Meet Mimi Chan

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mimi Chan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mimi, thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
My discipline is rooted deeply in my family traditions of Kung Fu, where every movement is a testament to patience, focus, and determination. I started training when I was three years old. I was immersed in a world where discipline wasn’t just a concept but a way of life.

Through repetitive drills, intense physical conditioning, and meticulous attention to detail, I learned to cultivate a sense of self-discipline.

The principles instilled in me by my Kung Fu training—respect, perseverance, and humility—have become the cornerstone of my character. Whether facing the challenges of martial arts or the trials of everyday life, I draw upon the mental fortitude honed through years of practice. However, it’s still an ongoing process.

It is through the lens of Kung Fu that I have come to understand the true meaning of discipline—a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and unyielding commitment.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the path that led me to become the human I am today. I’ve had the privilege of training under the tutelage of my father, Grandmaster Pui Chan, at the Wah Lum Kung Fu Temple in Orlando, Florida since I was three years old.

I continue that tradition by passing on the wisdom of Kung Fu with students from all walks of life. Perhaps what I’m most known for is my role as the life model and martial arts video reference for Disney’s animated classic, Mulan. It was an incredible experience collaborating with animators and directors to bring Mulan to life on the screen.

Beyond the world of animation, I’ve had the opportunity to work as a stunt performer and choreographer on television shows in the USA and Hong Kong. One of my proudest achievements is the documentary I created to honor my father and teacher, Pui Chan: Kung Fu Pioneer. Seeing it win multiple awards during the 2012 film festival season was a deeply emotional moment for me.

In addition to my work in teaching and filmmaking, I’ve found joy in hosting The Sifu Mimi Chan Show podcast. It’s a platform where I can explore a diverse range of topics with inspiring individuals from around the globe, each with their own fascinating story to share. It’s my way of continuing to learn, empathize, and connect with others on a deeper level.

I am also an activist and advocate in my community. I am the state director for Make Us Visible Florida, a coalition committed to solving anti-Asian American violence by focusing on education as a proactive solution. I successfully passed legislation on May 9, 2023, that requires the instruction of AAPI history in the Florida K-12 curriculum.

Through it all, whether I’m podcasting, advocating, or teaching, my passion for preserving Wah Lum’s traditional Chinese martial arts system is my priority. It’s a tradition that I am committed to passing down to future generations, instilling in them the same values and discipline that have guided me throughout my life.

I am excited to announce a couple of new opportunities to collaborate with me. As an experienced martial arts instructor, I offer personalized coaching sessions tailored to individual goals and skill levels.Online coaching extends beyond martial arts to encompass general fitness and habit-building as well. I offer flexible coaching sessions designed to support individuals in achieving their health and wellness goals, whether it’s building healthy habits, improving your martial arts training, or enhancing overall well-being.

I am also readily available to speak at conferences or serve as a guest speaker for various events. With a wealth of experience in martial arts instruction, performance, and advocacy, I bring a unique perspective and engaging presence to any platform. Whether discussing the intersection of traditional martial arts with contemporary issues, sharing insights from my journey as a performer and filmmaker, or addressing topics related to education and activism, I am passionate about connecting with audiences and sharing my knowledge and experiences.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The core philosophy of the Wah Lum Kung Fu Temple includes learning respect, kindness, hard work, and patience. Each of these have been integral in becoming who I am today even though I am continuously challenged to improve and learn.

At the heart of the Wah Lum Kung Fu Temple lies a profound set of core philosophies that shape the character and journey of its practitioners. These guiding principles, rooted in traditional Chinese martial arts, encompass the values of respect, kindness, hard work, and patience.

Respect forms the foundation of our interactions, fostering a culture of mutual understanding and appreciation. Practicing empathy enables me to step into others’ shoes, trying to grasp their perspectives and understand their experiences.

Kindness permeates our actions, nurturing empathy and compassion towards others. There is always an opportunity to practice kindness. A mentor once shared a valuable lesson with me: sometimes, being kind is better than being right.

Hard work fuels our pursuit of excellence. Kung fu can be translated as hard work, and it has certainly become part of my persona. Every failure is an opportunity to learn to adapt and improve.

Patience serves as a reminder that true mastery is a journey, not a destination. I try to cultivate mindfulness by staying present in the moment and maintaining awareness of my thoughts, feelings, and actions. Breathing and meditation are great tools to cultivate patience.

Embracing these principles has been instrumental in shaping my personal growth and development. Each day presents new challenges, offering opportunities to deepen my understanding and refine my skills. I am constantly inspired to strive for improvement and embrace the transformative power of martial arts philosophy in my life. I may not always meet my goals flawlessly, however, I firmly believe that the effort invested in trying is what truly counts. I encourage others to do the same.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
On a daily basis, I find myself grappling with overwhelming responsibilities—from work demands to family obligations, compounded by the pressures of the world.

Everyone is stressed. It helps when I remind myself that we are all in this together. I also consciously redirect my focus to the present moment. I have so much to be grateful for. The list is endless, and when I focus on those positives, the stress starts to melt away.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Wah Lum Temple

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