I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and teach under Dr. Chen. He is a treasured sensei, a leadership figure, and vital member of our karate dojo. Dr. Chen is a patient teacher and helps instill discipline and physical well-being in his students. He is a fifth dan black belt and assists our head sensei, Sensei Lee Donohue, in guiding students and improving social, mental, and physical health.

Through karate, I’ve learned the importance of perseverance. I started karate when I was six, and the dojo has continued to push me past limits and take me out of my comfort zone. At first, this was physically, and now in leadership roles. Learning under Dr. Chen in my advanced belt degrees has helped me gain confidence in teaching large classes and taking charge among colleagues. Dr. Chen helps his students work through their forms until they master them and provides leadership opportunities to students and black belts. I’ve learned from his teaching style and implemented it in my own classes.

These interpersonal skills are vital in school, my future career, and life. Our dojo enforces the use of “bylaws,” essentially known as the dojos backbone of morals and social etiquette to follow. Dr. Chen has helped instill these lessons in his students and the black belts working under him. Through this, I’ve learned the importance of humility, sincerity, and patience. Many of these messages focus on how we use our karate, and others on respect, kindness, and forgiveness. As our final bylaw states, “Protect the innocent, forgive the ignorant, and tame only the wild. However, we must tame ourselves first before we tame the wild.” Here, it reminds us that what we learn should be used protectively, and forgiving the ignorant is vital in avoiding unnecessary issues. Taming ourselves first relates to gaining self-enlightenment and actualization before we are ready and capable of helping others.

Karate has helped me become a better person, instilling these values in my character. I strive to use these lessons in my everyday life and become an inspiration to my students. Dr. Chen continues to be an exceptional role model and mentor, and I am grateful for the intriguing experience of learning under him and for the Ming Chen Foundation.