Zhi Yan

Instructor Level II

Zhi Yan Zhi Yan has been training in martial arts since he was 10 years old, beginning with Judo through a school sports program. He was drawn to martial arts from watching movies and television, and Judo was his first experience.

Though he only trained for a couple of semesters, it intensified his interest in martial arts and compelled him to continue training. Through grade school and high school, he studied under several systems including Lu’s Tae Kwon Do under Master Phap Lu. Zhi Yan then went on to achieve his black belt at World Championship Karate under Sensei Betty Hills in January 1999.

In December 2000, the Karate school closed and Zhi Yan was introduced to the Ottawa Traditional Shaolin Kung Fu Centre through his brother, a student of the school. From his first class in January 2001, Zhi Yan knew he had found the style and master he would follow for the rest of his life. Despite his black belt status in karate, Zhi Yan was humbled by the new style, especially when Sifu Ly held his arms to clarify some of the punching techniques.

Zhi Yan’s conscientious nature made group sports challenging for him. He either took the sport more seriously than his teammates, or was too hard on himself for letting the team down if they didn’t win a game. He prefers martial arts training because he only has to answer to himself for any shortcomings. As such, with Sifu Ly’s guidance, Zhi Yan drives himself to be the best he can be.

Favorite quotes:

“If your legs aren’t shaking, you aren’t there yet.”

“Fight with the burning.”

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News and Events

Second Location Opening!: When: August 29th, 2010; Where: Unit 17, 1884 Merivale Road (Near Hunt Club Road); A feeling of being in Shaolin Temple of China, with our trai... Read more
Competition: When: May 2nd, 2010; Where: Levis, Quebec; Compete at the New Look World Kobudo 2010... Read more
Orphanage Fundraiser Donors - 2009: When: February 2010; Where: World Wide; Corporate and Personal Donors... Read more
Double Butterfly Knives Seminar: When: August 08 & 15, 2009; Where: Ottawa; Learn the legendary Double Butterfly Knives... Read more