Build Discipline with Michael Tsai

“It takes discipline, takes dealing with discomfort in yourself to get beyond challenges.”

Summary of Episode:

Jenn speaks to Michael Tsai, founder and lead instructor at Wing Chun Connect a martial arts school based in Taipei. Born and raised in California, Mike moved to Taiwan in 2008 to dedicate himself to training full time, creating his school to spread more awareness in Chinese martial arts and how in these last 14 years there has been ups and downs in choosing this path and why he believes so strongly the benefits martial arts practice can have on ones life!

When you can follow this path, it leads to a deeper understanding of yourself but also when you do that for yourself, your life becomes more enriched in that process.

About Michael Tsai:

Michael is the lead instructor at Wing Chun Connect. Ever since becoming captivated by martial arts movies in his youth, he has always been driven to move more efficiently, fluidly, and artfully. In 2008, he moved to Taipei to dedicate himself to training full time in Wing Chun Kung Fu and Taijiquan with world-class martial artists.

Michael completed his 8-year tutelage under Master Lo Man Kam, Ip Man’s nephew, learning the complete wooden dummy set (木人樁), six and a half point pole (六點半棍), eight slashing knives (八斬刀), and the 3 empty hand forms of the lineage. During this time, Michael concurrently studied the soft and supple art of Taijiquan with Master Wu Rong Hui, gaining a deeper understanding of the internal arts and the teachings of ancient Chinese wisdom. Through his formal training, seasonal research trips to schools in Hong Kong and the USA, as well as the camaraderie and mentorship of a network of respected colleagues in his kung fu family, Michael has developed his unique philosophy of Chinese martial arts into a way of life which integrates traditional wisdom and persistent innovation. He teaches with the vision that although studying martial arts begins with physical cultivation, it is a perfect medium to cultivate the mindset, habits, and heart to be successful at any worthwhile endeavor, leading to a balanced life and well-rounded character.

Episode Resources:

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