Growing up, I was just like any other kid, diving into traditional sports like swimming, basketball, baseball, and football. But my real journey began when my parents signed me up for taekwondo at the age of eight. At first, I hated it. I remember telling them I would only do it for the summer and that would be the end of it. And for a while, that’s exactly what happened. I quit after that first summer and only returned a year later because I felt a sense of obligation to give it another shot.
When I walked back into the dojo, I was hit with a reality check. All of my friends had progressed, earning new belts and mastering techniques, while I had been left behind. My competitive spirit kicked in, and that moment became a turning point for me. I threw myself fully into taekwondo, training relentlessly to catch up. Before I knew it, I was hooked. By the time I earned my black belt at 13, the sport had become a central part of my life, especially the thrill of competition. It was my first true introduction to combat sports, and I was completely in love with it.
Being a chubby kid with asthma and back problems wasn’t easy. I was often told I wasn't capable and that I should just give up on the more physical aspects of life. But every time I heard those words, I found myself digging deeper. I refused to let those limitations define me. Through my taekwondo training, I began to understand that I was capable of far more than anyone—including myself—ever imagined. The martial arts taught me invaluable lessons: respect, discipline, confidence, integrity, perseverance, self-control, grit, and focus. Most importantly, I learned that anything is achievable if you set your mind to it.
Those mental and physical skills shaped me into who I am today. With hard work, I went on to compete in the Junior Olympics and eventually earned my master rank in taekwondo. That same drive led me to open my own studio, where I now teach and share the knowledge I’ve gained over the years. But the journey didn’t stop there. My love for martial arts and fitness expanded. I continue to train in various martial arts disciplines, while also incorporating bodybuilding and yoga into my routine. And when I can, I still jump into any sport with friends—because there’s always something new to learn.
Fitness and martial arts have become more than just hobbies or even careers; they’re a way of life. They’ve taught me that improvement is a continuous journey. We can always get better at something, and it’s never too late to start. This philosophy drives me every single day. My approach to life now is simple: maintain a student mindset, always be open to learning, and strive to master whatever comes my way—whether it’s a new sport, a different technique, an unfamiliar exercise, or an alternative diet.
I look back at my journey from that reluctant eight-year-old kid to a master in taekwondo and realize how crucial those early experiences were in shaping my mindset. Every “no” I heard, every challenge I faced, and every obstacle I overcame brought me here. And I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s a reminder that growth comes from pushing through discomfort and embracing the process.
Today, as I continue to teach, train, and explore new frontiers in fitness, I carry those early lessons with me. I strive to instill the same values in my students, encouraging them to push past their own limitations. After all, the journey of self-improvement is endless, and the pursuit of mastery is a path we can all walk, regardless of age or ability. My goal is to keep learning, keep growing, and, above all, never lose that passion for the journey itself.
