2003 Tae Kwon Do Showdown

The UW-Madison Bak Shaolin Eagle Claw Kung Fu Team has notched up another successful foray into tournament competition, returning from their Dec. 7th outing with a fistful of medals. The seven-member team, comprised of veterans, up-and-comers, and young blood took an impressive 11 medals at the competition. The Bak Shaolin Eagle Claw Team competed in both forms and fighting under the leadership of visiting National Coach, Sifu Dana G. Daniels. Also on hand were original National Team members, Noam Reininger and Nate Sonnenberg, and UW Team Captain, Tim St. Clair.

Arriving into Rockford, IL, eager for competition, the Team was welcomed by host, Master Ben Pedrick to the Tae Kwon Do Showdown. Pedrick recalled their outstanding performance at 2003 Tae Kwon Do Nationals, and predicted a repeat for Team UW-Madison. They did not disappoint, and surpassed their performance of the previous year!

With competitors spread over a wide variety of divisions, Team UW-Madison made its mark on the field of competition. Nate Cholewa took 2nd in underbelt forms, only to be DQ'd, for his powerful roundhouse kicks in the sparring division. In the Under 18s, Shane O'Neil took a 1st in both forms and sparring, competing as intermediate for the first time.

In Men Blackbelts, Tim St. Clair showed his quality, to a 2nd finish in both forms and fighting. Notably matching against a former student of Bak Shaolin Eagle Claw Grandmaster Fu Leung. Noam Reininger growled and prowled his way to a 3rd place finish to the applause of his team-mates and the dismay of his opponents.

All in all, the Team finished with a solid performance, bringing home the gold once more. Team UW-Madison is ready to rock at the next competition.

Team UW-Madison thanks Grandmaster Fu Leung and Sifu Dana G. Daniels for their tireless effort and coaching. The Team also thanks National Team members Noam Reininger, Nate Sonnenberg, and Sam Haskin for their leadership and assistance.