorrow I can be up and ready in enough time to knock out a mile or two before 8am rolls around again.  I'd like to get ahead and...

Today was MY official first day of the cycle. Being away at cross country camp at Wake Forest kept me from starting on Saturday like everyone else. I woke up today and immediately got cracking on requirements to catch up. Luckily I am almost completely caught up, just an extra round of push-ups, sit-ups, burpees, and all my jump rope from the past 3 days to do (doesn't sound too bad). It took some time and a lot of balanced thoughts to make it through today. Transitioning from training hard everyday at camp, always having someone to talk to and something to do, to having little to do, was definitely challenging. I also assisted with class this evening and took part in the first (I believe) 2nd Dan and higher class at the Lake Norman location; I enjoyed working on the high level stuff. Overall, was a very productive day and...

This is day three. I am just going to say it... I am sore. That is a good thing... means I am doing something right. :-) I went to LKN school today and instructed in class. I just like instructing the students. Especially the kids just starting. I like to teach with practicality. I want them to think about why they are doing something, not just the what. It helps me remember and hopeful will help them as well. Some of the best instructors have shown me the practicality of what we do and that always sticks with me. I am excited for this cycle and working hard. I started putting some thought into my creative. Need to work on that this weekend.  Have a great night. 

Another day of the cycle and more things to do. I was able to complete my planned requirements today and make up for what I didn't do yesterday. In the evening, I went to assist a class at my dojang. The plan for tomorrow is to wake up early and get my run in so I don't melt into a puddle on the ground in the scorching heat. 

Today was tuff. I did sleep till 9am, I guess I needed it. It was a struggle to get motivated. Despite this struggle, I was able to get my first essay about the book I read completed. I was in a bit of a rut as it was my first day for my technology challenge. I can relate to the book I read regarding 13 things strong kids do especially the part about think good and blue thoughts. I found myself having negative thoughts, bringing myself down not being able to be on electronics. I can also relate to having time to myself just like the character in the book. Today, I actually took time to myself and read a different book outside twice. Then I found myself sitting still looking through the window outside and that was enough. Then this evening was a long day at TWD as I got...

Hello everyone!!! I can't wait to really get into cycle! Today I woke up and ate breakfast. After I called my friend and we played Minecraft for a little bit. When she had to go I did all of my requirements. I then ate lunch and cleaned my room. When I finished I went and saw Despicable Me 4. After I finished, I stopped by my friend's lemonade stand and got some lemonade and then went home. Then I got ready for TKD and headed to the 5:15 class. I helped out and led punches and kicks. Then I did a mentor session with Master Natasya then took the 6:00 class. After the 6:00, I did a mentee session with my mentee, Jackson. We had a good session and when it ended, I went home. I ate dinner then talked to my friend for a little bit and now I am...

When I woke up this morning, I ate pancakes for breakfast and then we went to Champions.  Champions is a workout place and I did all of my workout there - ran a mile, did push-ups/pull-ups, everything.  It was really fun. In the afternoon I did taekwondo - two classes and Master Marcus told us to go to the back and we worked on self defenses. When I got back home I wrote this.  It was a great day. 

If you haven’t been on the cycle before let me tell you the first week is the hardest. Especially if you’re running in 90 degree weather. Although I’ve been working hard I have found ways to enjoy myself while doing requirements and thinking about how great it will be to get my third. Focusing on color belt curriculum to be prepared for the pretest. Working on stamina and pushing through obstacles. See everyone tomorrow.

These days are very hard right now. My body is getting used to all of these intense workouts, it can get fun if you put in some effort. Keep doing your essays and journals, if you get lazy and don't do it, you will fall behind and not accomplish everything.

Questions and thoughts......   This morning I woke up, played with my puppies and relaxed. I have summer camp, so I'll get my requirements completed after camp.  Current biggest struggles are:  1.Essays - Where / How do I find my information? ( I've never been on a blackbelt cycle, so this is nrw. - my previous school did not have blackbelt cycles like King Tiger )  2. Sit ups - are a struggle. I can do crunches, but those are not sit ups. I can do a sit up if my feet are under something,  but that will not help while in tbe dojang. Suggestions on how to build stomach muscles so I can do my sut ups, or are crunches ok?  3. I need a mentee-  I don't know any of tbe KT kiddos outside of camp, Saturday, or blackbelt.  This makes getting a genteel a huge challenge for me. 

Good morning, Just finished doing my requirements. Sore but still going. I have a junior tigers class and my first black belt class today.

7/15/24 Journal

This weekend I spent time writing all the Poomsae's step by step with some memory "jogs" to help me remember them. I know I have known and will re-learn all of these but i seem to be struggling with them, especially when no one can help me!

I dont feel as prepared as I would like to be going into this. I would like to have taken more time to lay out a plan and get myself better organized. I generally go-with-the-flow but this is going to take some planning and preparation. 

Ilve really enjoted the Atomic Habits book- reading it prior to starting t

Good morning, everyone! Yesterday was very tiring. I didn't think that getting back into the cycle with requirements was going to be that hard, but I was wrong. My arms are sore, and my core is aching from the number of push-ups, sit-ups, burpees, and pull-ups I've done. I am looking forward to today, as I have a lot of things planned this afternoon at TKD. I am hoping I will be able to do my mentor and mentee sessions today, but we will see how it turns out. I am planning on completing my requirements in a few, after I finish a few assignments from a class I'm taking. Have a wonderful day!

I figured it out and finally got into KTBB website just now and it turned out to be ALL MY FAULT. I can admit my mistakes (mostly). Sorry for bugging you, Master Chelley. Actually, I will probably text you later on today.  I have begun my requirements.... Yay!!

Tired from being in Pineville Park all day today, but still managed to get my miles in. Starting my new routine tomorrow.

Very sore today, but pushing through. Had a mentee session at the birkdale which was nice and shaded.

I started this morning working on my Pomsae’s getting ready for my pre test. I went to the school to run on the track with my Dad for my mile run. I was really tired afterwards but I pushed hard. I also did pushups and jump rope there. I will keep working hard everyday. 

I had quite a long day today so unfortunately I couldn't get many requirements in. I woke up early and went to church, came home, then left again for a youth group event! It was a very long event so I ended up coming home later than expected and very tired.

 7/14. today was pretty normal again, I onlygot done part of my run because my Sever's was acting up. I did a mentor session with Instructor Courtney which wa helpful. the only thing I didn't do today was my kicks

Today was tough, but I rose to the challenge. Woke up earlier than usual and completed my daily cycle requirements in 40mins, plus a little extra work. Frankly it feels like it’s going to be a challenge cranking up like this on some busy weekdays, especially with the timed exercises which encourages you to keep going. We’ll see!

Between cycle requirements, shopping ,and taking the two youngest to the gym it's definitely a sweaty and sore experience.  I realized about 30 seconds into weight training that neither of my kids had ANY real knowledge of etiquette in a weight room.  Towels in the middle of the floor, not wiping equipment, banging weights....oh, what a teaching opportunity we had! Samuel did say yesterday that he was "pulling Shrek's ears" when I asked him where he disappeared to.  I asked him to show me, because I couldn't think of any equipment that looked like that.  Turns out that a skiing simulator has handles that-you guessed it- look just like Shrek's ears!  I want to go try it at some point, but that may have to wait until my kids can navigate the equipment without getting strange looks from other people.

I had a great mentoring session this am with Courtney. We worked on poom sae's, and will continue on our next session. I also did 20 minutes of poom sae practice at home tonite, in addition to the other requirements. I'm feeling pretty confident about the pre-test this weekend.

Got up this morning and worked on forms and self-defenses.  It felt a bit weird doing Black Belt weapons forms and color belt self-defenses but I need to stay sharp on everything.  Sometimes you just have to mix it up.I did the first 12-hour block of the digital detox.  It was very weird.  It would have been a nice distraction from how tired all my muscles feel.  I'll be glad once I get into a groove.

Hello, first ever cycle for me as I earned my 1st and 2nd Dan many years ago at a different school and a different system. Most of my Taekwondo career has been in the ITF style so, I'm still learning and perfecting the forms and self defenses for WTF style. The basics are all the same with just some slight differences in terminology thankfully. I'm a bit apprehensive because I'm not an athlete by any stretch and I've never done a testing this long and involved before. This will also be interesting because i work third shift and sleep during the day getting up in the evening to go to (Taekwondo) class and then start work at 11pm. So, my time is fairly limited to interact with people and things during daylight hours. 

Anyhow, i'm looking forward to be motivated to get more exercise than normal and one of my main goals during this is to lose at least 20lbs in 12 weeks which i think is a very attainable goal. In that regard i'm giving up all snacks and the like. Chips, crackers, cookies, pork rinds, deserts etc, etc... for the duration and drastically limiting my soda intake. I still love my Dr. Peppers so i definitely need at least one daily reward. Do

Today I went to church at Christ Point, where we had a guest speaker preach. I don't remember his name but I know that it was a very good sermon. After I went over to my friends house where we played for a bit. Then came home did my requirements and now enjoying the rest of the day.

This is the second cycle for Nate and I as we are working on our 4th Dan. Today is day two, so working to get back into the cycle. Not there yet... just figuring out the timing for everything and what classes we will be attending and instructing at, etc. We are planners, so we will prep as much as we can. I definitely took too much time off in between the two cycles, so going to need to crash course on everything to catch back up. It is all in my brain, just need to get it back to the front. :-)  I am excited and ready to get going.

Today was a day of rest. My legs are sore. I used the whole day to slowly get my requirements done. We did not have any errands to run. I did my laundry yesterday. I had to start my nutrition challenge over because I did not realize it was for 30 days. Tomorrow will be day 2 of this challenge. My goal for tomorrow will be to start typing up some of my essays. Maybe even tackle the technology challenge.

Hey guys, Back on the cycle again, and this time will be different. I am 100% focused and confident in my success. Anyway, the first day I was having troubles with the website so that’s why I didn’t post yet. I’m currently in Maine visiting my family and today I played a lot of cornhole. I drove my grandfathers side by side as well. Yesterday, was a family party with games, water balloons and a lot of food. Because of this stuff my goal is too have all requirements caught up tomorrow although I’ve done a bunch of stuff already. Excited to crush the cycle with you guys!

The second day of cycle was well. First I went to Carowinds which was AWESOME, after that I ran a mile, that was tiring because I was running around to all the attractions. So after that I only did sit-ups and jump rope because I was really tired and sore so tomorrow I’ll do extra work to catch up. I still am excited for day three of cycle!!!

I can't believe that the cycle has finally started. I'm so excited for this cycle. Today I did my first mile, but I ran more than a mile and I went to poomsae class.  Yesterday I went to the quarry in Mooresville with my three friends and we jumped off of rocks.  There was one that was 18 feet high, I did it one time, it was super fun. 

Today I got up, went to the park and practiced some stick and staff forms and reviewed tbe high belt self defense in the air. It's challenging to do the real self defense on grass.  After that, I came home and did my jump rope requirement. Then did some errands, took a nap, and finished up my requirements. I've found I need to spread my requirements throughout the day, because the amount has dropped, partially from being sore. I do not have any way to do my pull up requirements at home, so I'm behind in those.    

Good afternoon, I'm already two days in and sore. I thought that the first two week would be easy but I was mistaken. I'v already been working hard and sore and it's only day two. I just finished my work for day two and I am practically dying. I also just finished Atomic Habits ( I'v been reading it since June).

Yesterday at Saturday black belt class we did our color belt poomsaes and self-defenses and I got my book from master Chelley. Today I am doing requirements preparing for pre-test.

Good Morning to everyone. I'm surprised to say this but even though we are all only 2 days in, it has been quite a bit of a challenge. I thought it would be workouts and curriculum and stuff like that but i was certainly wrong. you will really need to push yourself even if you're tired or just don't want to do it. You also will have a lot of homework (and any other requirements) so do it before anything else or you will get behind.

this is my second day of the cycle and I want to just say I feel like I'm on a good start I have to end strong too or else the start is worth nothing