Candidate Journals

Today, I woke up happy to start my first day of Black Belt cycle. I did my morning routine and got ready to go to taekwondo. When I got there, I started to work on my fitness requirements since I asked to go in an hour earlier than originally planned. My mom also brought me breakfast since I didn't eat prior to leaving this morning. While doing my kicks, I hurt myself on the bag because I kept hitting the same area on the top of my foot repeatedly. I don't usually kick on the hanging bags, but I feel that was the cause, so next time I will use the ones for class instead. I had my friend Ryker help make sure I was doing my rolls and falls correctly since I can't see myself when I'm doing it. He gave me good feedback and now I know I need...

Hi everyone, my name is Peyton! I attend Lake Norman KT and have been since I was 4 years old and I am now 14! I love TKD, the people there are my 2nd family! I am on my audit cycle for my 4th degree black belt. I am so excited to start this new cycle in 2026! I love writing these journals on the website and love reading others, usually I write a lot! If I had any advice to give for newbies who haven't done this before, just don't fall behind. Work ahead as much as you can on the weekends, especially if you work or go to school Mon-Fri. Get as much as you can done, when you can and definitely keep up with your essays! Don't wait until the last minute to do everything! Overall, my day was good! BBC was a lot of fun with bocho...

My dad and I went to the shooting range today. I did pretty well for my first time. Before all that I went to black belt class then ate lunch with my mom. overall, it was a good day. I also got all my exercises done for the day. :) :)

This is my first journal. Happy first day of cycle! I’m very excited to finally get started! Today I went to my first Saturday black belt class in a while. I’m also glad that yesterday’s black belt class could count as a credit. I got started on my physical requirements as well as biked my mile. I’m very sore… Overall it was a great first day of cycle and I wish everyone luck! 

What a first day of cycle!  I always tell myself I can do hard things and I can, but this is so much harder than I expected. It is important to keep in mind that it is only day 1 and each day will make me stronger and better.

Here I am again!  1st day of the cycle kicked off well.  Got in a sparring class, mentee session, leadership credit, and assisted with class.  2 miles done, but still have to finish a few more physical things to end the day.  I came up with a plan to follow for requirements.  It will hopefully let me rest or at least go really light on Sundays.  I will need it!  It is very important to recover as well.  I also ordered my cycle book.  Looking forward to *hopefully* a Panthers win today!  Ready to start knocking out next week on the cycle.  I may start my nutritional challenge next week as well.  After the holidays, I think it may be perfect timing.

 My name is Aahlei, and I'm a boho dan. Today is the first day of my first black belt cycle, and I'm really excited. Today I went to the early morning sparring class, and then had a mentor session. I'm about to begin my work outs and go on a run. I'm also currently on page 100 of Atomic habits and I'm finished with two of my essays. 

Today I woke up at 8 am and got ready for my Taekwondo classes. I ate a nutritious breakfast and arrived early for my sparring class. I finished that class and had a lot of fun sparring with my friends. Then, I had a mentor session with Instructor Connor, and he helped me with my colored belt poomsaes. I then helped out an adult class by showing them the right technique of kicks, punches, and more. I finally ended my day there with a leadership class, and we wrote down our goals for 2026 on a board and broke them with a strike to show that we will beat them. I noted everything I did today in my Black Belt Book, and I returned home. I am about to eat lunch now and am going to finish my physical requirements for the day later. Today was the start of the black...

I attended my first black belt class of the cycle today. After I stopped by Barnes & Noble and picked up One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Should be a good read. - 01/03/26 

Going to my friends house to play with them, and see what they got for Christmas. I had my first Saturday class today and it was awesome with master Evans.

  Hi to everyone today!! My name is Nathan Norris and this is the first day of the cycle, as I am now going for 3rd Dan.. This morning we had a class and went over a lot of self-defense Curriculum such as Bo Cho Don specials, 1st Dan specials, etc. with Master Evins. Thankfully I got to learn a bit of 2nd Dan specials too as I definitely needed help on those. After that I headed over to North lake recreational center to play basketball and work on my pull up strength. Then of course I had to watch the panthers game, as it was crucial for them to win, but… they end up choking as always. They still have a shot to get in the playoffs though. That’s all that I did today, and I wish everyone luck on this cycle.

The start of the cycle, I woke up and attended the black belt class which is nice to already have a weekend BBC credit marked off. Im feeling pretty good but have not yet experienced the hardships of the cycle. But I am ready for what's to come. 1/3/26

What to do, what to do? Can't quite fall asleep and the cycle has started...write a journal😂 Thankful for being able to count the Friday class. Nice to start off with that in your pocket. See you in class or on zoom tomorrow. Happy New Year everyone!

I ran my first mile in 10:15.

Here we go, day 1 is upon us, and I am so excited it is finally here

Me and my friends and family went bowling together last night we all had fun, and rang in the new year.

Hi, I am Prasoon Panda, and I am a Bocho Dan testing for my Black Belt this Spring. I took advantage of my break and finished many essays for my Black Belt Cycle. I finished 5 essays and learned a lot from them. The essays were time-consuming and a little challenging to write, but at the same time, I really enjoyed writing about myself, others, etc. I was really happy that I wrote that many essays, and now I am getting ready for my Pretest Assessment. I hope everybody is having a great break, and Happy New Year to everyone!

Yesterday it was New Year's Eve and I stayed up late until the ball dropped. And for Christmas I got a electric scooter that goes really fast, and a meta quest 3S/VR Headset. I just finished my first essay.  To be honest this essay was very hard for me to write and it took me around 2 days to finish. It was kind of fun to do but it was kind of hard at the same time.

Me and my friend and my family went to see avatar last night it was good.

I am so excited this journey and show everyone that it does not matter what your age is you accomplish hard things.  I can't wait to see everyone on this journey and how they progress!

Im am excited to start my Black belt cycle with you all.

12/23

In just eleven days we start the cycle!  How can you be both completely ready and very far from ready to do something at the same time? Best of luck to everyone! Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year! See you on the mat!!

Today I had a lot of school work but it was okay and then tonight we made a fire and had s'mores.

Today I had my makeup photos for RCA and they went really well.

Feast was okay I guess and I went to fraternus tonight.

We had Feast again today and my kids did great with beading! 

So today was pretty slow I managed to get most of my school work done before lunch

Today was a normal school day plus I had my therapy appointment, which was good. I got to help a friend last night who was going through a hard time with her marriage. I'm thankful I was able to help her. 

Today is my birthday. It's been a good day. We went to Feast and then I got to take a nap when we got home... Yay naps!

It's done! Testing was yesterday and yay I'm glad it's over. I broke two bricks!! Looking forward to resting now.

Testing is going well. I feel like we might make it out at a reasonable hour, fingers crossed.

Today was a pretty good day at school, we played pickleball and also had a spelling bee (I didn’t win) but now we have testing today which I expect to be exhausted.

The end of the cycle. I am going to miss it. The cycle brought us together, it worked us untill we couldn't move,& it made us better as people. I think what'll miss most is all of you. You all were there freinds, mentors, & Aquantences. I really will miss this experience I shared with you all. Good night.

I am realy anxious about it even though I am ready. I skipped school today to work on my material and checking my physical stuff. Good luck to everyone who is testing tonight.

Today is testing and I feel like I am ready. I have been staying up pretty late for the past week doing homework which might be a good thing because now i dont really feel sleepy until 10, but it also might be bad since ive been getting less sleep. Anyways good luck for tonight everyone!

Testing is in a few hours and i feel like i am ready. im going to practice because im gonna get there early and also im eating dinner right now so i have energy. The part im most excited for is probably brick or board breaking. anyways see you guys later

I will admitted I did not finish all of these but I did the best I could do and my knee is hurting bad so I will take my meds now before to try and not hurt them both because I forgot to say but its in both just one hurts more  

today I went to school and then I got on the bus but I forgot that they tore up our driveway so I was at my granpa's place for the time being so I had to wait for my mom to pick me up to go to taekwondo so I could do some last minute practice with master shin and I think my knee will kill me tomorrow   

today I started to think my knee was going to be ok but I was wrong I was going to give my friend my book and I tripped and fell on the ground on my knee and when I got up I fell on it again  

Today I saw Neil Degrass Tyson and it was amazing he is so smart it is crazy he was saying how there is a moon that has a ocane of methane or farts  

today all I can think about is how I'm going to go see Neil Degrass Tyson and I was working with master shin and I'm feeling good in my abilitys but I hope my knee is going to feel better but it feels bad  

today this number is going to make me laghf because it is a slang word but today I chilled and played games  

Today I went to the kick-a-thon and it was way better on my knee than I thought and also I got my knee checked out it is crazy inflammation which I hope gose away before the overnight but it might not   

today is Friday I'm still so excited for Neil degrass Tyson but first I have to make it though the weekend   

Today I had real fun at school and I heard I get to see Neil Degrass Tyson next Tuesday I'm so excited  

Today I went to school had some fun like do a math project yup so fun (in a sarcastic voice)  then I went to my dads and watched some Simpson's Halloween episodes .  

well its testing day. i wish everyone the best of luck. i will be focusing on knife self defense real quick as im just a tiny bit shaky on it. but i have pretty much all of it down. good luck everyone.

Today I'm working, then resting for awhile so I am not completely exhausted tonight. I somehow got behind on journals, so I will be writing another one sometime after midnight.

Wow... testing is tomorrow. I feel like I've been training for this forever. I'd have to say, this cycle was a lot smoother for me than last cycle. But given the circumstances, I'd say that's a low bar. Last cycle I had to go find out who I was (and wasn't) in the latter half of my first year at a new place. This cycle, I could see my goals and work towards them accordingly. Sleep as of late isn't as good, but I can't just stop here. I must maintain my momentum forward.

 today is my birthday! 🥳🥳🥳🎉🎊🎉🥳🥳🥳🎂🎂🎂 Anyway, I'm feeling pretty stressed about the test TOMORROW NIGHT But went to King Tiger, got a mentee and a mentor session in.

I'm exhausted and about to fall asleep right now. But basically I had a big soccer game which we lost and didn't get home till 8:30 and then I had homework but I didn't finish it all because I need to get to sleep.

Today I have been encompassed by anxiety because of the overnight test on Friday but it will soon be over, I know I should do well, but I am still worried about it. Other than that, I have been practicing a lot this week to make sure I know my stuff. I am just going over some self defenses right now.

Today is Henry's birthday!! He is 13!  We celebrated by finishing up our last requirements this evening! 😂 Instructor Jen was great to work with on bolo. Thank you ma'am! 

Hope I'm ready for tomorrow. Finished my requirements, now I'm going to get some sleep

Today was okay so at school we had a lockdown and a hospital room. After school I came home to my dads house and read for an hour then I had to go to taekwondo. Next I came home to my moms house and I rode my bike plus when I rode my bike I scraped my knee and Im about to get some sleep for the overnight test tomorrow. BYE

Today was pretty chill. It’s my first day on fall break! We had a sub in science and math, we also had a fire drill at school. After school I went to taekwondo for a shin kickers class and a drills for skills class. Then we Dominos Pizza for dinner! Good night!

Today I had the PSAT at school. It was very long but I'm happy it is done. After the PSAT, I went over to a friend's house and hung out a bit. Then I went to soccer practice which was pretty short today, but my team has a big game tomorrow so we have to play out of our mind. It's our last regular season game before playoffs. But I'm gonna get some rest so bye!

Today was boring because we had a test for science and I got a B- on the test or pretest. Later I went to my dads house and I went to taekwondo and helped out. After taekwondo I went to my moms house and watched so Starger Things with her, then I did my requirememnts. Night yall!

So Today I went to King Tiger and practiced a lot and had a mentor session and then came home for like half an hour and then went back over to King Tiger and got a mentee session and then came home and had sloppy joes for dinner and then finished the episode of the chosen that I've been watching and that's about it

Today was a pretty chill but fun day. We had a substitute for math class at school. After school my gramma picked me up for yellow-green belt class, after that we had a black belt class, and I got a mentee session in with Daisy. After class I went home and practiced my clarinet. Then I went to bed. Good night!

We had a good session with Master Marcus practicing board breaks and discussing brick breaking. Getting closer! We keep working hard!!

Today we had to make a cheat or study sheet for our science test tommorw. Later after school I went to my dads house and read a book for an hour, Then I went to taekwondo and I helped out but I am so stressed for the overnight test! After taekwondo I went to my dads house to take a shower after I ate dinner. I just got home from my dads house and I did my homework and 'bout to study for my science test. Bye guys.

Today I had to do an eye test at school I'm pretty sure I did well. After I came to KT I did my last mentee sesion.

Today was good. I went to school, we had a substitute for band. After school my grandma picked me up and we hung out at her house for a while. Then my mom picked me up and we went to my red-black belt class. After that we went home and had dinner.

Cool day, I forgot deodorant today because my head was not feeling well, and I had to take my sister out to the bus. But I got to school, and oh my lord, it took so long to get out of there. My fourth block, which is ELA, is the longest. But in ELA we read a chapter of a book we're reading, it's called "A Long Walk to Water," it's really good, you should read it. But we read the most gruesome chapter, it was about blood, and rivers, and it was disgusting, but so on. I went to class. My dad was late to pick me up, and I got home to do my homework, ate dinner and I'm about to go to bed. Good Night!

We had a long session with Master Marcus this afternoon and I'm feeling a lot better about knife and 1st Dan. Worked with Meg on self defenses together. Getting close!!

So today I went over to King Tiger, did a mentor session and then went over to Ms. Meg's and found out that I'm slightly allergic to cats 😔 And then later I had Chinese chicken nuggets for dinner. anyway, that's about it. 

Today was okay because at school we all had a check in and it was hard, after the test and after school I went to my dads house and I did my homework and made and ate dinner. Later I went to my room to finish a journal entry from yesterday in my notebook. Well thats all got to go to my moms house now bye!

On Saturday I went to jr. instructor camp for my last time, I got confused if it was 5th of 6th time lol but my dad reminded me it was my 6th time but anyway it was really fun, we got to do a lot of fun stuff with all the instructors there like dancing, team building (probably my favorite), rolls and falls, and sticks and then the next day we got to eat master Loyd’s breakfast, it was really good.

went to the kick-a-thon on Saturday. After lunch i was back at the dojang for Jr Instructor camp. I led a session on leadership. The kids were split into groups and given a scenario card that outlined a challenge they may face as a junior instructor. They had 15 minutes to discuss and then act out a solution. Every group did awesome, and the skits were really fun to watch. The number one thing all of us can do as in the dojang is to lead by example. It was a great weekend. I took a four-hour nap when I got home from camp on Sunday. It was rough trying to sleep on the mat! But getting to watch Grand Master Evins learn the TKD aerobics routine was worth the lack of sleep. Of course he aced it - good job sir! P.S. - I just turned in my final essay,...

I will be going to the lower belt class today to assist. 

October 5 - Entry # 50 Had a pretty relaxed day today. Didn't have anywhere to go, or anything to do. My uncle and cousins came to visit for a while. I played some video games with my friend. Played some more video games. Hung out with mom and dad. Then got ready for bed and for school tomorrow. It's spirit week at school this week. Tomorrow is pajama day. This is also my last required journal entry, but I might keep posting, if I dont forget. 

So today was decent I am feeling quite a bit of pressure about testing this Saturday😬😬😬 we had baked ham and cheese sandwiches for dinner🥪🥪🥪😋 so overall it was a good day bye

My back is feeling much better today (thank you prescriptions meds!) and I'm hopeful that I can get the work in this week that I need before Friday! 

5 more days until testing, anyway. I woke up and for a while I just was watching TV. No one was home for a while cuz my sister had to do something. When they did come home, I went to my granddad's house for a while. Come back late, did some stuff and that's it.

Today is the day after Jr instructor camp it was so much fun .

Today was chill so first I went to the stanly park and went fishing with my dad for the first time. Later I got to learn how to ride a bike for the first time, after that I went to go chill. Then I went to my moms house and rode my my bike there up and down the street. I am 'bout to go to bed night yall

Today I haven’t been feeling the greatest but yesterday at junior instructors camp was a blast, we did a bunch of cool stuff but as a result I’m really tired. Like I said, today hasn’t been the greatest but I’m getting through it.

Tomorrow I hope can go to the dojang together get my staff. Iam so nervous for testing!

October 4 - Entry # 49 Got to sleep in a little this morning. When I woke up and got ready, we headed to the kickathon. I had a good time, and for a good cause. On the way home, we stopped by the motorcycle shop. While mom and dad got what they needed, I looked at helmets and found one I really like. So maybe I'll get it soon. Gonna look around a little more first though. Then we came home and relaxed for a while. Played some video games. Got ready for bed. Coming to a close on the 12 weeks. 

Today I went to the 8:00 black belt class, then did the kick-a-thon. Afterwards Dylan and I had lunch and then I dropped him off at junior instructors camp, and came home. I spent the rest of the day practicing and cleaning.

Today was exhausting! I don’t remember how many kicks I did, but it was a lot! 

I was able to sleep in today!!. After I did all of my other stuff We left the house around 11:10 and we got there with two minutes to spare it was because of all the traffic we had on the way there. I got  in and I started kicking cause I knew I had a lot to do  if I remember right about I did about  600 of them by myself and with me and my friends done a couple hundred together. I was doing  200 kicks when we heard cheering and clapping and I was like wait were done, but i haven't done  all of mine. I looked at my board really quick and I saw there was a lot crossed off. I was really glad to be able to go there this morning and do kicks if it means helping out someone. I like helping people, thank you for...

Finally, the 12 weeks are over! Now all I have to do is go to kickathon and do the two testings. I had a good time at sparring today. Bye  

One. Week. Left.  I have been in a lot of pain the last 24 hours.I used all my prescription meds I keep on hand for flare ups and I'm feeling better this morning. Not sure how many kicks I'll really be able to do at the kick-a-thon today but we'll see.  Trying to keep my eye on the prize!!

Grateful for this buffer week. I broke my thumb in sparring on Thursday and I'm wearing a cast. I was super frustrated because I thought I wouldn't be able to test. I'll spend the week working up a creative and seeing where else I need to modify. I didn't go to BBC this morning, but I'll be there for the Kick-a-thon and Jr. Instructor class.  

October 3 - Entry # 48 Had an okay day at school. Had a doctor's appointment to get a physical done for school sports. Everything went good with that, but I do have to see an eye doctor because my right eye is giving me some problems. So we will see what happens. Went to get dinner with my mom, dad, sister, & grandpa after my appointment. Then came home and got ready for bed. Have the kickathon and jr instructors camp tomorrow. 

today i went to school and black belt class and i had pasta for dinner. Goodnight.

At recess, I was playing soccer and my friend did a beautiful pass straight to me, and I shot midair and scored a goal. But the other team kept saying noo, I say I'd scored but I guess that didn't count. Nothing else really happened except my parents left me with my litte sister for a while. She fell asleep and they got back with pizza!

Today is short. I did not do much but skipped BBC because I have 13 weekdays.

Today I have a short work day, hopefully, and I will be able to spend the afternoon practicing kicks. I plan on attending the black belt class tonight and maybe getting a mentee session in. 

Today, we are going to co-op and meet my fellow homechoolers for a class. Maybe will run a mile later. 

i had to do science homework and that was boring but i got it done also i got math homework too.

today was the math benchmark at school and i also went to taekwondo. Then i had chicken for dinner. Goodnight.

Today has been a long day, the journey of the cycle has caught up with me. My wife found me sleep in my office chair, I woke up not knowing what day it was.  This evening I completed/  made up my post test, my leg of course hurts now. I took it super easy and it still is painful, I am just going to put my feet up until Saturday.  This is my last journal of the cycle and by far this has been the most challenging one for a myriad of reasons, however this makes it all the more worth it.  

October 2 - Entry # 47 Had a test in career exploration class today. Lunch wasnt good, the nachos tasted off today for some reason. After school, I got some requirements done. Had sparring class and got a mentee session in. Came home and finished requirements, ate dinner, then started getting ready for bed.

Today was a pretty good day. I went to school and we had our math NC check in test. After school I went to my grandmas house, afterwards I went to a sparring class! 😃 

Today was pretty busy. At school we just did normal stuff and after school I had theater club. They were reading through lines for the first time and i dont have a part so me and the others who arent in the play helped our counselor cut out bookmarks. After theater i came home and went to taekwondo. I helped out with a class and retook my written test after. I also forgot to get my book signed but oh well. Anyways yeah now im just doing homework. 

I had mostly a normal day. I went to school and soccer practice. I went to sparring class and helped out in a class before that. Tomorrow, I have to travel to Wilmington for soccer. I really hope we win these 2 games we have to play because these are crucial, and I don't want to go all the way out to Wilmington just to lose. So, I'm hoping we can come out with some intensity and effort.

Today was really fun besides school of course. When I got home from school, I had to go get my haircut which was pretty nice after that after that I went to a hockey thing where we practiced a bunch of shooting drills then once I got home, I did my requirements and now I’m going to bed