Fall 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!

End of Another Week

Today wrapped up the second week of school, which by the way, is moving REALLY slowly. I have a little bit of homework over the weekend, which is good news, so hopefully I'll have time for other stuff. Well, I'm kinda tired, and don't have to wake up until 7, so good night.

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Friday

Today It was a normal day Today I was just really tired since I have been staying up rally late to finish my projects. 

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Today was ...

Today was a pretty nice and neet day I went to school then after that I came home I was happy because it was finally Friday so after that I went and dropped my brother and his friends off at a foot ball game and then I came back home and now I am watching tv but I'm about to go get my brother and his friends good night

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September 8

Today I had school. I dressed down because it was a school spirit day. After school I came home and got ready for Tae Kwon Doe. After Tae Kwon Doe I went to the CTK Football game. 

  806 Hits

9/8/17: staff

Excited about my new 3 piece staff - all aluminum - and polishing staff forms.  BB class last night followed by early morning AM workout. I'm seeing steady, if slow, improvement.  I can meet all PE test requirements now.... just not all one right after the other.  Hopefully that stamina will come.  Looking forward to focusing on forms this weekend.

  997 Hits

Scared of Irma

I'm scared of Hurricane Irma. I don't know how strong a hurricane is and I don't know what is going to happen.  My Mom bought a lot of water and food. I'm curious about my first hurricane  and what its going to be like.  But I'm still a little scared.

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Workout

Today I went to school then came back home did my requirements in one hour then I played out side that was boring because no one was out there so then I went to tae kwon do that was a work out because I went to a sparring class and they worked us out I was breaking up a sweat now we are coming back home right now good night

  957 Hits

The fist day of Thursday sparring

To day was an awesome day we learned a lot in school today we did our first science lesson that was really fun. after school I went to king tiger after school I also had fun there. After after school I went to go get some thing to eat I got Bo jangles after I ate I went back to king tiger and took a sparring class with Master Wasu teaching it. over all it was a really fun day

  999 Hits

Sunday

Today me and my family went to Church.  Then we went over to my aunts house for dinner.  My mom also got back in town today.

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Just a regular Monday

Today is my least favorite day of the week.  I don't like it because whenever I think of Monday I always think it is going to be a long day.  But anyway, today we learned about the scientific method in science class.

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Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Today in school me and my friend Pierson were talking about the stuff that is happening in the world.  Most of the stuff we talked about was mostly related to rap music.

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Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Today at school we finally started learning about the content we are supposed to learn about.

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Thursday, September 7, 2017

Today was a long day. we had a quiz in science and everyone got in trouble in Social Studies.  But other than that today was a good day.

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September 7

Today i went to school and had a normal day. When I came home I had to study because I have several quizzes and tests tomorrow. I went to sparring class too.

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9/7/17 - muscle change up

Prior to starting training to meet the BB physical requirements, I primarily just ran a bit and lifted weights.  I was afraid that switching to more aerobic type resistance training (pushups, pullups, burpees) would result in my losing some muscle and strength gains.  Now I only lift once a week and have been surprised to find that my overall strength has not declined and even improved a bit on some things like benchpress.  Today was my lift day as I try to save my legs for tonight's Black Belt class at my local NJ school.

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Eating the Elephant

We have a phrase in our house for when you are feeling a bit overwhelmed with a task: "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time."  Well, at the beginning of the cycle the physical requirements alone can feel quite overwhelming and with the challenges of the Black Belt web site, I was feeling discouraged as I could not enter in all o my requirements and watch those status bars go green. This morning I got up early to work on some of my physical requirements and enter in last night's data when I was pleasantly surprised to see that I could not enter in my jump rope rounds and sparring classes! YAY! Now I'm feeling better since I can see that there is not so much of the elephant left.  :-)

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Stacking Homework

Homework is beginning to stack up for me. Most of them don't assign daily homework, but collectively, I'm assigned a significant amount each night. On top of this, I have to go to Taekwondo class every day now (except for Friday and Sunday) to catch up on requirements I missed when my ankle was healing, so that means even less time for homework. Hopefully, reforming my desk into more of a desktop feel (today I hooked my laptop up to a monitor and it worked) will help me be efficient.

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Septerner 6

Today I woke up early for school and after school I had a meeting for the social comittee. After school I got ready for dance and went to dance until 8:30.

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Daily Nap

Naps are becoming a daily thing for me now. I'm not sure if this is a positive thing though. Often I would wake up and instead of feeling refreshed, I would feel even more tired and just want to go back to sleep. But it does allows me to stay up and complete all my homework. 

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Awsome

Today I went to school that was great then I went to tae kwon do that was fun because I did leadership1 and 2 then I went to do sparring and then I did a mentor session with my mentor then I went home and ate dinner and then I teeth and vitamins and now I'm going to bed good night

  980 Hits

Rainy Day

Today was a good day. I had PE but had to do indoor activities because of the rain. I was able to get lots of black belt stuff done even ran in the rain. 

  1046 Hits

happy day

Today I went to school and had a lot of fun then I went to after school and had a lot of fun there. then I had sparring we worked on our cut kicks and back kicks it was a really fun day 

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burpees!

Black Belt class last night followed by AM workout where I finally hit my goal of 25 burpees in a row (actually 26!). Slowly but surely getting to where I need to be for Spring.

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All Nighter

Looks likes I'll be staying up all night. The amount of work I have is insane. Although I suppose it's my own fault, I choose to hang out with the fellas all day instead of doing homework. But it was fun, having a licenses and a car is life changing! But the downside is that I have to drive my siblings everywhere.

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September 5

Today i went to school and it was a normal day. After school I went to dance until late. When i got home i ate some really good dinner and then did some homework.

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Walking

Today, I walked home from school. It was painful because I forgot to wear my brace. Also, it was really hot, but I made it through after an hour. My shirt was soaked from sweat! After that, I cooled down, ate something, did some homework, then went to Black Belt class. Now time to get ready for another day of school.

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The fist day back

Today I went back to school I was really excited because we had our first lesson in math. We learned exponents! after school  I went to king tiger after school. it was a fun day

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Back to work

Ended the summer on a high note yesterday with my wife and a day trip to NYC.  I am very luck to have her. Treated myself to a late morning but have 2 hours slotted this afternoon to make up for skipping my usual AM workout.   There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. Ben Williams

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september 4

today was a great memorial day i ate a great breakfast then, then headed out to target with my friend Ritchie the n headed out to a school football game i had fun and plan on have a great week at school starting tomorrow. 

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Today was ...

Today was good and chill because I went to my grand mothers house the hole intire day then when I was there I did myrequirements there and then I went back home I was trying to finish my dog house then I went inside and ate and went to bed

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New Computer

I got up this morning and went for a run. Since we didn't have any milk at home, my mom came with me and we got coffees for us and my sister. Afterwards, I went to Office Depot with my dad to get some binders and pencil sharpeners (since school already started, everything's on sale!). Then I came home  and tried hooking my laptop up to a desktop monitor, but I'm missing a couple of adaptors for the cables. Later, I did some homework and some requirements.

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Labor Day coming home

I came home today from my G-ma's house. I got to see my little cousin.  I cant believe how tall he is now.  My G-ma gave us a Wii with lots of games.  My uncle played catch with us too. He taught us about baseball.  It was a very fun weekend!

  1029 Hits

Happy Labor Day!

Today we came back home from my grandma's. I played some pokemon go and basketball. I also got alot done for the black belt cycle. Tomorrow is school and it will only be a four day week. I am ready for the weekend again. I had a good Labor Day weekend.

  991 Hits

September 4

Today I got back from my Mountain trip. I had so much fun. We went river tubing and creek exploring. I got home and did some homework and got ready for tomorrow. 

  857 Hits

labor day

today  I woke up late and I was still tired. I did all of my requirements and then went out side to play with my friends. we did not really celebrate labor day but it was still a very fun day.

  894 Hits

9/4/17

9/4/17 - 4 miles in today but took longer than last time.  Off to walk the Brooklyn Bridge.  Hope the Aleve kicks in by then!

  1024 Hits

New Record

Today I ran 5 miles, my new running record! Also, I did some other requirements and some homework. For the most part, pretty chill day.

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Sunday

Today. Wa a pretty good day. I was able ro go to the river and swim a little bit but it was cold when you got wet. i finished up some essays and done some black belt requirements. I watched the three stooges with my brother. We are going to get up early and go home but it has been really fun at my grandmas.

  908 Hits

Aparigraha

The fifth of the Yamas (restraints) that we learn in yoga is called aparigraha, meaning non-possessiveness. It can also be interpreted as non-attachment, non-greed, non-clinging, non-grasping, and non-coveting. This subject came up when speaking to a friend of mine and our own attachments to things or ideas. This can be social media, exercise, food, drink, or anything that is getting in between you and your relationships. It got me thinking about some of the things I've become attached to that I am having trouble letting go, and how they are affecting me and weighing me down. I'm not going to list them here, but just throw this out there: What are you attached to and why? Are you able to let whatever it is go? Just something to think about.

  970 Hits

september 3rd

today was great i woke up and did requirements when i got back i had a great breakfast. I went to church today as well and had a great time there, then i went back home and started crafting my sword for frat night this Wednesday, i had a lot fun making it with my dad and at the moment I'm very tired so goodnight!

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Today was ...

Today was the same as yesterday wicth it was fun because I went running then I came back home and did all my requirements before I went to my friends house and did a pool party it was fun because I saw a yorky poo it was so small then I came back home and now I'm in the shower

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Good

Today is good because I had my favorite food today after church so good bye people.

  1144 Hits

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...

Continue reading
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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.

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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.

  1065 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.

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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

  960 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.

  1161 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.

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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!

  1008 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. 

  1061 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.

  1164 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.

  983 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.

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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. !

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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.

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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!

  1020 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. 

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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.  

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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

  957 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.  

  968 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.

  863 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. 

  948 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.

  1016 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. 

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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.

  979 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.

  1169 Hits

good

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

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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.

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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

  864 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.

  1020 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

  1132 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.

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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.

  951 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

  957 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.

  968 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! 

  1061 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. 

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back

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

  910 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

  937 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!

  931 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!

  969 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!

  979 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. 

  959 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!

  1096 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.

  960 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. 

  903 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 .

  887 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.

  930 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

  938 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!

  906 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.

  882 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!

  950 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!

  1012 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. 

  928 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. 

  928 Hits