Luke Tian, a talented 15-year-old student hailing from Cupertino, California, Danica Bito, a passionate 31-year-old Kung Fu instructor residing in Seattle, Washington, and Shirley Wong, a dedicated 62-year-old restaurateur based in Honolulu, Hawaii, represent a diverse tapestry of backgrounds and life experiences. Despite their apparent differences, an unexpected bond unites them as they emerge triumphant, crowned grand champions in their respective age categories at the esteemed 2023 Tiger Claw Elite Kung Fu Tai Chi Championships.
The prestigious championships took place on May 6-7 in San Jose, California, serving as a platform to showcase the awe-inspiring skills and unwavering dedication of these three extraordinary individuals. Luke, Darnica, and Shirley demonstrated their mastery of Tai Chi, each practicing a distinctive Tai Chi style that reflects their unique paths of learning and growth within the art.
Beyond the surface disparities, a profound connection lies at the core of these exceptional champions. Despite their diverse backgrounds, ages, and life experiences, they all share a profound passion for the ancient martial art of Tai Chi. It is this unyielding love for the discipline that has driven them to invest countless hours in training, refining their techniques, and perfecting their forms.
Luke Tian’s performance at the Tiger Claw Grand Championship left a lasting impression on me. His quiet demeanor, poised presence, and unwavering focus commanded the attention of everyone gathered around the competition ring. As he commenced his performance, a wave of captivation swept through the audience, their gaze fixed upon him, eagerly anticipating each graceful movement.
Luke showcased his mastery of Wushu Tai Chi, a modern style that seamlessly blends gymnastic elements with intricate astonishing Tai Chi maneuvers. From defying gravity with leaps and spins resembling a helicopter, to displaying extraordinary flexibility as he gracefully descended into a deep squat with his right leg curled behind his left thigh, his movements pushed the boundaries of the human body’s physical capabilities. Yet, Luke flawlessly executed each maneuver with precision and grace. You can watch part of his performance below:
Martial arts have always held a special place in Luke’s heart. At the tender age of 8, he embarked on his Kung Fu journey, dedicating himself to the demanding training and practice it entailed. Three years later, under the guidance of his coach, Master Zou Yun Jian, and with the unwavering support of his parents, Luke ventured into the realm of Tai Chi—and instantly fell in love with its profound intricacies.
When I inquired about his deep affinity for Tai Chi, Luke explained that excelling in this art form requires not only physicality but also a deep understanding of its underlying theory. While Kung Fu relies heavily on diligent practice and hard work, Tai Chi demands a more profound comprehension of the purpose behind each movement. Luke emphasized this point by illustrating the deliberate slight bend in the elbows during a Tai Chi form. He explained that a fully straightened and locked elbow compromises proper body alignment, limiting flexibility and resilience in combat situations.
Luke Tian’s exceptional performance and insightful understanding of Tai Chi epitomize his unwavering dedication and profound connection to the art. He practices five days a week, devoting three hours on three of those days and one and a half hours on the remaining two. Luke’s ability to captivate his audience while pushing the limits of physicality not only showcases his immense skill but also his unyielding passion. He won several gold medals during the tournaments and stands as a testament to the transformative power of martial arts and the boundless possibilities that lie within the pursuit of excellence. Luke’s mother, Mrs. Tian, remarked that his extensive training has instilled in him exceptional time management skills.
Former professional dancer Danica Bito possesses a vibrant and fun-loving personality. She embarked on a career transition, immersing herself in Chinese martial arts at Sil Lum (Cantonese pronunciation of Shaolin) Seattle in 2015 when she was 24 years old. Two years later, she incorporated Tai Chi into her training routine and went on to secure five gold medals at the recent Tiger Claw Elite Kung Fu Tournaments in San Jose, California.
Initially perceiving Tai Chi as an exercise form more suitable for seniors, Danica decided to give it a try when she discovered that the Sil Lum Seattle school taught both Northern Shaolin Kung Fu and Koo’s Tai Chi. Koo’s Tai Chi, created by the renowned martial artist “Iron Palm” Koo Yu Cheung, emphasizes foundational aspects such as balance, alignment, posture, stances, structural integrity, Qigong, single techniques, and Tai Chi principles. Danica discovered a profound connection to her body while practicing Tai Chi, and it brought her a sense of well-being. Through her Tai Chi training, she then experienced a similar connection when practicing the hard-style martial arts she had been accustomed to.
Danica has become an instructor, teaching Kung Fu to children and Tai Chi to a 15-year-old girl at Sil Lum School. She firmly believes that learning martial arts empowers children and young women, helping them develop strength and self-confidence. She thoroughly enjoys working with young individuals, guiding them in the pursuit of the art. “If the kids persist with their training,” Danica commented, “it will create energetic and neural pathways for their growth, as their focused intention (Yi) aids in moving Qi or bio-energy for improved circulation.”
Danica herself began competing in 2018 and has since won numerous gold medals in various divisions at different tournaments. This year, she secured gold medals in five different divisions—three for Tai Chi and two for Kung Fu. Inspired by her achievements, some of her friends in their early 30s have taken up Tai Chi, particularly Silk Reeling, with her, relishing its calming effects. Overall, Danica cherishes the tranquil state that Tai Chi cultivates, describing it as “meditative actions” that allow individuals to momentarily set aside thoughts of the past, future, and even oneself and others, and instead focus solely on the present moment.
Born in China, Shirley and her husband immigrated to Hawaii a few decades years ago, establishing a restaurant. Running a restaurant and working over ten hours daily is mentally and physically exhausting. Shirley often felt fatigued and lacked energy in her 40s. During the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games’ opening ceremony, she witnessed a mesmerizing Tai Chi performance that caught her attention and sparked her interest. It was then that she realized Tai Chi was not solely for seniors, prompting her decision to explore and learn the art. Like many other practitioners, Shirley initially joined a free Tai Chi group in the park, observing and mimicking others’ movements. She also discovered free Tai Chi videos online and dedicated her free time to emulating the sequences. Shirley excelled in self-study and learned various Tai Chi forms, including the Standard Tai Chi 24, 42, 32 sword, 42 sword, and Tai Chi fan. Later, she chose to deepen her understanding of Tai Chi Chuan by learning from Master Lu Huai Cheng, who emphasized the importance of comprehending the principles and mastering proper footwork (Bu Fa) and body alignment (Shen Fa). In addition to Tai Chi, she is also studying other martial arts.
Shirley shared that she practices Tai Chi for an hour daily before going to work, but on her days off, she extends her practice to two hours. She genuinely enjoys immersing herself in the art. In the past, she was prone to catching colds and would require a month to recover. However, with her consistent Tai Chi practice, she rarely falls ill and quickly recovers if she does. Shirley is fortunate to have her children living nearby, and she also assists in babysitting her grandson. Initially not expecting to win any trophies, Shirley was encouraged by her family to participate and determine her own skill level. She was delighted to attend the event, not only securing four gold medals but also witnessing remarkable martial arts performances by other competitors and masters.
The journeys of Luke, Darnica, and Shirley to become grand champions have been marked by distinct challenges, triumphs, and sacrifices. Luke, a young prodigy hailing from the heart of Silicon Valley, has navigated the complexities of adolescence while dedicating himself to developing his Kung Fu skills with unwavering determination. Darnica, an experienced instructor, has devoted her life to teaching and inspiring others through Kung Fu, drawing strength from her personal growth and self-discovery along the way. Shirley, a respected restaurateur, has pursued her passion for Tai Chi amidst the demanding responsibilities of running a business and caring for her grandson, finding solace and balance within the graceful movements of the ancient art.
Despite the differences that set them apart, Luke, Darnica, and Shirley stand united as shining examples of the power of dedication, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit. Their shared triumph at the 2023 Tiger Claw Elite Kung Fu Tai Chi Championships not only celebrates their individual accomplishments but also serves as a testament to the transformative and unifying nature of Tai Chi chuan.
Through their unique stories, these remarkable individuals have demonstrated that Tai Chi chuan transcends age, background, and circumstances. It is a timeless art form that fosters growth, discipline, and harmony, providing a common ground where people from all walks of life can come together, inspire one another, and strive for greatness.
Thank you Ms Violet. This was a very inspiring article. I’m glad you shared it with me.
This was a joy to read!