The 8th annual Hwa Rang Do Midwest Championships was held on Saturday April 30th.  Participants from Madison, Minneapolis, Chicago, Eau Claire, Oconomowoc, and Appleton converged at Sun Prairie Middle School in Wisconsin for a good neighborhood competition in all the standard divisions such as forms, weapon forms, sparring, and the fundraising break-a-thon.

The empty hand and weapon form divisions looked sharp as always, with great intensity and clean technique.  The real treat for the judges though was the sparring divisions, as this year everyone seemed extremely fired up to jump into the ring.  All the sparring divisions from the juniors to women to men packed a good punch with great levels of competition, yet of course the sense of camaraderie and good sportsmanship shined through all the intense matches.

During the halftime intermission, the Midwest Black Sashes also put on a big demonstration.  It was quite a line up having 20+ black sashes show off the large variety of techniques Hwa Rang Do has to offer.  There were performances of forms, kick/punch fighting, opponent control, seated defense, offensive and defensive weapons, as well as some multiple opponent action.  The demonstration was also highlighted by an impressive and energized performance of a sword form by Kwan Jang Nim Kijek.

Following the demonstration the event proceeded to the fundraising break-a-thon for the Big Brothers Big Sisters charity.  This organization has been matching caring, responsible adult volunteers with children primarily from single-parent homes and encouraging the relationships so they develop into close mentoring friendships. The adults involve themselves in the lives of their Little Brothers or Little Sisters by taking an interest in what they are doing and by serving as role models and confidants. They also bolster the child’s self-confidence by offering emotional support and encouragement during times of uncertainty, vulnerability or confusion.  Over $2,600 was raised during this year’s event.  The Midwest Hwa Rang Do branches have donated over $20,000 to various organizations over the past 8 years of the championships, ensuring that a positive difference is made in our communities by our Hwa Rang Do family.

Before the day was out the Team Sparring competition was held, and the Madison East and West side conglomerate team won the day.  The matches were great through all the ranks, it was truly an impressive display of sparring by all teams and competitors that represented their home branches.  We don’t want to forget the banquet either, as it is always good to pack 100 Hwarangdoist’s and family in a nice little restaurant for food, drinks, and celebration of the days events!

Before the day was out the Team Sparring competition was held, and the Madison East and West combined team won the day.  The matches were great through all the ranks, it was truly an impressive display of sparring by all teams and competitors that represented their schools.  We don’t want to forget the banquet either, as it is always good to pack 100 Hwarangdoist’s and family in a nice restaurant for food, drinks, and celebration of the days events!

Click here for pictures of the day from the University of Chicago HRD club.

Congratulations again to everyone who competed and cheered at the Championships.  It was a wonderful day highlighting the many positive aspects of art and its brotherhood.