
I was only 6 years old when I first stepped into the hallowed grounds of the Shaolin Temple to begin my training. The memory of my first horse stance is etched indelibly in my mind. My tiny legs, unaccustomed to such strain, burned with lactic acid and trembled from the effort. Yet, I stood firm, determined not to spill the teacups balanced precariously on my head and thighs. As I held the stance, time seemed to stretch endlessly. Those five minutes felt like an eternity to my young self, a baptism by fire into the world of martial arts discipline. It was my first lesson in endurance, and though challenging, it kindled a flame of dedication and passion that would burn for years to come.

This early experience at the Shaolin Temple marked the beginning of a lifelong journey through the world of martial arts. As I grew, my training expanded to encompass a diverse array of disciplines including Wushu Sanda, Wing Chun, boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai, MMA, Japanese Jujutsu, Hapkido, and, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Each art brought its own challenges and lessons, contributing to my growth not just as a martial artist, but as a person.
Yet, the rigorous pursuit of martial excellence often exacts a physical toll. Fortunately, in my youth, whenever I sustained injuries during training, my mother, Dr. Teresa Chen, a seventh-generation traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctor and former oncologist, would use TCM therapies, such as acupuncture, Tuina, infrared therapy, cupping, and herbal liniments, to accelerate my recovery. My coaches were often amazed at how quickly I bounced back from injuries, not realizing the secret lay in these ancient healing arts passed down through my family for generations.

The Core Values of Martial Arts
While the physical techniques and combat abilities I developed were substantial, they were merely the visible tip of the iceberg. The true value of my martial arts training lay in the core values it instilled in me:
Perseverance: The ability to push through discomfort and adversity, exemplified by that first horse stance and countless grueling training sessions thereafter.
Respect: For teachers, training partners, opponents, and oneself. This respect forms the foundation of meaningful relationships and personal growth.
Self-discipline and Control: The mental resilience to adhere to rigorous training regimens and to master one's emotions and reactions, allowing for composed decision-making under pressure.
Fortitude: Developing not just a strong body, but also a resilient mind capable of withstanding pressure and stress. Becoming unshakable.
Compassion: Understanding that true strength lies in the ability to empathize with others and use our skills to help, not harm.
Humility: Recognizing that there is always more to learn and that every person we encounter can teach us something.
Integrity: Upholding moral character, and staying true to our principles and values, both in training and in life.
Mastery: Recognizing that mastery will never be achieved, only relentlessly pursued. "功夫" (gongfu or "Kungfu") in Chinese means skill achieved through hard work and unwavering dedication.
These values became the cornerstones of my character, guiding my actions and decisions far beyond the training hall.

鬼手佛心: Demon Hands, Buddha Heart
One of the most profound lessons I learned during my time at the Shaolin Temple was encapsulated in the Chinese saying "鬼手佛心" (guǐ shǒu fó xīn), which translates to "Demon hands; Buddha heart." This philosophy emphasizes the need for balance between power and compassion.
The "demon hands" represent the physical power and skills we develop through martial arts training. This includes the ability to defend oneself, overcome obstacles, and effect change in the world around us. It's the strength that allows us to stand firm in the face of adversity and protect those who cannot protect themselves.
The "Buddha heart," on the other hand, embodies compassion, empathy, and wisdom. It's the part of us that understands the responsibility that comes with power and chooses to use that power for the greater good. It's the voice that guides us to resolve conflicts peacefully when possible and to show mercy even in victory.
This balance is crucial. If we only cultivate power without compassion, we risk becoming a menace to society, using our skills to harm rather than help. Conversely, if we only develop compassion without strength, we may find ourselves perpetual victims, unable to protect ourselves or others, and constantly reliant on the goodwill of others.
This is symbolized in the 武术抱拳礼(wǔshù bàoquán lǐ) or the Wushu Salute, the hand sign I am performing on the cover of this magazine. The flat palm represents knowledge and wisdom; the fist represents strength and power; the bowing of the head represents respect, humility, and compassion.

The Martial Way in Times of Personal Crisis
The “Demon Hands; Buddha Heart” philosophy proved invaluable when I faced one of the greatest challenges of my life: a battle with brain cancer. In many ways, this fight mirrored the challenges I had faced in my training and competitions, but with far higher stakes.
The philosophy of "Demon Hands; Buddha Heart" gave me a framework to approach this battle. I needed the "Demon Hands" – the strength and fighting spirit to combat the disease aggressively. But I also needed the "Buddha Heart" – the compassion to be kind to myself during the process, the wisdom to listen to my body and my doctors, and the humility to accept help from others.
In retrospect, I believe an imbalance between the two contributed to my cancer diagnosis. I had two tumors: a pituitary and a pineal germinoma. The pituitary regulates the stress response, while the pineal gland helps control the sleep cycle. One habit that had developed during my martial arts training was to ignore and override any discomfort, always pushing forward. In my 20s, driven by this habit, I was pushing myself to the limit and burning the midnight candle at both ends. Add to this the occasional blows to the head from training, and it created a perfect storm for health issues. In hindsight, I may have prevented this crisis had I been more compassionate towards myself.
Fortunately, during my treatment, I was able to use acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to help mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. This integrative approach not only helped me manage the physical toll of cancer treatment but also provided a sense of agency in my healing process. Six months after my initial diagnosis, I was cancer-free and ready to take on the world again. After all, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from martial arts, it’s how to get knocked down, get back up, and keep moving forward.

From the Dojo to the Clinic: Applying Martial Arts Principles in Professional Life
While health and wellness have always been my passion, my recovery from illness sparked a renewed commitment to fostering health and happiness in our Bellevue community. Embracing my role as an eighth-generation TCM practitioner, I've joined forces with my mother at Rise Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic. Here, we honor our ancestral wisdom while integrating modern innovations, blending time-honored traditional techniques with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment approaches.
My healthcare approach reflects the philosophy I’ve developed through martial arts: holistic, integrative, and combining ancient wisdom with modern techniques. We blend TCM with functional medicine to address root causes, using natural therapies like acupuncture, manual therapy, cupping, infrared therapy, and medical-grade herbs to support lifestyle interventions. Our treatment strategies are personalized, prevention-focused, and always evolving. Guided by martial arts values — perseverance, respect, discipline, compassion, and integrity — we create a synergy of principles and medical expertise that fosters comprehensive healing by addressing root causes, not just symptoms.
We embody “Demon Hands; Buddha Heart” by relentlessly pursuing mastery of our healing ability and business acumen and consistently giving more than we take. We constantly strive for perfection by keeping up with cutting-edge medical research and applying it to our practice. Yet, our goal isn't merely to treat and bill, but to educate, empower, and genuinely improve the lives of those who entrust us with their health. We invest our time, knowledge, and emotional energy generously, often going above and beyond what's expected. This balance allows us to not just treat illnesses, but to nurture holistic health and foster lasting relationships with those we serve.

Embodying the Martial Spirit in Everyday Life
The core values of martial arts aren't confined to the dojo—they're universal principles that can enrich every aspect of life. You don't need to train in martial arts to cultivate these values and become unshakable physically, mentally, and morally.
To embrace the martial spirit in your daily life:
Persevere through challenges with unwavering determination.
Practice discipline in your routines and commitments.
Show respect to others and yourself in all interactions.
Build mental fortitude through mindfulness, stress management, and a growth mindset.
Nurture compassion, using your strength to lift others up.
Pursue continuous improvement, adopting a lifelong learning mindset.
Uphold integrity, aligning your actions with your values.
Balance power with compassion, embodying the "demon hands, Buddha heart" philosophy.
By integrating these principles, you can develop the strength to face life's challenges, the resilience to overcome setbacks, and the compassion to positively impact the world. The true warrior isn't defined by fighting ability, but by living these values daily.
I encourage you to find your own path to cultivate your warrior's spirit. Use it to create a better world for yourself and others. This is the essence of the martial way—a path of personal growth, unwavering will, and boundless compassion. Embrace it, and watch as it transforms not just your life, but the lives of those around you. Remember always to balance strength with kindness, power with wisdom: Demon Hands; Buddha Heart.
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