Perseverance in Action
I still remember the first time Maya Modak walked into Kung Fu Kids as a young girl. Like many kids her age, her parents had tried all sorts of hobbies—violin, soccer—but nothing stuck. Maya, however, had a deep fascination with martial arts movies. That curiosity led her to us, and from the moment she stepped on the mat, it was clear she had found her passion.
Maya trained alongside her father, which made her journey uniquely special. Their classes often turned into friendly competitions—who could earn the next stripe or belt first? But beyond the fun, Maya developed a deep respect for her dad as they trained together, side by side. She described it as a rare and meaningful connection where they were equals, united by the shared struggles of perfecting techniques and pushing through challenges.
Her perseverance paid off. Maya earned her second-degree black belt and even became an instructor at Kung Fu Kids, inspiring countless young students. But her story doesn’t end there. Maya graduated from UC Santa Cruz and is now pursuing her PhD at Cedars Sinai.
When I asked her what traits she gained from martial arts, she said, “Perseverance. Wushu taught me to keep trying, to fall and get back up, and to push through every roadblock.”
This mindset helped her navigate rigorous academic and professional challenges, just as it helped her perfect her forms and earn her belts.
Maya’s story reminds us that the lessons learned in martial arts extend far beyond the mat. They shape character, instill discipline, and build the kind of resilience that leads to extraordinary achievements.
I’m so proud of what Maya has accomplished and honored to have been part of her journey.
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