I didn’t begin my martial arts journey with the goal of changing lives. In fact, my early experiences were rooted in a much smaller world—one centered on myself.
It all started with a short stint in karate as a young child. I’ll admit, I didn’t last long; I was bored and didn’t see much purpose in it. Years later, as a high schooler, I discovered TaeKwonDo, and that’s when things clicked. I loved the challenge and discipline and threw myself into the training wholeheartedly. But at the time, I had no idea how much further martial arts could take me.
The real turning point came during my college years at UC Berkeley when I discovered the Cal Wushu Club. Seeing Chinese martial arts in action for the first time—a woman practicing a graceful straight sword form—was mesmerizing. It felt like stepping into the martial arts dramas I’d grown up watching on TV.
That first Wushu class was brutal. I could barely walk afterward, and I loved every second of it. It pushed me to levels I hadn’t imagined, and I soon found myself training rigorously, competing nationally, and eventually earning the title of United States Men’s All-Around Champion.
When I retired from competition and started teaching, my focus was still inward. I wanted to raise the next generation of champions, to bask in their glory as a reflection of my own. But something was missing.
It wasn’t until Sifu Liz opened my eyes that my perspective began to shift. She helped me see that martial arts wasn’t about elite achievements or perfect students. It was about helping anyone who walked through our doors. The shy kids, the ones struggling with confidence, focus, or even basic coordination—those were the students who needed martial arts the most.
This change in mindset transformed my life. It gave my work true purpose, far beyond medals and titles. Now, every time I see a child’s confidence blossom or a student persevere through a challenge they never thought they could conquer, I’m reminded of why I do this.
Martial arts gave me so much—discipline, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment. But teaching it? That gave me purpose. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.
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