The Midwest Hwa Rang Do® Interschool Championships drew close to 200 competitors from six different schools.  The morning began with students displaying their skills at weapons and forms.  Participants of all ages cheered each other on and congratulated their fellow competitors as winners were announced.  The bleachers at Prairie View Middle School in Sun Prairie were full of spectators.  It was clearly a family event.

The afternoon began with board breaking to benefit Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Dane County.  As a result of this event, over $2,300 was donated to this worthwhile cause.  This was followed by a remarkable black-sash performance.  Master David Kijek impressed spectators with a demonstration of self-defense using a danbong.  Students were also drawn in by a Kumdo demonstration by Sabumnim Dylan Sirny, which especially inspired students currently attending Kumdo classes in their dojangs.

The last event showed remarkable team-spirit and sportsmanship as the schools battled it out in the team-sparring event.  Teams participating were from Appleton, Chicago, Madison East, Madison West, Minneapolis, and Eau Claire.  Instructor Sirny of Minneapolis Branch proudly held up a trophy with his team at the end of the event, while the other teams congratulated them on their win.

The day ended with a banquet at Herreman’s Restaurant in Sun Prairie.  Students and instructors gathered around tables to eat, share stories, receive awards, and bond as a family.  It was a pleasant ending to a rewarding and energizing day.