Martial Arts

The number one question I get when people meet me is… “Do you actually do kung fu?”

My interest in martial arts began with a trip to Florida for New Year's Eve in 2003 with my parents. While visiting some of their friends, a man named Chico introduced me to Judo, and I was immediately fascinated. Upon returning home, I looked up martial arts in the phone book and found an ad for a school that taught eight different types as one. I decided to give it a try and attended a free lesson. The signage around the room and the movements I witnessed spoke to me, and I knew I had found something special. 

Fast forward over 20+ years later, and I am now an assistant instructor at the same martial arts school where I began my journey. Martial arts have played a significant role in shaping my life, teaching me valuable lessons about resilience, determination, and pushing my body beyond its limits. I am grateful for the opportunity to incorporate these values into my everyday life, helping me grow, learn, and become stronger both mentally and physically.

Arlington Heights School of Martial Arts


Combines knowledge, forms and movements that span thousands of years and generations of practitioners to provide a diverse style of martial arts today. This diversity of knowledge, forms and movements benefits and develops the individual’s overall health and increases their ability to defend themselves.

The importance of martial arts has not diminished over the centuries. The emphasis still remains on developing and strengthening the individual’s mind and body. Students learn to jump, roll, kick, punch, sweep, slide and spin. Agility, timing, flexibility, speed, power, coordination and control are all part of training. The patience, determination and confidence that come from training and successfully developing these skills can benefit students throughout their lifetime.