I began my fitness journey at the tender age of nine, diving into swimming and martial arts with unbridled enthusiasm. By the time I was 11, I had embraced weightlifting to build my strength, continuing this regimen until I entered high school. My life took a dramatic turn when I left Vietnam and moved to Canada at 18. Here, I started working, went back to school, attended college, and began building a new life from scratch.
In Canada, I continued my passion for swimming and martial arts, not only training but also teaching. My commitment to fitness and discipline led me to join the Canadian Naval Reserve Force, where I served for two years during my college tenure. After college, I embarked on a 32-year-long career with the city police force, where I found yet another avenue to compete and excel in swimming.
From 1997 to 2016, I participated in the World and Canadian-American Police & Fire Games, competing in swimming and proudly bringing home 22 medals in gold, silver, and bronze within my category. Even as I served in the police force, I maintained my dedication to martial arts, continuing to train and teach over the years.
In 2020, I retired from my policing career, closing a significant chapter in my life. However, retirement did not mean slowing down. I continued to follow my passion, running my martial arts club and teaching Aikido and Kenjutsu (Japanese swordsmanship). My goal remains steadfast: to spread the art of Aikido to the younger generation, helping them build life skills, confidence, discipline, and a firm stance against drugs.
I firmly believe that "Success is failure turning inside out." If you have a dream, pursue it relentlessly until it becomes a reality. My advice to the younger generation is simple yet powerful: hard work always pays off in the end, and you must always believe in yourself. Rest if you must, but never quit.
Fitness and martial arts have been the cornerstones of my life, shaping my journey from a young boy in Vietnam to a decorated athlete and dedicated teacher in Canada. This journey has taught me the value of perseverance, discipline, and the importance of nurturing one's passions. Whether through swimming, weightlifting, or martial arts, the key is to stay committed and never lose sight of your dreams.
