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!

First (but long) post

Hi.  I assume that most everyone who reads this does not know me. My name is Stan and once upon a time, long long ago, I was a student of Master Evins right after he opened up in North Charlotte.  Then life changes happened; I moved away; and fell behind on my training.  I still live far away (New Jersey) but I my goal is to achieve 4th Dan next Spring (when I turn 50), primarily because I know that time is running out for me to meet the physical requirements of 4th Dan!   Because I am so far away, I completely forgot that there was a Black Belt website - I was only looking at the Facebook page.  Thus I kept my journal entries on a Word Document.  So.... here is my first entry, which is more or less a cut and paste from that Word document.  I will...

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  1058 Hits

september 2nd

i didn't have wifi for the past phew days i had a great day today i cleaned my room and waited for my friend ritchie to come over, i was very busy today hopefully tomorrows not.

  1031 Hits

New Desk

Today I got up in the morning and ran three miles. I decided to turn around when I realized my shoes and socks were soaked from the dew in the grass! Later, my parents and I assembled this U-shaped desk they bought a week ago which arrived a couple of days back. It took a few solid hours,  but eventually we got it done. It was HUGE, taking up more than half of the room! I did some requirements when I took a couple breaks from the constructing, but overall, it was fun.

  1021 Hits

Today

Today we came to my grandmas and had a birthday party for my brother. I played basketball with my cousin Hunter and we went on golf cart rides.

  863 Hits

I came bac...

I came back from my my freinds house from this morning then I came back did crazy requirements then I went to Lowe's toget a dog house and learn how to make it for my new skill then I came back home and ate then I went to bed

  912 Hits

Good

To day was good because I got to go outside and play basketball and then my arms started to get tired so goodnight people.

  1114 Hits

Saturday

Today I could sleep in since i didn't have to go to class. But other wise i didn't do anything special today i Just stayed home and relaxed.

  855 Hits

Labor Day Weekend!

This 3 day weekend is much needed! Well, I need the time to do all my homework, projects and requirements, but also I'll have a lot of downtime to chill and maybe hang out with a couple friends too. Also, I only have a few miles left to complete so I can sleep in on weekends!

  962 Hits

Friday

Today was a good day. I had fun at school and then Had black belt class. We are going to my grandma and grandaddy's tomorrow to celebrate my brothers birthday. It will be fun. 

  1017 Hits

bad

Today was bad because I just found out that I get homework on the weekend and that made me sad and that's why today is bad so goodnight people.

  1109 Hits

Friday

Finally the first week of school is over it felt like forever. Other wise today was just a normal day i'm  just i get a  break even though i have 2 projects to do.

  938 Hits

September 1

Today I woke up early for school. At school we had a mass dedicated for Bill Fox, who died of a heart-attack last night. I prayed for Megan and her family. It was her birthday too. I felt awful.

  817 Hits

august 31st

Today was a great day i woke up and went to school i did a lot of school work, by 2:25 iu had band practice till 7:00pm today was a long day i also have a test tomorrow hopefully i can do well on it. !

  1058 Hits

Rough School Schedule

It's getting to that time in the first week... where I get really tired because of the timings. I come home and sleep without wanting to because I'm just so tired. Hopefully this clears by next week, or else everything gets progressively worse.

  962 Hits

School Flow

I'm starting to get back into the flow for school. The pace for my classes are increasing everyday and I already have two major projects and an essay due soon. I'll be very busy with school, clubs, and tkd. But I need learn how to manage my time better if I want to be successful in college so I see this as a challenge. I also napped from 3-6:30 then went to help out my siblings class and take BB class right after. Now I have to go finish up some work so goodnight!

  973 Hits

Late requirements

I do my requirements at night time.  My Mom told me I had to go to bed so I didn't get to finish this time.  I'm tired so I'll to bed and do more tomorrow. 

  1061 Hits

good

To day was good because I got to help out in class and then in black belt class I got all my self defense and poomsaes and now I am watching the panther game so bye.  

  1061 Hits

This day went by fast

Today was a normal day I went to school and of course we did a lot of writing that was easy for some reason then it was already 345 pm that went by fast then I stayed inside to do some requirements and then Iwent to black belt class that was fun we did poomsae then self defense and then we ended class then I came back home and went to bed good night

  915 Hits

black belt day

to day was awesome in black belt we worked on sparring combinations. sparring combinations is one of my favorite things. today in school we had our first assembly.  

  925 Hits

Thursday

Today school was pretty normal but My AP Human Geo class is hard to keep up with. I helped out with the junior testing today so i missed the black belt class.

  828 Hits

Falling Behind

I have been doing my exercise but Ive just havent been able to update it because school already got to me. Im working on it and looking forward to class today. 

  905 Hits

Little stronger

I was able to drop the counterweight on the assisted pull-up machine by 15 pounds. Didn't do as many reps but was able to do a respectable amount. Goals in mind. Baby steps will still get you there.

  966 Hits

PE Day

Today we had PE and it is one of my favorite classes. I did white belt challenge at TKD and helped with my little brothers class. Tomorrow is his birthday so we will celebrate after sparring class. 

  857 Hits

Knocked out requirements with Mom

I did my requirements with Mom and got them done. She can do sit-ups fast, but she's a little fluffy on the inside.  My Mom doesn't really like burpees. When I do my requirements she does them too. I really like doing my requirements.They get me strong and healthy. Its really challenging when you do a lot of them at the same time.

  934 Hits

gym

To day  in gym we played soccer we did a game and we did dribbling and passing so that made super tired so goodnight people.

  1121 Hits

good

To day was a good day because me and my mom got in our run so that was fun

  902 Hits

Wednesday

Today i could barley get out of bed i stay up super late to work on a project. but other wise it was a normal day except that i was tired the whole day.

  815 Hits

Today was ...

Today was a neet day I woke up at6 to get ready for school and that was exhausting because I did a lot of writing so my hand hert a lot and then I came back home and got ready for tae kwon do that was fun in sparring we did side kick and turning side kicks then I came back home and now I'm drinking a smoothie good bye

  0 Hits

Wednesday

Today I switched blocks for the first time in school. in sparring we worked on our cut kicks and turning side kick. it was a FUN DAY

  823 Hits

2nd Day of Schoolh

Although I am taking difficult courses this year, so far, it seems bearable. Sophomore year is decent so far, but I don't see many other underclassmen. Today, I was yawning all day in school, but thankfully I didn't sleep so I should keep that up and get some sleep now. Good night y'all.

  968 Hits

august 29th

today was a great day i went to school and it turned out to be a great second day hopefully these classes turn out to be wonderful and also, i had practice at  night i am very tired so good night

  1086 Hits

2nd Day of School

Today was my second day of highschool. I had to wake up really early so im very tired today. My AP Human Geo class has allready assigned homework my World history class as well.

  889 Hits

School and College(?)

2nd day of school was a success! I changed my classes today to more advanced courses and even though my senior year will be extra challenging, it will surely boost my GPA and look good on my resume. I'd forgotten how tiring school was! As soon as I got home today I took a nap and now I'm working on my essay for English. Also I checked my email a few minutes ago, and I've received an offer from Western University! Although its not one of my top schools, I'll give it some thought.

  912 Hits

School

Today was my second day of school. I had to wake up early because my dad had to go to work  it was an awesome day

  912 Hits

Tuesday

Today was a good second day of school. I played basketball with my friends. I got all my homework finished and was able to get a lot of cycle work done. Today was a good day.

  927 Hits

Today I we...

Today I went to school and came back that was a ruff school day because I had to write a lot then I came back did my home work played outside with my cousins and then I went back home and went to black belt class that was fun we learned how to get out of a choke and then I went back home and now I'm going to bed good night

  0 Hits

1st Day of Afterschool

Classes went well on the 1st day. Getting the kids to the school was a challenge so i am betting that tomorrow will be another beast! 

  1011 Hits

First Day of School

Today was the first day of school. I met some new friends and had alot of fun. I had fun at afterschool too. I am going to a new school this year and have to figure out things but i think it is going to be a good year. 

  0 Hits

back

Today I came back from my Pittsburg trip for my grandmas birthday so that was fun so I am tired goodnight.

  860 Hits

School

Today was a school day I had to wake up at6:00 am that was not ruff because I am a morning person and so I wentto school it was awsome I did a lot of writing and I also went back home on the school bus That was fun and then I went to the house then I got dressed for tae kwon do and then I went back home and now I'm going to bed good night

  898 Hits

Gym TIme

Renovations were completed at my gym and I was able to get in a quick workout at lunchtime today. Still working on those assisted pull-ups, though this time I didn't have to add weight to make it easier to finish the last set, so I'll take that as improvement. Still hoping to do better at the PFT at the end of September than the last one. I was also happy to see that they added four stair masters to the cardio lineup! YAY!

  888 Hits

august 27th

today was a great day i woke up and ate breakfast the went to mass and got to see my cousin on his birthday hopefully i have great day of school tomorrow!

  920 Hits

Hello ever...

Hello every body today was a neat day I went running then I went to Lowe's to get a nice dog house and of course we did not get it but then I went back home took a break then went to the mall my feet were killing me so then we went back home and then I ate some dinner and went outside came back in and then I got ready for bed and now I am in bed good night

  0 Hits

Nothing to talk about

I have nothing to talk about.  I'm just tired and want to go to bed. My head hurts and I'm sleepy. Good night!

  931 Hits

Fun

Today I had alot of fun. After Sparring and Black Belt Class I went to a car show and saw a lot of cool cars. It was hot in there but a ot of fun. 

  912 Hits

BB Class

Had a good black belt class today with Master Chelly.  We did a lot of review all the way from white belt to 3rd Dan!

  1041 Hits

Run, run as fast as you can

Started the day off by running the Yiasou Greek Festival 5K this morning with Catherine, who finished about 20 minutes before I did! LOL! Then I was able to make it to sparring class. I was stunned that I made in in time as I was afraid that I would miss it due to the run. I was so wiped out that I didn't stay for the Black Belt class, but instead worked with a young student who missed the family class as she was not aware of the time that the class started. All in all it was a good day.

  918 Hits

Today

Today was a busy day. I had black belt class and my uncle whiting came for the weekend. I will be going to black belt class in the morning to. It is the last weekend before school starts. 

  851 Hits

august 25th

today was a great day i woke up ate breakfast then went out for a run once i got finished up i went starlight too my guitar lesson, then at 5 i had amentro session. family came over today i had a lot of fun today .

  845 Hits

Pizza

Today I ate pizza for dinner and it was delicious! We went to a new place and it was good pizza!  I ate a whole pizza by myself.  I really want to go back there.

  886 Hits

Friday

today was the last day of summer camp .we had a lot of fun. camp ended early so I got the chance to get all my requirements and I took it and got all of them done

  890 Hits

Dizzying Kicks

Tonight I got to work with Master Knight on my hurricane back kick. All I can say is that I understand the mechanics of it. Translating that into application, without the vertigo, is proving to be quite the challenge. Hopefully in time it will come together. Off to bed so that I can be rested for the Greek Festival 5K in the morning!

  858 Hits

august 24th

today i woke up and did my requirements then i waited for my parents to get home so during that time i cleaned the house and started organizing my room and getting ready for school thats this coming Monday, then when my parents got home i went to band and had practice because we have competition next week. We went over all the parts and this weekend we will be going over part 3, i need to get some rest for tomorrow swell i have a lot coming up.

  837 Hits

Mom's compliment

Today after black belt class my Mom gave me a compliment for how strong I was being in class.  She said I looked really good at my poomsaes and self defense. I liked the compliment! And I told her I had been practicing more. I got this!

  906 Hits

Ceremony + Open House

Today, I got up in the morning and had to help my parents prepare for a religious ceremony we were going to conduct. Afterwards, I drove with my dad to open house to meet all of my teachers. They were all really cool! It feels kinda weird saying this, but I'm excited for school!

  959 Hits

August 24

Today I woke up and went to school. At school I went through all of my classes and got a lot of syllabi to read over and sign. After school I went home and did some school work. At 5:30 I went to Tae Kwon Doe. 

  865 Hits

Today was ...

Today was a interesting dayI did my requirements then I went outside to play I could not get anyone to play then I went back inside and then I watched monster that was fun then I and my mother went to open house it was great I got the teacher I wanted then I had all of my friends in there then we came back home I took a shower then I stayed up until 10 pm that was fun today was a nice day and evening good night

  0 Hits

the tiring day

Today was very tiring. the reason it was a tiring day was because I went to summer camp it made me break a sweat then on top of that I had to my requirements. after that I did black belt class. 

  880 Hits

Sparring

Got to another good sparring class tonight at the Lake Norman school. I wish I had known it was Master Natasya's  birthday when I was there so that I could have wished her a Happy Birthday. It was nice to get to know her a bit better before class, though, and found out that we both love the same math professors at UNCC. Talk about a small world! 

  802 Hits

august 23

today was a great day overall i woke up and did requirements as soon as i got back i  ate break fast then went to lies to find a new faucet for my bathroom, when we were done with that i got back and received a text from a friend that we were supposed to go out to eat at 2;30 so i decided to to go i went with them ate and had fun, then i had to go to band practice to performer at open house which was at 6 i had a lot of fun today even though it was very hot and i had to play outside for about an hour but i need to rest up for a new day tomorrow good night!

  0 Hits

8/23

Classes went very well today. Lots of board breaking, and lots of happy kiddos.  I was feeling pretty good :D

  915 Hits

Today was ...

Today was a nice day I did my requirements and then I did some crazy stuff then went back inside then I watched some tv then I went to the dojong and helped out with class then I did my sparing class and that was fun then I went to my grand fathers house and ate dinner and then I went back to the house then went to the gas station and did the lottery ticket then went back home and then I am watched gnomeo and Juliet that was fun now I am going to bed good night today was fun bye

  0 Hits

Busy busy busy

Long day at work and then came to King Tiger and jumped in to assist the Jr Tiger class and then the two Wang Ho classes after. Oye I'm tired. Going to finish up and hit the showers.

  775 Hits

wensday

I had a good day I had a lot of fun today.  my tooth even came out.  I had enough time to get my requirements in. 

  839 Hits

August 23

Today was my first day of school. At school we had a few assemblies followed by a long mass. I gave a presentation to the freshmen about tips for freshman year. I went to Tae Kwon Doe at 6:15.

  977 Hits

New Staff Forms

Today I woke up a bit late, but I worked on some school stuff in the morning and afternoon. Then at Black Belt class, I learned two new staff forms! I first only saw the differences between those and the one I already knew, but eventually, I could the similarities.

  1079 Hits

Good

Today was black belt class and we worked on staff form 1 and then I did good in school today so goodnight.

  964 Hits

august 22nd

Today started of well, i did my requirements first thing then i ate break fast when i finished up i rested and waited till i had to go band practice when it hit about 4pm i left the house with my dad to drop me off. When i got there i fixed up my instrument and also cleaned it, we did a lot of pep band music then later we started working on the show, we got to finish up movement one and also movement two we got those two parts down now later we will start to learn part 3 which is the hardest part of the show, well i need to rest up because i have practice tomorrow good night.

  879 Hits

A Busy Day

Today was a busy day I had Just enough time before my mom picked my up from summer camp to do my requirements. I also had a lot of fun today.

  960 Hits

Back Home

Yesterday I came back from vacation. I got to see my dog. I got to sleep in my own room. I did miss my mom when I went on vacation. My dog ran to me and my brother. I liked that.

  893 Hits

August 22nd

I've been so busy with things going on at my temple, I haven't been getting my workout or my journals in. I will catch up tho and be back on track.

  960 Hits

Jump Rope!

I finally remembered to pack my jump rope in my bag that I bring with me to work every day. With two 15-minute breaks in the day I'm able to get in several rounds of jump rope. Just finished 10 rounds in the morning. Will pull it out again this afternoon. Sneaking in the requirements throughout the day so that I can catch up on some and stay ahead of the others!

  1015 Hits

August 22

Today I babysat my brother and prepared for school because my school starts tomorrow. I packed my lunch and packed up my school supplies. I went to Tae Kwon Doe at 4:15. 

  899 Hits

August 21

Today I watched the solar eclipse from my house. I used glasses and a box. It was really cool even though I did not get to see it at totality. 

  893 Hits

The Solar Eclipse

I went to Columbia, SC to witness the total solar eclipse. It was absolutely amazing. The whole event last about 3 hours. Unfortunately, there was so much traffic that I got home just in time for a quick mentor session before King Tiger closed for the night!

  979 Hits

Eclipse!

Today I traveled to South Carolina to see the total solar eclipse.  I was so excited to finally witness this phenomenon.  For anyone who hasn't seen it I highly recommend that you go next time! :D Class went swell today.

  1072 Hits

Eclipse Day

I went outside this afternoon at work and several of the guys were watching the eclipse, sharing a pair of glasses between them. They offered them to me so that I could view it as well. It was very fascinating. Then was able to get in another white-belt challenge day after helping in class and working with my mentee. Cannot believe we are almost two months into this cycle. Where does the time go???

  999 Hits

Today was ...

Today was awsome I ofcource went for a run then I did my requirements and then I went to see the eclips which was cool it wasn't that dark but I saw the moon cross over the sun then I went inside and played on my phone until 4:50 then we went to tae kwon do and then we went home then I went to eat and then I watched tv then I am going to bed

  0 Hits

august 21st

today was a great day i woke up and did requirements then waited for the eclipse to happen, I'm currently having out with my parents and i feel very tired so i might go to bed early goodnight!

  890 Hits

Preparing for the Eclipse

Today, my family was preparing for the eclipse because we're going to South Carolina to see the total eclipse tomorrow. I also got some more practice driving and cut the weeds in our front and backyards.

  1003 Hits

august 20

today was a great day i woke up did requirements and then ate breakfast when i finished up i got ready to go to church, mass was only an hour so it wasn't that long i had a lot of fun swell because i practiced golfing with my dad and then in the end i watched a movie about the lost city of z .

  940 Hits

My Weekend

I had the best weekend. I went to a pool party and had lots of fun. I picked out new shoes for school but we have to order them. I also did some of my black belt cycle things. 

  990 Hits

Today I ra...

Today I ran did my requirements and then I went to the pool that was fun then I went back home and and played outside then came inside and ate something then went to bed good night

  0 Hits

Sunday

today I went to watch the Goddess game and came home and did my requirements. after that I played computer games with my friends

  982 Hits

church

Today we spent the whole day at church because you know I need some my Jesus even though I got baptize so that was my day so goodnight because I have school tomorrow so bye.

  1025 Hits

Long week

Long week comes to a close. Super proud of everyone who tested on Thursday and Friday! Sparring class was an adventure yesterday. Got kicked in the head, but that's why we wear helmets and mouth guards! LOL! No harm done. Will try to block or move faster next time. Got meal prep done today, so will be calling it a night.

  1041 Hits

great

Today was great because my mentee got his new belt and I got a lot of headshots in sparring class and I did good in black belt class today so goodnight people.

  950 Hits

Today was ...

Today was another busy day I went to sparring class that was tiring then we all went to black belt class did a bunch of poomsaes which was really fun then we went back home and then I ate some of nachos and then I went out side then came inside then we all went to my cousins house for my little cousins birthday party that was fun then we went home then I ate and then I went to bed good night

  0 Hits

A normal Saturday

To day I woke up around 7 am and got ready for sparring and black belt class. after black belt class I did all of my requirements. After that I got Ice cream.

  823 Hits

August 19

Take I woke up early and went to Tae Kwon Doe in Charlotte. After class, I got home and got a shower. I left to go to lunch with a few of my friends at 1. When I got home I had piano lessons. 

  940 Hits

Saturday Class

Today I woke up at 8and got ready for Sparring and Red-Bocho class, It was a lot of fun, although I struggled because of my ankle. Sparring was   nice although I need to stop pulling my kicks and instead extend more with power. Overall great day!

  945 Hits

august 18th

today was great i woke up in the morning and and had a nice breakfast then followed up with requirements, when i got back it was about 3pm so i had to get ready because i had to play at an away football game we played a lot of music i had fun

  947 Hits

Good

To day was a good day because I got to clean my room and then I got to go outside and now I am tired so goodnight.

  969 Hits

Plain day

Today was just another fast day I did running requirements and I also did another paper today then I played outside with my cousins and there friends it was my cousins birthday she was six years old now I am doing stuff like eating and I am about to go to bed good night

  952 Hits

August 18

Today I woke up around 11. I finished some push ups and sit ups in the morning and then relaxed at home for the rest of the day. I babysat my siblings in the afternoon. At 5:00 I went to Tae Kwon Doe. 

  901 Hits

Tired

Today I feel much much better but I am also very sore. Tommorrow is gonna be a very long and big day because its one of our biggest religious days in our religion. 

  1042 Hits

A Guest

Today, my little cousin came over to bake with my sister. Having him over gave me a nice break to the usual routine. Speaking of which, I am adding more and more as my ankle heals up!

  946 Hits

Pool with family

Today I went to the pool with my family.  I had a lot of pool toys there.  I played catch with my uncle and I had so much fun!

  906 Hits

august 17th

today was a great day i woke up did some requirements then i rested up and got ready to go to help out at testing today. I stated for both testings to help out it was pretty fun today was a pretty short day tomorrow i got a band concert hopefully this first one is awesome and hopefully there are many more to come!

  1035 Hits

on track

Today I had to go though my book and make sure I have every thing matched the website. I also help out with testing so I could get more credit's for the cycle. 

  876 Hits