Local karate team out to make national waves

The Baekwoon Mu Sul Tigers are on a mission to take top tier in the American Karate Association. Under the leadership of their instructors, Sensei Jeremy and Elijah Talbott, the team is quickly gaining recognition both locally and nationwide.

The team—formed in 2011—has grown from two members to 18 in less than 18 months. Competing in appropriate age groups from age six and up, team members perform katas (forms) with and without weapons, and spar against others of the same age and level of ability.

At the 10th Annual Holiday Tournament hosted by the Marvin Clark Karate Academy (Gary, Ind.), team members brought home a combined 18 trophies for earning one of the top three places in their division. Aside from the trophies earned, team members—some competing for the first time—also placed highly earning a rank or a finalist designation.

“I'm pleased to see the growth and dedication shown by our team members,” says Sensei Talbott. “The team is not only learning how to perform a variety of karate forms, but most are new to the tournament world as well, which adds another learning curve. They continue to learn and improve, and I look forward to the 2014 tournament season.”

Formed in 2011, The Baekwoon Mu Sul Tigers (Warrenville, Ill.), has grown from one team member to 18. In the 2013 season, the team produced four national champions and seven national top-10 competitors within the American Karate Association, one of the oldest tournament circuits in the United States. The team practices at LifeTime Fitness of Warrenville. You can find the Baekwoon Mu Sul Academy on Facebook.