When I first met Caden Chang, he was a shy 4-year-old just starting out in our beginner class. Today, he’s a 5th-degree Wushu black belt, one of our most beloved instructors, and a student at Tufts University—a school renowned for its academic rigor and exclusivity.
No, Caden isn’t related to me (though I’d be proud to claim him as family). But after teaching him for 14 years, I can say he’s like one of my own.
Caden’s journey wasn’t without challenges. As a teenager, he found himself juggling school, competitive soccer, and intense martial arts training. By his freshman year of high school, the pressure had him questioning whether he could continue.
“I was ready to quit,” he admitted. “High school workload, soccer, and Wushu—it felt like too much. But my parents insisted I stick with it, and I’m so glad they did.”
And stick with it, he did. Caden persevered through the challenges, learning how to balance his responsibilities and push through moments of self-doubt.
I still remember watching him crush his black belt test after months of rigorous preparation. He was nervous, of course, but the confidence he built through countless repetitions shone through. It was a moment of pride for both of us—a testament to the power of grit and determination.
Later, Caden decided to step into a leadership role as one of our instructors. Teaching was no small feat, especially for a teenager guiding adults and children alike. “It was weird at first,” he said. “I was this young kid telling adults what to do. But over time, I learned how to communicate and lead effectively, and that experience has been invaluable.”
Caden’s ability to lead, his attention to detail, and his work ethic became hallmarks of his character—traits he carried with him to Tufts. In his college applications, Wushu set him apart. “Not many people can say they do Wushu,” he explained. “It’s something unique, and I took pride in sharing how it shaped me and taught me to perfect the details in everything I do.”
As Caden said, standing out matters. But so does perseverance. His story reminds me that success often comes from sticking with something even when it gets tough. For Caden, Wushu wasn’t just about martial arts; it was about growth, confidence, and finding his unique path in life. Watching his journey has been an honor, and I can’t wait to see where his drive and dedication take him next.
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