Honoring a Legacy, Building a Future
In 2021, during a time of great uncertainty for many businesses, a unique opportunity came my way—one that would allow Kung Fu Kids to expand and honor the legacy of someone I deeply respect.
Studio Kicks, a martial arts school in Palo Alto, was founded by Richard Branden, a renowned Wushu competitor and TV personality. I had the honor of competing alongside Richard and always admired his passion and dedication to martial arts. When Richard tragically passed away from cancer, his wife, Lavinia, took on the enormous task of keeping Studio Kicks alive.
By 2020, however, the pandemic had created immense challenges for the school. Lavinia was ready to step away, and Studio Kicks needed a new steward for its students and its spirit. Around this time, I began hearing from families looking for alternatives as Studio Kicks prepared to close.
A parent introduced me to Lavinia, and after several heartfelt conversations, we found common ground. I proposed carrying on Richard’s legacy by welcoming Studio Kicks students into the Kung Fu Kids family. Lavinia graciously supported this vision, and together, we worked on a transition plan to ensure her students felt at home with us.
But there was another challenge: Studio Kicks had lost its lease. We needed a new space to make this dream a reality. After some searching, I found a 5,000-square-foot martial arts studio nearby. Its previous tenant had been struggling to maintain the lease, and I negotiated terms with the landlord to secure the space for Kung Fu Kids. It was perfect for us, requiring only fresh paint, new flooring, and a lot of energy to bring it to life.
Within two months, the space was ready. We started with 50 students from Studio Kicks—a strong foundation—and quickly grew as word spread. Families in Palo Alto were eager for a Kung Fu Kids close to home, and the momentum hasn’t stopped.
Today, Wushu Central Palo Alto thrives as a vibrant community of martial artists. I’m honored to carry forward Richard Branden’s legacy while infusing our own values of excellence and growth.
What began as a challenge during uncertain times turned into a remarkable opportunity—not just to expand Kung Fu Kids but to continue a tradition of empowering students through martial arts.
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