Training for my Senior Fifth Degree Testing…
Thanks for all of the support as I have been preparing for my Senior Fifth Degree testing in TaeKwonDo. There are just 7 days until I put my best foot forward at the national testing on the 13th. Yes, I know it is Friday the 13th! I am not too concerned or worried by this. I am not very superstitious, but was honestly suprised to find this out when one of my students had revealed it to me. I will be ok. I have prepared for this more than any other testing in my life. For those of you who do not know. The Senior 5th Degree is the last rank before master level. Needless to say, I could not have imagined at 10 years old where TaeKwonDo would take me. I just knew simply. "I liked it." I feel great. I have been preparing every single day in some grueling workouts (heavy cardio, strength and conditioning, and Martial Arts) to get me ready over the last 10 weeks. I have lost over 10 pounds and am at a lean 205-waivering a few pounds here and there when I do not remember to consume calories to compensate for the extra training. I have been eating a diet rich in whole grains, organic, low fat, and natural selections. I am a firm believer that what we consume affects the bottom line of our human perfomance both on the mat and off. It shows quite a bit of discipline to cut out all of the junk that we graze on throughout the day also. It prepares the mind and "cleanses you" physically, spiritually, and emotionally. When we remove a crutch, we must stand on our two feet and with the help of our loved ones. Our relationships are what matter-the one's with our family, our friends, and of course first and foremost our creator. If we are not mentally strong, we will fall short of our true potential. My wife, Melissa Johnson makes me mentally strong. She supports me in all that I do. Having gotten to experience what it is like to have her in my life for the last 15 years, I would rather have my arm surgically removed then to know what it is like to not have her in my life. As for my child Ashton-James, what can I say. I never thought in my life that I could love, adore, and cherish someone so strongly. I thought I had purpose before. You are my purpose now. When you were born 19 months ago, my life was changed. You are definitely "daddy's buddy". I gave you so much love in your infancy. Now that you are a "big boy" I well up with emotion when you return the unconditional love back. It makes me proud on our "boy's days out" to lunch or shopping when you say with a hug around my arm and a smile "my daddy". You have such a vigor to follow after daddy and train TaeKwonDo. When I work with you on the training floor, it makes me grin from ear to ear. These times are so special. As the country song goes "You're gonna' miss this. My precious family is why I work so hard. In closing, the final days of preparation are before me. I will see all of you next Friday, and thanks for the support of a strong showing.
