Instructors

The Taekwondo Club instructors are selected from the club membership based on their prior experience (rank), teaching ability, and commitment. Our instructors volunteer their time out of a passion for the art of taekwondo, an interest in learning from other club members, and a dedication to teaching.

Current Instructors

Annabel Mendoza (4th Dan) [2022 - Present]

Annabel began taekwondo at a young age and had training for around 10 years when she received her 4th Dan Black Belt in 2020 under the instruction of Master SeungHo Cha. After a short break during Covid, she joined the UChicago Taekwondo Club in 2021, becoming President in 2022. Currently a 4th year in the College, she is now Co-Captain of UCTKD.

Shailesh Bolduc (2nd Dan) [2022 - Present]

Shailesh Bolduc, a member of the College class of 2026, has been practicing Tae Kwon Do for 8 years and has achieved the rank of 2nd Dan Black Belt. Shailesh's pre-UChicago training was in an ITF dojang, but he has since transferred to the WT teachings of the club. As a lover for the disciplinary side of TKD, he firmly believes in the development of both the body and mind through strength and flexibility exercises, following the 5 tenets in daily life, and always challenging oneself. As Co-Captain of the club, he seeks to integrate this for all competition and practical purposes.

Sha Jackson (4th Dan) [2021 - Present]

Sha's Tae Kwon Do journey began in 2009 under the guidance of Master Sung Son Yu in Anchorage, Alaska. He started martial arts so that he could become a "ninja" but had no idea that, in 2015, he would become a Junior Instructor. Sha loved sharing his passion with students of all ages and abilities, eventually earning his 4th Dan Black Belt in 2019 and assuming the role of Head Instructor. Relocating to Chicago in 2021, Sha continued his training with the UChicago Tae Kwon Do club, where he's had the opportunity to share Tae Kwon Do with newcomers and experienced martial artists alike. He firmly believes that Tae Kwon Do's 'DO', or 'Way of Life', can benefit individuals from all walks of life. Tae Kwon Do is for everyone, from toddlers to seniors, competitive athletes to those seeking to gain some fitness, and, of course, martial arts enthusiasts or those who want to learn self-defense.

Previous Instructors

Non Charoenwattananon [2019 - 2022]
Alexander Rodriguez [2021]
Kathryn Downey [2018 - 2020]
Rahul Subramanian [2016 - 2020]
Emi Lemberg [2016 - 2018]
Ibraham Ahmed Gm [2012 - 2018]
Cassie Moy [2013-2015]
Valeri Galtsev [2011-2015]
Dan Kimmel [2002-2013]
Nathan Schine [2013]
Clare Singer [2013]
George Weyer [2000 - 2010]
Sean Newton [2006-2010]
Michael Dworecki [2004-2006]
Tim Sontag [2006]
Alexei Fedkin [2004]
Robert Krencik [2003-2004]
Monica Chock [1998-2001]