Candidate Journals

 So it’s finally testing day!  I’ve been doing every poomsae and self-defense I know and trying to work on the details.  It seems the more I practice, the more mistakes I make and the more nervous I get.  I have to keep telling myself that I’ve worked hard, I know my stuff, and I wouldn’t be testing if I wasn’t ready.  (I wonder if they’ve done any studies on practicing/studying too much??)   I’ve also been reflecting on my journey to this level.  I have so many people that have helped me on the way.  Obviously, I wouldn’t be here if not for Master Evins – his patience and encouragement kept me coming back to class!  Master Chin, she convinced me that Tae Kwon Do was something I should do with my kids.  My first instructor was Master Chelley, she helped me believe that I could do it.  Master Burkart – he...

Wow i feel like i gotta give a speech for 200 people. anyways i'm gonna leave 7 because my dad has to go to a meeting so its time to stock up on them 5 hour energy drinks. ;)

I am very excited for tonight! My dad looked at all my stuff last night and this morning before school and i had everything down. then again, there was no pressure then...and i wasnt tired..BUT! I know ill do great!

today is testing and im so scared. i also cant waste for tomorrow my hole family is goimg and friends.  

So it’s finally testing day!  I’ve been doing every poomsae and self-defense I know and trying to work on the details.  It seems the more I practice, the more mistakes I make and the more nervous I get.  I have to keep telling myself that I’ve worked hard, I know my stuff, and I wouldn’t be testing if I wasn’t ready.  (I wonder if they’ve done any studies on practicing/studying too much??)  I’ve also been reflecting on my journey to this level.  I have so many people that have helped me on the way.  Obviously, I wouldn’t be here if not for Master Evins – his patience and encouragement kept me coming back to class!  Master Chin, she convinced me that Tae Kwon Do was something I should do with my kids.  My first instructor was Master Chelley, she helped me believe that I could do it.  Master Burkart – he...

This is my final jurnal so I must make it good.  Thank you all for helping us Bo Cho Dans through our first cycle.  Although it has been hard and somtimes you just want to give up all of us passed from the youngest Bo Cho Dan to the 5th degree Black Belt we all worked we all complited and we all made the final stand to get our belt and for the pooms out there like me when we turn 13 we to will get a solid blackbelt and we to will have a blacked striped top and we all will be able to say I AM A BLACK BELT!!!!!  thank tou at mint hill who brought me back up when I fell behined.  But most of all...   Thank YOU black belts for setting a example to me thats gonna be hard to beat.   --KAP

less than 24 hours left. i went to the doctor yesterday and they showed me how to take care of my knee so hopefully itll be ok tomorrow night. LETS GOOOO!!

This is my last journal!!!  I am truly done with all the requirements.  I hope I will be able to take a nap tomorrow afternoon.  

Today I got to work with Master Chelley to make sure that I know all of my stuff for testing tomorrow I am so exited for tomorrow. It is my first time testing for a black belt and I am so nervous.

today i rode to king tiger and when i got here i started working with Megan to get our requirements in and we did yahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh 

To day I practised all my forms and self defence and falls to get ready I hope everyone does good

So I woke up today at 4:00 and I said oh yeah I need to jurnal so I picked up my phone and did a small jurnal I hope I can still do the jurnals on friday if not then I am gone.

One day m9 r e till bb testing we are I n the final hours

My school is so little now that Grand Oak is open and half the kids are there and not at my school... YYYYAAAAYYYY. I am very happy because the halls aren't packed anymore.

Today I went to the class were Grand master Lee was teaching the class.  It was really fun, especially when Grand master Lee had me help him with demonstrations. 

today i round the bus to king tiger. when i got there i worked with ,Megan and Mrs Shelly. when we were working i hit my foot and brook my toe nail. i heart for a wile. also at school i ran into a door it didn't  really heart that much.that was my day.   

Today I took class with Grandmaster Lee.  It was a great class and we did some fun exercises.  I got my last mentor session and all my requirements are done, except for 2 more journals after this one.  

only a few more days till testing I am very exited but not at all nervase I am prepared and ready I have trained for 10 months and I am ready to crack my goal of getting a blackbelt.

my knee is still bad and maybe even worse. i am going to the doctor tomorrow so hopefully ill get a brace or something for Friday night

i had class with grandmaster  lee  today it was so much fun to work with him.

Today I finished my last Mentor session with Master Richie.  I reviewed Self Defense.  Can't wait till Friday.  I need lots of sleep.  Tomorrow is Hump Day!!!

well after a week of ice and heat, my knee is still messed up. i am going to the doctor tomorrow to look at it. hopefully it wont be too bad at testing. i really dont want it to affect my performance.

At home and watching tv 

I just got my shrub for black belt and my dad and I cut it in a spiral shape. It was very cool. My dad got an already cut one as an example so he could cut it easily.

lately ive been worried about testing its the only thing i can worry about besides school and im stressed out i really hope i pass

I had fun at the kicks for kids yesterday.  5 more days until the belt test

im going to behind on jurnals at the end of testing.

today has been a great day! we had a great black belt class. then went over to Mint hill for kicks for kids festival and got to take my girlfriend tiffany along and she had a great time as well! we had popcorn, cotton candy, hotdogs and candy. we got a pumpkin and painted it. after that we went to her house and had dinner and went to michaels and bought some arts and crafts stuff for her project. now im relaxing in the recliner watching florida state pumble clemson! great saturday! GO NOLES!  

Today is the last day of the cycle! After saturday BB class we have the Fall Festival and everyone is getting excited for it! Im so relieved that I have it all behind me and now its time to buckle down for next Friday/Saturday. 

Well it's day 70 and I am alive so I am a happy camper!!  It has been a challenging journey but all is good.  All I can say it is up to you what you make of a journey.  Looking forward to the next one.

Well there is one week left till testing. i am done with all physical requirements as of today. my ham string is feeling much better but now its my knee. we will see how it fairs during tomorrow. i hope it isnt too bad and i hope it will heal before testing. i am still behind on classes from when i didnt have a car, i am planning to make those up. I can not wait to be done and test! i am feeling great!

Today I have finished all my push ups sit ups and pull ups. Also random acts of kindness today. I am so glad I don't have to do all those requirements every day. :-)) Now I am another step closer to getting my new belt! WHOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

today I went to school and we had the td teacher come in. also when I got to king tiger I finished everything for the day.

today i ran my last 2.58 miles before school when i got back there was these huge peppers and i said where'd you get those and my dad said there the ones that we grew and i said wow

Right after I got home from school. Donna and I went straight to South Charlotte to work with Master Chin. Master Evins stopped by and it was great to see him after all this time! Tomorrow is the Fall Festival and I am so excited! Every year we have great success and its always good to raise money for such a good cause. Although I will not be able to finish my journals in time (Ill have one extra...) Im extremely proud in how far I have come and how much progress I have made since the beginning of the cycle. 

after school i went to the park to play.We are almost there.  

Today we went on the bobcats cool school trip and it was pretty fun. and we got back they gave us water bottles and we started to soak each other but in the end the teacher told us to stop after some kid fell in an anthill. (it was a fire ant hill) 

Today I went to 3 classes and I'm really tired.  I'm also really happy that the cycle is almost over.

today i went to help out with class and took class we did some poomsaes and a lot of self defense also went on a field trip at school 

I helped out with testing yesterday. today I went to sparring at master burkharsts school. it was so much fun

I am done with every thing. I finished all my requirements I passed my jump rope I only have 4 more jurnals  my tree stuff and my community servace esay I am so glad that I did all the work to pass.  I had to practise 2 hours straight but it was all worth it.

I just signed up for a basketball league that Miranda is in so that after the black belt cycle I have something to do. My dad and I are going to start practicing because he is the assistant coach and he has to make up the drills.

Getting really excited for the Fall Festival this weekend. Last year was so much fun and we raised a ton of money for such a great cause. Im planning on swinging by South Charlotte to get my mentee to sign a form... hopefully she is there! Im finally done with the majority of my requirements and I was planning on going for a nice long run, but it started raining. Now im thankful that my schools campus is so large because thats what has helped me get in my run/walk! 

OK executive decision made no more slump days - -I have had quite enough.  This week has been a struggle and not productive on the TKD front.  Oh well it is what it is and time to be over it.  Looking forward to working with my mentee, Jillian, after work then helping in classes.  Will stay for adult class and hopefully will have enough juice left to get through it.  Looking forward this weekend to the Fall Festival.

today i went to the Air Force recruitment office. i spoke with both active duty and reserve recruiters. i liked the reserves better. i am still going to look at the Air Guard and see what kind of programs they have to offer. i will most likely be joining before thanksgiving!

This is a short jurnal just to fill in.  Today I went to the renesanse festivle on a field trip. And I still have to redo jump toope

Made a lot of progress tonight at South Charlotte. Sparring was a ton of fun and the kids really enjoyed it. It was nice not going to school today and getting that extra time to study. These next two weeks are going to be super busy but really fun. Now im just counting down the days. 

we are so close to being done with this cycle. yes , I also am so exited for next week.  

toda i didn't do anything but i still got to run 5.58 miles but went to a friends house this morning i have been bored out of my mind school field trip tomorrow learned about a lot of thins the past couple of days i wonder if people still  journal ill check tomorrow im ganna go make me a milkshake  

today in JROTC we had to run the mile. i was feeling great until the 800 meter mark. right after half way my knee started buckling and it hurt to run. i pushed through it and got a 6:35 mile. i know i couldve done way better. my knee still hurts when i walk. i talked to my cross country coach at practice and she said that i probably just tweeked a tendent. i hope thats it. i meet with the Air Force recruiter tomorrow at 3 oclock

We took a test today that took up 3 hours so i had to stay in 1st block the whole time. it was so boring so after i finished i caught up with my sleep time and slept for 1 hour. then all of my other class were boring and my science teacher changed the seats so everyone cant sit next to their friends. -,-"

out of all the things I had to do on the test I failed jjumrope so I'd any one has tips phrase he l0 me

the fall festival is in 4 days. so happy. I steel want to know what I got on my test

Still recovering from the physical test. I am still very sore. But I did pass everything. YAY!!  I cant wait to find out my score on the written test.  Hopefully a 100. The fall festival is Saturday so I am getting ready for that.I am so excited.

today i woke up and ran not much to do i cant play video games and nothing to do 

Did nothing today at school. All of the upperclassmen are taking PSATs this week and we have to sit in first block for 3 hours. Its good time to get in some studying for all of my mid-terms next week. I don't have any school tomorrow so Im planning on finishing my running, poomsaes and self-defense. 

So weare almost done with everything after hours upon hours of training we are near the point of testing the final battle the test of all test the test gor you black belt.

Yesterday I took the day off to focus attention on other items that I have let go while trying to catch up during cycle.  All was good but then today I felt like I was in a total fog all day.  It was definitely a slump day with little productivity on anything.  At work I was out of sorts most of the day then went to help in classes and work on requirements.  About 3/4 way thru black belt class I just looked at Inst. Hsin and said I have nothing left, that is not like me.  Oh well guess every day can not be a happy dance day and hopefully it will be better tomorrow.

Today I was so bored because I am done with all of my homework and my mom is hogging the TV watching the Kardashians. I have a TV in my room but my room is really distracting to me. I have a lot of things in there:)

Today was a teacher workday so I was home.  I worked on some of the requirements and I'm really happy because I got some of my requirements completely done.  I also got started on my community service essay.  I'm so glad the physical and written test are done and we have just 2 more weeks to go.  

today at school me and my friend Emily fell down and I bonked my head on the medal chair. it kind of hurt but not really.

late ley theres not been much to talk about since stuff has been finished except for the test i hope i make it   

today i had school also the cycle is almost done.woot woot!!!!!

Im still loving Mondays even though the weather here is horrible. However on Mondays I get in a ton of classes. Hopefully by Wednesday I will be done with all of my requirements other than journals. 

I went in during senior release today and went over all the poom saes i need to know for testing. we also did a workout and ran. it felt really good and i still have cross country this afternoon as well. im gana be tired tonight!

This will be short because I am doing it on my phone and it is moving slow so don't read this please good job on your physical everyone . Ate almost done

today I had a really fun day because I made a movie with my friend Isabella. she also spent the night last night. I passed everthing but pull-ups I could do 2. still pretty good.

       today I came home from a sleepover.I am tired from doing the sleepover.i am ready to get some sleep.

Just finished working on homework for the past 7 hours. Not the best feeling in the world after spending the entire weekend studying. Knowing that I still have to run/walk 11 more miles is a little scary...But by Friday I know ill be done. The only other main concern that I have are my recommendation letters. I just received one from one of my current teachers, but it could be touch and go for the second! 

today i got home from my grandparents i didn't run so i got to ketch up 

on saturday 10-12 I did my pre test it was better than last time all I need to retake is my v-situps But i don't know what i got on my written test but I fell good about it 

yesterday we had the physical and written test. i ran a 10:24 mile and a half. i also did very well on the written test, i am still waiting on the results but i feel i did very well. i go Wednesday to the recruiting office so i hope that goes well.

Wow after the test and the two classes i wiped out till 6 then we went to a restaurant and now my legs are still sore  

The day started off with running and then was pushups, situps, burpees, v-situps, pull-ups and kicks.  I think I passed everything except v-situps.  There was a written test.  I felt like I knew most of the answers.  I was not able to take class because of a soccer injury from Thursday.  I spent 4.5 hours waiting to be seen at Levine's Children's hospital. It only took 30 minutes to examine me.  They said I might have a mild concussion.  I will take it easy for the next few days. 

I finished my kwans essay last night plus those other two. It kept me up late. On physical testing, I passed everything except pushups, which I will retake later this week. On the written test, iI think I did well. I finished jump rope today, finished my classes because of the AAU, and this is my last journal for the cycle that's required. I'm  starting to finish early, and i hope that I finish the rest of the cycle early, too.

Whew - -physical and written test complete, everyone did a fantastic job today!!!  Now it's time, even more, to stay focused.  Thank you Inst. Randle & Weeks you were great partners. I ran errands after class and by time I got home I was spent.  Yes I admit it, I was tired, curled up on the sofa and out I was for an hour or so.  Made the decision that I was going to take the rest of the day off from TKD and focus on the domestic front.  Family coming in town soon and do not want to get too far behind.  All about balance.  Have a couple committments tomorrow, and tomorrow night, so am thinking it might have to be a light day.  It's all good and I am happy where I am at.  Hope everyone enjoys the rest of the weekend. 

i have about 4 questions that i am stuck on still!!!! ughh ive done all i can to memorize them! i feel really good about the physical part though. o and correction from last journal, it is October 16, next wedensday that i go to the Air Force recruiting office and hopefully sign up for the military!

I've been studding all night. im ready for testing yahhhhhhhhhh. i went to kobe. it was so good and tomorrow is my moms b day

While I may not have been productive in regards to physical requirements today I was very productive in other aspects.  Had lesson with Master Chin today and she got me on track with the items I was not certain on.  Much better but still work in progress.  Went to class in Mint Hill tonight and as always great class, thank you Master Burkart.  Got to see Inst. Tucker tonight and what a positive influence.  All is good and looking forward to tomorrow!!!

Today I had a test in almost every class. After school I came home and immediately went to work studying for the written test that is tomorrow morning. Im feeling confident in the physical test but ill always be a little anxious! I nervous about the pull-ups and the jumprope,.. they have never been my strengths. However Im always crossing my fingers. I hope everyone does great tomorrow and really pushes themselves. 

Today was a fun Friday! After school I had soccer practice. We got to run 1 1/2 miles. That helped me a lot because now all I had to do was study for the written test. I think I am prepared for tomorrows tests. But the only thing I am worried about is my head injury. I get easy headaches just by running a mile so I don't know how I will do it. I just hope for the best.

Im just saying I am wondering if we can write 2 journal enteries today... If we can I would just like to tell you I am going to the Lee Borthers Cup on November 9th and I get my report card and PS4 on November 15th!

Have you seen my journal enteries, it looks like I am not passing the cycle. Good luck to everyone else though. I will still try but I am probably not going to pass

today i finished a bit more requirements pretest tomorrow a bit stressed if i don't pass i wont pass my dad so i better make my pretest and my test or im dead :/

on thursday 10-10 I ran and went to black belt class I also helped out to class in black belt class we worked on different strikes and kicks it was alot of fun

Today I finished my book for my essay. I have to finish a LOT tomorrow. At least the fourth one is community service, so we have to wait a little bit, so I can write the first part in the middle of next week, and the rest after the festival. I shouldn't have waited so long to do them. I'll just have to put in my hardest effort tomorrow and get them done. Well, on the other hand I only have one mile to do tomorrow and I'm done!(with miles) I didn't get to jump rope today, but I'll do them tomorrow. I mostly read my book today, and nothing else other than school, tkd, and making more rubber band bracelets. The bracelet thing is also going well for me, and I'll have a lot done for the festival. We are going to raise a lot of money for the hospital!

jeez so many essays. im joking i think i only have like 2 essays :D. i will get them done tomorrow. It is gonna be a last minute thing. As the wise kid once said, good things come to those who wait.

i finished all the essays today. i got the book reading one done, finished the Kwans one, and did the mission in life essay. i finally have my appoint for the Air Force, it is november 13th. i can not wait to join the military! its going to be extremely hard but so rewarding in the end. God Bless america.

Today in black belt it was interesting because instead of hitting the padded part of the bags we we kicking the bottom black parts of them. I'm also really happy because I finally got all of my leadership credit requirements done.  

Today after school I had a soccer game.  It did not go as well as I thought it would.  First, All the good players did not get to start so that the second string players could play.  Second, When I got in I was injured within 3 minutes.  A crazy guy hit me in the head with his head.  I did not get to play in the game after my injury.  It feels so good to get this off of my chest.  After the game I was able to get in a mentee session.  I only 2 more mentee sessions to go.

I am a happy camper tonight, happy dance away.  This has been a very challenging cycle for me, and I know everyone else, but bottom line if you want something, and focus, you can do anything you put your mind to.  Requirements complete and the mail man put the icing on the cake when I got home.  Stressfull day at work, but will figure it out, then off to South Charlotte.  OK if you have not figured it out yet I am with Master Chin & Inst. Hsin at South Charlotte.  Did my queen of colorox wipes thing, got all the leaves off the walkway, finished requirements, helped in class then stayed for adult class, very productive.  Had a fantasic class!!!!  What I enjoy the most is that it's not a teaching method of do this, they explain why we are doing it.  It's blue stripe week and while sparring combinations are important,...

I only have 9 more jurnal entreys left I am so happy that every one kept working as hard as they could to reach this goal one question I want to ask where do you get the shirts that say thousands of hours of training hundreds of classes countless bumbs and bruises one black belt It would be helpful to know thanks

SO TIRED, SO TIRED, SO TIRED. Did I mention that I was tired. Yesterday I was tired because I barely got any sleep that night. UGH.

i have been studying for the test. i going to try to work with Megan to see if we can do everything for Saturday. i cant believe it already here.

Just went on a extremely long run/walk and was a little concerned.... For the past few years I have had a dislocated rib that tends to pop out of place every so often. Today on my run I couldn't breathe and felt like something was poking into my right lung. This is not just a problem because of testing but it is very dangerous to my health. Im hoping it wont be an issue come Saturday so meanwhile Im crossing my fingers and holding my breath (literally!). Right after school I started typing my History of the Kwans that I wrote last week. Hopefully it will take up 5 pages! 

today i had a cross country meet. i ran a 23:12 5k. it is slower but everyone had slower times because of the course. there were hills, rocks, roots and pretty much everything you could think of. before my meet, i studied for the test this saturday. i also brought my flash cards on the bus to study on the way to and from. i have about 6 questions i am still trying to get down. the other ones i think i got down! feeling confident!

Today I finished my required mentoring of my mentee. I also walked a lot, so I only have one mile left as well as only 6 jump rope rounds done which I'm finishing tomorrow. I have to take a picture of my mentee and mentor forms and upload it to Drop Box, which Dad can help me with. I had a pretty good day today, but I also have to do a lot tomorrow. It will be a long, but worth it day.(hopefully)

Today I went to Durham Raleigh after that I got my flu shot I also got bloodwork done I got a hurt arm Yeah I had a busy day  

Well busy, crazy day at work, but hey what's new, then off to South Charlotte.  I was not as productive on requirements today as I wished but I did get a ton accomplished.  Sometimes time management does not go as planned but in the end it all works out.  Helped in 3 classes tonight, worked with both my mentee and mentor.  Again can not say enough I am very lucky to have the support system I have.  Ms. Tucker rocks and Jillian & Luke are the best!!! I would just like to finish ahead of schedule so I can focus on knowledge, fine tuning everything and I do not want to be stressed.  This is a journey, I want to enjoy it and do things for the right reason. 

Today I stayed up to knock on all of my neighbors doors. I did that so I could raise all of the money for the kicks for kids. A lot of my neighbors gave me ten or twenty. I am really nervous for the end of this cycle.