Meet Brian Weng

We were lucky to catch up with Brian Weng recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brian, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

Growing up as a die-hard Kobe Bryant fan, I’ve absorbed his mentality, discipline, work ethic, passion, strive, and drive—elements that have fueled my pursuit of greatness. Channeling this mentality, I’ve dedicated the past 11 years of my life to Martial Arts. I remember days when my parents wanted to take my brother and me on vacation, but we refused, choosing instead to train for upcoming tournaments. Nights spent doing pushups in the cold winter and sit-ups in the hot summer, skipping birthdays, family events, and holidays just to put in that extra work. Every bit of effort feels like it can be the difference between me and my opponents.

Kobe once said, “Rest at the end, not in the middle,” and I took that to heart. Now is not the time for me to rest; that will come later. With that mindset, I’ve never taken a day off for laziness or because I was sick or injured. Like everyone else, I’m a student, but I also work, teach kids, and train every day after school. For those who use excuses like too much homework or injuries, I aim to prove that you can be an academic scholar and still achieve your goals. Don’t ever let anything stop you from being the best you can be.

Kobe also imparted wisdom to his daughters, emphasizing the value of hard work and resilience. “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey,” he said, a lesson I embrace. I’m willing to put in the work that no one else is willing to. I’ve seen so many family members and people around me go on the wrong path that I couldn’t pull them back from, and I regret not being able to. I choose the path I chose because I want to become stronger to protect those who are precious to me. I will show the world what I am capable of.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Brian Weng. Born in America with from China, I’m nineteen and currently in my second year at New York University, studying political science and professional law. My ambition is to become both a professional athlete and a lawyer.

I began karate at the age of eight, a discipline that has profoundly transformed my life, guiding me from uncertainty to purpose. As the eldest child, my parents placed high expectations on me. They were strict, believing I was their hope. Despite the challenges, they never made me feel deprived. They were always willing to grant anything my brother and I wanted, although our desires were simple. Our greatest wish was to continue practicing karate for as long as we wanted, promising in return to bring home the best grades.

Their support and my dedication to karate have shaped me into who I am today, a blend of resilience, discipline, and determination.

Growing up idolizing Kobe Bryant, his work ethic and Mamba Mentality inspired me to strive for greatness. Kobe once said, “The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great at whatever they want to do.” This fueled my desire to be a role model for the younger generation, inspiring them to pursue their dreams.

The 2016 Cavs coach Tyron Lue once said, “The two most important days of your life are when you were born and when you discover the reason why you were born.” My answer to this question has evolved over time. I no longer know who I live for or what I do it for, but I live to prove people wrong. I live for vengeance. I want to show certain individuals that I can make a difference, that I can achieve success on my own terms.

People often ask, “Why do you do this?” They think it’s for money or the love of the art. But the answer is simple: it’s the passion and relentless drive to keep going and be the best I can be. Winning tournaments and gaining fame are secondary to the unparalleled joy of inspiring and being a hero to a child. The true reward lies not in accolades, but in the impact, you make on others’ lives. This deeper purpose fuels every step I take.

The truth is, I’ve walked down a dark path before. But it was those who love and understand me who gave me hope. The kids I’ve met along the way have given me a reason to fight, to be better, and to keep pushing forward. They are my inspiration and my driving force.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

For me, perseverance, hard work, and confidence have been the cornerstones of my journey, profoundly impacting my growth and success. Equally, I believe that integrity, responsibility, and respect are essential qualities everyone should possess. Throughout my training, I dedicated significant time to perfecting myself—not only striving to be an athlete and teacher that people respect but also a fierce competitor and role model that others admire and look up to.

I always tell my students, “If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.” Confidence is crucial when stepping out in life, whether in school, work, or any other area. But always back it up with your hard work. Confidence alone is not enough; it’s the relentless effort and dedication that truly set you apart. It’s about believing in your abilities and consistently putting in the hard work to achieve your goals. The combination of confidence and hard work creates a powerful force that can overcome any challenge and inspire others along the way.

My favorite word growing up was perseverance—the ability to continue and bounce back even after failure. I can’t count how many times I’ve fallen in life, lost in tournaments, or done poorly on an exam. These setbacks might affect my mood temporarily, but they always fuel my drive to come back stronger the next time. As a Martial Artist, we have a 24-hour rule: a win or loss only lasts 24 hours. If you don’t give up, anything is possible.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Honestly, this year has been the toughest of my life. 2024 was supposed to be a lucky year, but it has been marked by its challenges. I’ve faced losses in karate, love, family, trust, competition, and life itself. Yet, despite all of this, I am happy. I have no regrets because each experience has shaped my growth. No one is perfect. We all mature through our failures and become greater versions of ourselves. Every setback is a lesson, and every mistake is an opportunity to improve. The resilience I’ve built will carry me forward, stronger and wiser.

For the past 11 years, I dedicated my life to someone I deeply loved and respected. I felt like I worked the hardest, gave the most, and sacrificed the most. But people eventually wake up to reality. I have woken up from what I once believed was the perfect place for me. I thought I would never leave, but I did. It’s a harsh reality, but also a step towards greater self-awareness and growth. You truly discover a person’s character when things start going bad. People can change faster than flipping a page in a book. I’ve learned that some people around you are there to benefit and take advantage of you. The journey has been painful, but it has made me stronger and more determined to move forward.

Loyalty is often spoken of but rarely upheld. People sometimes use it as an excuse to get what they want. You never know when those closest to you might turn their backs. This realization has been tough, but it has taught me invaluable lessons about trust and resilience.

I didn’t quit. I never will. I left for power and to reclaim my strength and purpose. The challenges have only fueled my determination to rise stronger and wiser. If you know who I am then I don’t got to explain myself. And for those who don’t believe in me and wish for my failure, just watch. I’ll disappoint you.

A heartfelt thank you to my coaches, my goats—Kevin Walker, Ross Levine, and Mr. Rich. Your faith in me and my abilities has meant the world. You’ve given me a chance to shine, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Thank you, Alix, for all that you do. Your support and guidance have been invaluable.

And lastly, thank you to my students/teammates/brothers and sisters for always supporting your big bro.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Legendary-Wind.com
• Instagram: WindBW
• Facebook: Brian Weng