1. Describe yourself and what you do?
I teach full-contact Karate and am the founder of Hybrid Karate Dojo and the “Spirit of OSU!”. which is a series of Karate Fundamentals specifically for children.
*Spirt of OSU is a series of Karate Fundamentals designed specifically for children.
2. Is there a story behind WHY you do what you do?
It all started with a small thought of what children should be learning when they pick up martial arts. I have once seen a student kicking
and punching his domestic helper after class. When he was reprimanded by his grandmother for hurting the domestic helper, he replied that he was simply applying what he had learned from his Martial Arts Instructor. I could tell from the conversation that while he had successfully learnt the techniques of martial arts, he had not grasped the real meaning and values of what he had learnt. I felt that I had to do my part this situation.
Today, too many Martial Arts Schools are focused on growing their student numbers and their curriculums are not catered to the needs of the younger age group. I hope to be able to change. that with the “Spirit of OSU!” series.
3. Share with us what you were like as a student and how school was like for you. In retrospect, how do you think that played a part in what you do now and who you have become?
I was a loner & I was often bullied during my Primary & Secondary School days. Although I wasn’t afraid of being different, I chose to refrain from retaliating. Life is so much brighter when we focus on what truly matters and I was not going to waste my energy and focus on people who were biased & judgmental against me.As a student, I really enjoyed outdoor activities and always looked forward to playing basketball with my friends and attending my Karate classes in the evenings at the Dojo.
4. How do you reinvent yourself? What motivates you?
My motivation is my “voyage of discovery”. I want to explore, discover, gain knowledge and share this knowledge with others. I derive my sense of satisfaction from being able to encourage and empower people. My family is also very important to me.
5. What’s the best piece of advice you ever received or given?
“Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. If you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle. If you put water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can flow or it can crash. Be like water my friend.”
– Bruce Lee
6. The future-ready educator should…
Learn to impart knowledge to the next generation in the most creative & innovative way while using our roots/traditions to keep us and our students grounded.
7. What have you just learnt recently that blew you away? /Share an example of a life that you impacted
This Februrary, I visited my Master (Harada Kancho) in Matsuyama, Japan. It was a life-changing experience for me as he (Harada Kancho) imparted a lot of knowledge and values to me. My big takeaway from the trip was to learn to live life to the fullest, dare to take risks while not rushing into things. Most importantly, I learnt the importance to challenge myself every day while still having fun.
8. How do you hope your business might do its part to transform or add value to the educational scene in Singapore?
I hope Hybrid Karate Dojo’s unique teaching methodology can empower and evolve our students in their lifelong learning journey and that our students will learn to apply the values & virtues taught to them in the Dojo to their daily lives.
