Instructors
GRAND MASTER CHONG
GRAND MASTER INSTRUCTOR (10TH DAN)
Master Chong has served as the head instructor of the University of Michigan Taekwondo Club since 1968. He is a former President of the United States Taekwondo Union, a former member of the WT council, and has served as head of the US National Taekwondo Team. His students have included Olympic Gold Medalist Lynette Love and Bronze Medalist Han Wan Lee. In addition to being the U of M Master Instructor, Master Chong is formerly a Lecturer in the Division of Kinesiology, and taught the Beginning Taekwondo and Advanced Taekwondo courses for the U-Move Program.
INSTRUCTOR (6TH DAN)
MASTER BUSCH
Master Busch is the Master Instructor of the U of M Taekwondo Club and has been involved in Taekwondo for over 30 years, starting at the University of Michigan in 1987. After serving as a club officer, he became an instructor in 1991 and served in that capacity until 2002, when he relocated to South Bend, IN. Master Busch then became an instructor at Hong's USA Taekwondo where he taught advanced classes and sparring. His students included the University of Notre Dame Taekwondo club. Master Busch returned to the area in 2005 and resumed teaching at UM. Master Busch is a certified referee.
MASTER INSTRUCTOR (4TH DAN)
DAVID REITZ
David Reitz is a seasoned competitor hailing from Master Russell Gale's school in Plymouth, MI. David's recent accomplishments have included winning gold at the 2017 USAT National Championships in the men's black belt featherweight division. He is currently ranked #2 in the nation for this division.
Officers
Hello! I'm Nishant, a junior studying CS and Stats. I'm a 4th dan and have been doing taekwondo for 14 years. As president my job is to make sure you have a great time with the club. I like traveling, food, video games, and coding. Please feel free to reach out with any questions! ndash@umich.edu
NISHANT DASH
(he/him/his)
PRESIDENT
Hellooo! I'm Jinny, a red-black belt and a junior studying political science. As VP, I handle fundraising and merch for our club so be sure to look out for those. Outside of tkd, I like to read, crochet, and watch kdramas. I'm excited to get to know everyone and don't hesitate to reach out! Michigan fighting!! á•™(ò_óˇ)á•— songjc@umich.edu
Heyo! I’m Kristen. I am currently a junior in International Studies and Translation Studies. I am a red-black belt with just about 3 years of experience now! As secretary, I take care of weekly emails and other club forms. Outside of tkd, you can catch me cooking, reading, going to concerts, or chilling with friends! Feel free to say hi anytime!! ^.^ pikaart@umich.edu
Hi! I’m a sophomore majoring in Business with a LJSC minor. As treasurer, I manage the finances for the club and make sure things remain affordable (because we’re all broke). In my free time, you’ll find me watching Formula 1, listening to Noah Kahan, or reading a thriller novel. I’m eager to get to know everyone! lidiac@umich.edu
JINNY SONG
(SHE/HER/HERS)
VICE PRESIDENT
KRISTEN PIKAART
(she/her/hers)
SECRETARY
LIDIA CAPPELLETTI
(she/her/hers)
TREASURER
Hey y’all!!!! I’m Ameilia, pleased to meet you! I am a sophomore on the pre-med track. My role in UMTKD is organizing (hopefully) fun, safe, and smooth travel to tournaments! I started taekwondo for the first time freshman year, but have been involved in martial arts since I was 7! I enjoy volleyball, reading, and all things Ghibli outside of Taekwondo. Hope to see you on the mats soon~
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Hello!!! I'm Askari and I'm a sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering alongside Physics and CS on the side. As one of the TCs, I'll be handling all the logistics for traveling to and attending tournaments with my goal being to make tournaments simple and stress free for yall :D. Outside of TKD, I'm into cars/motorcycles (hence me also being on MRacing), video games (ask me which), and listening to ballads. Excited to meet yall this year :3 ~
AMEILIA CHUNG
(she/her/hers)
CO-TRAVEL COORDINATOR
Askari Husaini
(he/him/his)
CO-TRAVEL COORDINATOR
Hi hi! I'm Olivia, a sophomore majoring in international studies and anthropology. As one of your media managers, I'll be making and managing content. I started formally doing taekwondo freshman year so I'm a green belt. If I'm not at practice taking pictures of you like a creep I'll be working at the radio station, reading sci-fi in Hatcher, or painting. Peace! holivia@umich.edu
olivia humphrey
(she/her/hers)
CO-MEDIA MANAGER
Hi! I’m Mihir, a proud Taekwondo black belt and one of the media managers for our club. I absolutely love capturing the energy, strength, and spirit of our team through creative posts and videos. When I’m not kicking it in class, you’ll probably find me baking cute cupcakes, planning my next aesthetic project, or sipping on a latte with perfect foam art. Feel free to reach out —I’m always happy to help! 🥋💖
Hi! I’m Torrie, a sophomore studying Environmental Science and Energy Chemistry. I’m a blue belt and am serving a term as the equipment manager of taekwondo, ensuring that everyone stays safe while kicking butt. Off-the-mats, I like horseback riding, reading comics, and writing! So feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns about gear/uniforms (victoja@umich.edu)
Hello guys! My name is Ariana C. and I'm a freshman who has been practicing TKD for 5 years. I hope that as the social chair, I can foster a tight-knit but welcoming community where you can meet your life-long friends!
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MIHIR BALANGE
(he/him/his)
co-media manager
TOrrie Jacobs
(she/her/hers)
EQUIPMENT MANAGER
ARIANA CASTANON
(she/her/hers)
SOCIAL CHAIR
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