As part of your blackbelt exam you have to write an essay. ITFNZ has put ost of these on their web site and there are some of the are preety good.
http://www.itfnz.org.nz/ref/essays/index.html

Hi! I am new here, I am a yellow belt in tae kwon do. Most of the time it takes a backseat to obligations that I have. My dojang recommends us to take at least three classes a week, an hour long each, I am usually able to attend one class a week tops! My problem is that even though I practice when I can on my own time, I don't have sparring experience. What would you recommend that I do to prepare myself both physically and mentally for sparring? Any advice or tips you have would be greatly appreciated!

Reddragon, strike yourself repeatedly in the head with a large blunt object. (just kidding)

work on cardio, hit heavy bag practicing combo's,work on cardio.

forget traditional block(as in drop into stance/execute block)-work on moving away from technique-redirectng, prepare to get hit-it is not end of the world.Relax,learn and most importantly have fun!