Slider Section

LONG AWAITED UPDATE

Hello one and all!

 My computer has been broken for some time now and has started working again just recently!

 I just wanted to make a very very quick update on my RTKD training and where I am at now, today.

 So since my last post I have been graded to Brown belt, 2nd grade. It was actually really difficult because I had a tough time learning my 3rd grade pattern proficiently in time for the most recent action day.
I had a lot of help my my instructors and senior students who really pushed me to learn and get that technique right.

 After two sessions of being in this grade, I had my last lesson with the Cairns dojang!
It wasn't sad, I had a lot of best wishes given to me and such. I didn't get to say goodbye and thank my Instructor as he was away that week for work.
I also didn't get to say goodbye to Orawee, who was also away, but that's okay.

 Hopefully I'll be returning to Cairns before the Christmas break so I can see everyone again.

 -

 I now live in the GOLD COAST!
It's been a wonderful experience getting to know the city so far and it is very beautiful here.

 I hope to document this interesting time in my life with YouTube videos, so subscribe to Kegan Egan, my channel and I should be uploading my first video within a couple of weeks.

 -

 I also attended my very first Rhee TKD lesson here in the Gold Coast. I went to the Merrimac dojang, led by Instructor Michael, who actually knows Instructor Greg and used to train with him!

 It was a really different experience. So much focus of speed, endurance and SPARRING!
We spent the first half an hour just straight sparring, changing partners along the way. I found this really challenging in a good way. I even got to spar two people at once for the first time and it was a lot of fun.

 We then went through all the patterns from the beginning, I noticed some differences like- no hip movement, more focus on speeding through the pattern rather than locking out each move which resulted in less power.

 I'm not sure if it's just the way they do things, or if it was only the particular students I was watching. But i guess I will have to re-learn it their way. Not too sure how I feel about that just yet.
If anyone has ever had to ajust to a new way of doing the same style of martial art please comment some tips it would help me out a lot.

 -

 So I haven't been back since then, but I am waiting to figure out my University time table and how I can arrange TKD in among it all.
I really miss training so hopefully I can get back soon

 Thank you so much for reading!
Kirstine Powhiro
2nd Grade (Brown Belt)
Rhee Tae Kwon Do

MY FIRST TEACHER

My journey with Tae Kwon Do started in 2009 when I was 12 years old. I had always been interested in martial arts since I was little, growing up watching 'Kill Bill' and 'The Karate Kid' and dreaming of being taught by a mysterious elderly master of the art. 
Today I wanted to write of my experience with Tae Kwon Do and share my memory of Mr. Dave Ballard, my first teacher.

-

I have always been a sort of "bad kid", I always found myself in trouble at school, not that I wanted to be like that and for many reasons I just couldn't help myself. 
My Grandfather decided it would be good that I did something outside of school, not because I was bad, I think he chose martial arts because he liked the idea of the "being able to defend yourself" thing.

Even though I always wanted to try martial arts, the idea didn't resonate well with me at first. I had never heard of Tae Kwon Do before and because it wasn't Karate, I think my 12 year old brain decided it wasn't good enough.

Regardless my Grandfather hauled my cousin and myself down to a small building, I didn't really want to be there and I felt embarrassed and awkward as people in white martial arts suits rushed their late selves into the tiny doorway. 
I remember VERY clearly, not being able to see much through the door as people were standing in the way, watching. But I will never forget the sound which reached my ears before my eyes could even grab a glance.
The THUMP THUMP, of synchronized footfalls along with a sort of THWACK of snappy material forcing itself through the air and finally a great connected war cry "HYAAAAAAA!" leaving the hall eerily quiet as the great sound receded to silence.

In this moment, I knew. 
I was drawn to the strength and the discipline of every, single student and to the very serious respect they paid to the person at the front. A very tall man, with glasses and a stern look on his face.
A man I would come to know as, Mr.B.

Although he appeared quite serious and intimidating, my first meeting with him was a warm handshake, gracious smile and a friendly offer to join in.

For just under a year I trained at the Palmerston North Tae Kwon Do Academy (PNTA) under Mr.B's instruction.
Without trying to sound boastful, Mr.B taught nothing short of the aim for perfection. I have never seen such amazing commitment from a group of people before in my life. The senior students were ALL, so strong and fierce and passionate. I idolized them so very much.

Of course it wasn't all serious, everyone was friendly and funny, always joking around and whatever. But when it came to our instructor, there were no jokes about his way of teaching, no fun to be made of his technique just a quiet hush of respect which always played part in the Dojang.

-
For the time I spent being taught by Mr.B, I learnt the right way and the best way. Nothing less.
If I did something wrong, it was quickly but kindly corrected.
By all the black belts, I was taught the same way. No varying levels of understanding or being unsure. 
It sort of reminds me of a military attitude when I think back about it. But I am very fond of unity and organisation and so this worked out well for me.

For the first time in my life, I was paying respect to a teacher. I didn't get in any trouble and I started applying this at school and at home.
-

My first grading was one of the scariest things. I remember being so nervous I wanted to vomit but I was filled with a fire in my belly instead as Mr.B gave my class a sort of pep talk saying there was no need to be afraid and to just be as we are in class. Focused and strong.

I remembered these words in every grading I attended after.

Beggining to feel comfortable, like a member of the family at PNTA, I felt very loyal to my group and of course it's teacher.

Until one day, for no reason at all, I was taken from my club and moved to another without any warning.
I protested to my Grandfather, I didn't want to go to a different class, I liked the one I was in.

My new teacher's name was Mr.M.
An amazing teacher as well, and his class was much more relaxed with no military aspect whatsoever.
Which was fine.
But I was still immensely loyal to my original club (PNTA) and I NEVER felt I belonged at the new one even as other members had moved too.

Mr.M had denied me the chance to go to grading to apply for my Green belt and a wave of shock smashed into me like a truck, because Mr.B had assured me I was ready.
Pre-adolescent, selfish and unwise I felt hurt. I cried and begged my Grandfather that night to let me return to PNTA.
But he didn't let me.

And so, very slowly, feeling guilty for "betraying" my first teacher by not going to HIS class, I started going to training less and less.
Taking a day off every second week. Then going once a week and complaining about THAT. I just didn't want to go and felt I would never ever progress.

To help with this problem my Grandfather started training with me! And it really helped. Over the course of a month I started to grow to like my new class and I started having fun and Mr.M was so funny and so friendly. He made us all laugh and taught us to focus on technique and proper execution.
I began to open my mind a bit more and tried to enjoy training.

But sometimes, things happen. Things that are not our fault, are out of our control. And so typically, when it starts to get better, something brings it all crashing down once more.

I found out by the newspaper, that my first teacher, Mr. Dave Ballard, had past away.

I really didn't believe it at first. I did not think it was him.
But then one day I went to school and a girl I knew from PNTA in my class looked incredibly upset. And then I knew.
And I felt my heart literally DROP from my chest.
She had told me what happened and I left the class without asking, sat against a wall and cried for most of the lesson.

I just kept thinking,

"I did not get to thank him. I did not get to say goodbye."

And so, with this person to whom I felt such loyalty too, ripped from my life, I gave up on training and strayed back into my old way of being a "bad kid".
For five years I never thought I would want to train again, although I tried, once moving to Australia, it never felt right.

Then, I don't know what happened, but I decided that Mr.B would not have wanted any of his students to quit, so why did I? Quitting was something he NEVER taught us.
So I've been back. With Rhee Tae Kwon Do and I will not quit and I will not stop. I will continue and I'll remember the person who inspired so many people, who inspired me.

Any Instructor I have now, will be treated with the same respect and gratitude. And in his memory I will try my best and nothing short of it.
This might be a sad story, but through this experience has grown such a love and care for Tae Kwon Do which I will carry all my life.

Thank you Mr.B, for all you have ever taught me and for all that I will learn.




 -Kirstine Powhiro

SENIOR STUDENT: WEEK 6

Greetings friends!
This last week of training hasn't been very interesting "class-wise" but I have some news which is cool, so let's go through the week.

 MONDAY-

 This was a pretty big training group and LOTS of the Black Belts showed up including Regional Master Len.
He took the senior half of the class through some intense self defense.
We learnt some FAST ways to get yourself away from a knife being held against your body and also how to control the attackers hand. 
It was so cool and we had to do it fast, as if in real life and our partner would attack at unexpected times which made it more intense.
For senior class we went through all the patterns and MAN do I need to work some more on my side kick. For some reason its just flat and weak, I don't know what's going with that.


WEDNESDAY-

 This was a rather slack training session for me as I spent the junior part teaching a white belt the basics.
Which was cool, she started off a little confused and shy and by the end of class she could punch PERFECTLY with correct stance and everything, she was a natural! Only about 5 years old too! I think if she continues to do RTKD she will be really amazing.

 For senior class, we kind of did some combo kicking with pads but then also did board breaking individually with Instructor Linden.
When it was my turn, I started with one board, smashed it easy peasy, then he added another and I got nervous.
But I was reassured that I just needed to do the same thing and they would both break.
I did a REAAAAAALY loud ki-hap, a bit too loud I think because everyone kind of looked over as if to say "Whoa...loud enough? Or..?"
Then I smashed BOTH boards just as easy as the first which felt so awesome! hahaa

 After class my Instructor asked me when I would be leaving for the Gold Coast and I told him. 
He mentioned in class that those who were away or not quite ready for Action Day would be having a grading the following Wednesday.
And so, I was told that I would be going for grading for brown stripe then also.
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
THAT'S scary.
He THEN went on to say that I will be able to go for Brown belt before I leave. Which I am not sure about but if he thinks I am ready for it then I will, of course, try my best.
I know that I am a fast learner, and I think I can do it, but also it's nice to be prepared and I will need to work REALLY hard to be ready to grade for Brown belt.

 If I am successful, once I move I think I might ask to be kept at that level for at least like, five or six months so that I can fully develop myself into the grade and be prepared for the final test into where the REAL learning starts. BLACK BELT.
Of course it will always be up to my Instructor, whoever they may be.

 But yes! That is my news, my very scary, coming very soon type news.
 Anybody who has been in my position, please to offer some tips on what I should be focusing on apart from learning the new pattern. It would be an immense help to me.

 Thank you so much for reading! Wish me luck for grading next Wednesday, and I shall report back soon.
Kirstine Powhiro
4th Grade (Blue Belt)
Rhee Tae Kwon Do

SENIOR STUDENT : WEEK 4&5

Hey there guys!
Sorry it's been a while, I have been very busy with getting a new job and getting settled there. 
But I'm back, so let's talk training!

 WEEK 4-

 MONDAY:  So Monday was a public holiday but training was still held. We had the smallest class ever, only 6 people showed up which was actually a good thing because we got locked out of the hall and had to train under-cover coz it was raining.
It was an okay lesson, the concrete really hurt my feet and I left with a few blisters. But I did get a chance to work with the young girl who is very tough on herself and helped her learn her new pattern.
Instructor Greg then took me through my pattern, Choong-Gun, just to help refine some small things I have been having trouble with.
And that was that!

 WEDNESDAY: This lesson, Instructor Greg was away and so Instructor Wayne and Instructor Curtis took the class.
After a quick warm up, the class was split in half and I went with Instructor Wayne's half. We went through a lot of kicking drills, starting off simple then moving up to jumping spinning kicks which were a lot of fun.
Then for senior class, Instructor Curtis went through some self defense from knives and for a bit of fun we did a small "tournament" of knife-fights (AKA pen-fights), I made it to the final! But the SUPREME POWER of the black belt I faced was too much to overcome ahaaha! 
It was a really fun lesson.

 WEEK 5-

 MONDAY: Another public holiday lesson, more people showed up this time but still a small class of around 15. I took a yellow belt for basically the whole lesson. She is a little 5 or 6 year old girl and gets bored really easily. So we went through her pattern a couple of times and then did some basic kicks together and she had a lot of fun doing those which made me happy!
After a bit of self defense class was over.
For senior lesson, Instructor Greg took most of the black belts through their pattern. I went with Instructor Curtis through some kicks using the pads, which was awesome, but he mentioned that I pull my leg back too quickly and each kick lacks power. Which is true.
So to help with this, he set me some strange homework, to do 60 full squats everyday when I brush my teeth.
(So far I've been doing it everyday and my legs are very sore hahaa). After that I got to conduct the black belts through their pattern which was so cool, they all look so serious and are perfect in their technique.
I am seriously under the impression that a magic switch turns on when you get your Black Belt, because I genuinely feel I am NOWHERE near that level, yet I am very close to it.

 WEDNESDAY: Instructor Greg was away again for this lesson and to be honest, this wasn't my favourite class.
We went through some sparring techniques focusing only on making each kick lock out and end up back in a proper stance. We then did some basics and that was the class.
For senior class, Instructor Linden took us through some more basics, followed by patterns,which for the first time ever I didn't feel like doing and since I was the junior in the group I just had to do my own pattern, Choong-Gun, over and over and over.
Then we did something different, combat rolls and break-falls. It was alright, I might have been in a bad mood this night, I just wasnt feeling it.
After that we all had to do our own patterns some MORE and sadly, I really was just bored of doing my pattern by this point, which sucks because I had been looking forward to training that entire day!

 -

 I recently found out that Action Day/Grading will be held in June, so I will still be in Cairns for it so that's good!
I was hoping I would be able to spend one last Action Day with these awesome people I've gotten to know.
I am seriously so nervous to start in a new dojang down in the Gold Coast, I am hoping the people are just as nice!

 On that weird note, I shall check in again soon!

 Have a lovely week pals,
Kirstine Powhiro
4th Grade (Blue Belt)
Rhee Tae Kwon Do

SENIOR STUDENT : WEEK 3

Hello Friends.
I have had a really nice week in regards to my training.

 MONDAY-

 We started this awesome week off by spending the WHOLE lesson on PATTERRRRRRRNS!
Which for me, was so much fun. Before getting into the lesson we of course started off with a warm up of general running and then the senior students went through a line of different kicks.
I felt really good and my energy was WAY up! 
Then we got into patterns and black belts took groups of the coloured belts to help us out.
Myself and my fellow Blue belt were taken by 1st Degree Scott and we went through our pattern Choong Gun.
The other blue belt with me hadn't learn't the pattern yet, so Scott focused more on helping her out and I myself slowly went through Choong Gun, over and over, fixing my stances and height of my techniques, with Scott offering tips along the way.

 Before the end of the lesson when we were lined  up, my Instructor was addressing the younger students reminding them to try their hardest in class.
Randomly he then pointed to me and said " Kegan, (my nickname), comes to class early EVERY lesson...and practices BEFORE class. Then in our lesson, she tries really hard. Would you all like to be a good student like her?" "YEEEEESSSSSSS" they all said.
Here I am, being all red-faced and embarrassed with all these eyes on me.
It was a nice feeling, but I still don't believe I deserve such targeted praise. I think everyone else tries really hard too, it isn't just me. Regardless, I am still grateful and humbled.

 Moving on, in senior class we continued through patterns, but started from White belt, moving up. I really love doing this and when I practice at home it's what I like to do to remind myself of ALL the patterns.
WEDNESDAY-

 We had a REALLY small class Wednesday night, I'm talking maybe 15 people so we had a short warm up and went through some leg exercises to help us with our kicking technique. For example, we bought our legs right up high and kept our feet close to our butts. I think it was more for the juniors to understand what to do with their legs when they kick because a lot of them have trouble understanding the concept.
Then we went through a kicking circuit with, guess what?...... PADS! YAY! It was so fun, each of the Instructors held a pad and we had to do a different kick for each one. Including, Side Thrusting kick, Back kick, Flying side kick and Flying front kick. I was feeling really good and felt I had some good power.
As well as this I am starting to understand the concept of the flying side kick, which I have been having some trouble with. 

 For senior class we did some sparring in a rotation. When I ended up with my Instructor, I was going pretty well blocking his crazy fast techniques when BOOM! A nice turning kick struck me in the head. The room span and YEP it hurt. My ear was ringing really loud and I though for sure I was going to cry HA!
But I held those silly tears back, laughed it off and kept going. THEN! With my next partner, she landed a solid (actually REALLY good) side kick to my stomach, luckily I always breathe out when my opponent strikes just in case something like that happens, so, it didn't hurt a bit, but I felt how good the kick was for sure!
FUN senior class, I ended up with a few bruises but it was really fun.

 -

 So yes! That has been my week.
I have recently been feeling really "apart of the family", there's always this friendly vibe and I just look forward to coming to class.
It makes me a little sad because I will shortly be moving to the Gold Coast and will have to make friends all over again in a new Dojang.
Hopefully I'll be able to return to Cairns for a training visit or even to take my Black Belt test. TIME WILL TELL!

 Until next time ya'll, thanks again for reading.
Kirstine Powhiro
4th Grade (Blue Belt)
Rhee Tae Kwon Do

SENIOR STUDENT: WEEK 1 & 2

 G reetings pals!


The last couple of weeks have been sort of up and down with the way I have been feeling about certain things which I will elaborate on later. But for now, let me take you through the major events.

 WEEK 1:

 MONDAY-  Monday was a really cool lesson, at the start of class, Instructor Greg called those up who had passed grading ad presented them with their belts and stripes including Orrawee who was promoted to 5th Grade, Blue Stripe. 

 I happened to be one of the last people and before I received my promotion, I was told to face the class.

 My Instructor then addressed everyone saying that Master Rhee was very impressed with me at Action Day and had asked him to give a special mention/ congratulate me in front of the class. I felt very humble in this moment as I felt I didn't really deserve the praise.
ANYWAY! After that little awkward but very nice thing, my Instructor then promoted me to 4th Grade, Blue Belt!!!
I have to say, I think the colour really suits me haaha!
After putting the belt on a few of my friends and even one of the Instructors came up to congratulate me with one saying "Good to see you in blue!" and another saying "You're a senior student now, time to get serious." 
We then went through usual training with warm up and basic drills which were really fun.

 Then for senior class, Instructor Greg went through my new pattern, Choong Gun, with me. Which, in my opinion, is REALLY difficult. I had a lot of trouble with learning this pattern because there are so many new techniques which I have never done before.

 WEDNESDAY-  On Wednesday night, I started feeling what a Black Belt friend told me was called, The "Blue Belt Blues".
Even though it was only the second lesson of being in this grade, throughout Wednesday's training I felt this absolutely overwhelming feeling of PRESSURE.

Even before the class started, I had 4 students come up to me asking me to teach them their new pattern, where as usually, Orrawee and I practice her pattern together.
Not to say this random attention was unwanted, it was just overwhelming. 
Then getting into training, with sparring, I was trying my best with the knowledge I had, but one of the black belts said "Come on, you're a senior now, no time for slacking off."
Or something like that. Then in senior class, we were breaking boards and everyone before me was given one board and when I stepped up, my instructor added another, something I wasn't prepared for. I know that with proper technique I should've been able to break them but my mindset was negative. So when I didn't break them, I could see this sort of shocked disappointment ( because I haven't NOT broken my boards before). 

I went home feeling really down about it and for actually a couple days after that, just confused about this really serious treatment I was now receiving.

 BUT! After some reflection I decided I need to stop feeling sorry for myself and realize, that this is now the standard I should be prepared for. After all, this is what I have wanted for a long time, to take my martial arts training seriously and treat it as something I study rather than a sport or something I just participate in twice a week. 
And so, with this my entire mindset on going to training has completely changed.

 WEEK 2:

 MONDAY-  With this fresh outlook on training I went to class with the expectation to have not only Orrawee asking for help, but also several other students. Which was true, and I tried to manage some time so that I could work individually with everyone equally.
With Instructor Greg away sick, Instructor Wayne took half of the class (my half), to do some intense kicking drills. I was focusing really hard on getting proper technique even with the fast speed we were going at. 
It happened to be a really hot, muggy night, typical for Cairns and everyone was feeling feint and dizzy, including myself. 
I sat out for most of senior class, but stayed to watch so that I didn't miss out. They went through a really tough warm up with Instructor Linden and then an even tougher lesson of pad work sparring. It was really intense.

 WEDNESDAY-  At the start of class, I was able to get some solid one on one time with Orrawee who is having some trouble just LEARNING her new pattern, the first movement of Yul Gok is a pressure punch in a horseman stance, it is a little confusing to start off with so I am trying my best to explain the process.

  When other people notice I'm teaching her something they often come to offer their input but as I have said before, it is really hard to teach one person when there is more than one "teacher". So when that happens, I let whoever has interjected, take over, because I know how confusing it can be listening to two people. 

 Instructor Wayne took the class in some basic blocking and striking drills and I was assigned to help one of the white belts through the exercise. She is about 12 years old and was feeling really unsure and down about herself, so I told her not to worry about what speed everyone else was going at and that together, she and I would take it slow and get it right. She kept getting frustrated with herself saying "No I can't do this, it's too hard."
But I kept assuring her that of course
she could and I was there to help her. She did gain some confidence at the end but I hope I can work with her again to really work on the basics.

 Senior class was taken by Instructor Linden again and I wasn't feeling dizzy at all so of course I joined in....... FOR THE MOST INTENSE WORK OUT EVER!
In pairs we did sets of sit ups, push ups, planks, planks on our sides, sprints and sparring. It was actually really good since we didn't have a proper warm up to begin with. Everyone was having a big laugh and it was a fun atmosphere!

 IN OTHER NEWS:

 I have been studying Iaido in much more depth, each and everyday. I have read through the book called, 'Iai' by Darrell Craig, which is a really detailed, informative book on the etiquette, sword care, kata (patterns) and includes the story of the 47 Ronin.
 It's a really good book and I recommend it to anyone who wants to understand Iaido.
As well as this I have been practicing the same basic draws over and over and each day I become faster and precise in my movements. It's a really nice, fluid feeling. The Katana seems to flow in each move like water it's really lovely.

And so now, we're all caught up. This post was a little longer than usual but I had a lot of thoughts I wanted to express so hopefully that is all okay!

 Until next time. Thanks for reading.
Kirstine Powhiro
4th Grade (Blue Belt)
Rhee Tae Kwon Do

1ST ACTION DAY OF 2016

Hey pals,

 Oh my gosh, I know, I am starting to consistently post again, I can feel your shock.
Last time I apologized for being away for so long, so now I'm back to tell you all the little details of my thoughts and feelings throughout my training in Rhee Tae Kwon Do.

 For anyone who is new to my blog, my name is Kirstine Powhiro, I'm 20 and have been training in RTKD for just over a year now.

 Okay! Moving on!

 -

 So, we didn't have training on Easter Monday of course, but I spent that day training in some Iaido and also going over my pattern Yul-Gok, for TKD.

 On Wednesday night, we focused HARD on basics, mainly stances. We went over this so much that my ankles LITERALLY felt like they would cave in upon themselves.
But it was good and I felt like I could get a proper rhythm in alternating my stances.

 We also went over patterns and as a personal goal for myself, I tied really hard to get some hip movement in ALL of my techniques. This might sound easy, but when you're trying this for half an hour on every single move, it gets confusing and really tiring.
But ultimately, in the end, I think I have a better hip rotation because of so much practice. Still a long way to go with that though.

 -

 ACTION DAY - 1.04.2016

 ALRIIIIGHT!
So, Action Day was by far the most nervous I have ever been, ever. I am not sure why, but this particular day made me really sweaty and shaky.
I had to go outside and take a walk in the cooler air to keep from freaking out HA! I seriously have no idea why.

 Before Master Rhee arrived, I went through patterns with Orrawee (the girl I teach patterns to sometimes before lessons) and another Green belt, we were all pretty nervous.
Then all of a sudden we were called to line up. It seemed earlier than usual but behold!, Master Rhee came walking in the door.
I didn't have time to freak out since I wasn't prepared for his sudden arrival, which was good as I felt less pressure.

 After paying respect we went through a warm up and then did some pad work in groups of four, this was probably the most fun part of the night.
I really love working with pads because you can feel your own strength and can adjust accordingly.
I was trying my best to use my hips with each strike and with each kick, I was trying to lock out my technique.

 We then moved on to some three step sparring, my partner was having a tough time breathing (it was very hot) so she sat out part way through and I continued with one of the black belts.
After three step Master Rhee had a long talk with the black belts and then we resumed with some free sparring. 
By this point I was sweating so much and breathing so heavy I thought I would faint.
As if he read my mind, Master Rhee then asked us all to sit while we watched the black belts go through some basic drills.

 After a little more free sparring, we jumped into the deep end.

 PATTERNS!

 I have no idea where my energy came from because, seriously, I was dying in my own sweat. But suddenly I just wanted to make every move strong and every kihap LOUD. I felt very passionate as we went through my pattern over and over. I was still sweating like crazy of course.

 Half way through Master Rhee came up to me and my body froze. He simply asked me to show him my horse stance, corrected one foot and then said "Very good, have you done any Martial Art before?"
To which I said "Yes Sir, ITF Tae Kwon Do." He then nodded , pointed to my frozen stance and said "It shows." Then gathered the black belts to have another talk about stances and sparring.

 By this time Action Day was over! Before we all went to take some group photos, one of the black belts came up to me and said, "Master Rhee is very impressed with you."
I was really shocked and said "What?....really?"
To which they said "Yeah, he said your technique is very good and you stand out, he's really happy with you."

 Seriously, I did NOT expect that at all and I felt and STILL feel really privileged that Master Rhee made a good comment about my technique!

 Anyway! We then took some photo's: 

(My instructor (Greg) LEFT of Master Rhee, Regional Master to the RIGHT)

After Orrawee and I were convinced to go and take a photo with Master Rhee:

(Myself LEFT - Orrawee RIGHT)

I look terrified in this photo (and I was).
After Master Rhee shook my hand and said "Do you want to have your black belt?"
I obviously said yes.
"Good, you must keep climbing the stairs and you will reach it."

-

Which is what I plan to continue to do! 
It was by far the most stressful Action Day but also the most rewarding by far, I had a lot of fun and am excited to get back to regular training next week.

Until then! Thank you for reading.

Kirstine Powhiro
5th Grade (Green Belt/Blue Stripe)
Rhee Tae Kwon Do