May 23, 2023 Violet Li
Profiles Of Champions

Luke Tian, a talented 15-year-old student hailing from Cupertino, California, Danica Bito, a passionate 31-year-old Kung Fu instructor residing in Seattle, Washington, and Shirley Wong, a dedicated 62-year-old restaurateur based in Honolulu, Hawaii, represent a diverse tapestry of backgrounds and life experiences. Despite their apparent differences, an unexpected bond unites them as they emerge triumphant, crowned grand champions in their respective age categories at the esteemed 2023 Tiger Claw Elite Kung Fu Tai Chi Championships.

The prestigious championships took place on May 6-7 in San Jose, California, serving as a platform to showcase the awe-inspiring skills and unwavering dedication of these three extraordinary individuals. Luke, Darnica, and Shirley demonstrated their mastery of Tai Chi, each practicing a distinctive Tai Chi style that reflects their unique paths of learning and growth within the art.

Beyond the surface disparities, a profound connection lies at the core of these exceptional champions. Despite their diverse backgrounds, ages, and life experiences, they all share a profound passion for the ancient martial art of Tai Chi. It is this unyielding love for the discipline that has driven them to invest countless hours in training, refining their techniques, and perfecting their forms.

Luke Tian’s performance at the Tiger Claw Grand Championship left a lasting impression on me. His quiet demeanor, poised presence, and unwavering focus commanded the attention of everyone gathered around the competition ring. As he commenced his performance, a wave of captivation swept through the audience, their gaze fixed upon him, eagerly anticipating each graceful movement.



Luke showcased his mastery of Wushu Tai Chi, a modern style that seamlessly blends gymnastic elements with intricate astonishing Tai Chi maneuvers. From defying gravity with leaps and spins resembling a helicopter, to displaying extraordinary flexibility as he gracefully descended into a deep squat with his right leg curled behind his left thigh, his movements pushed the boundaries of the human body’s physical capabilities. Yet, Luke flawlessly executed each maneuver with precision and grace. You can watch part of his performance below:


Luke Tian performed Tai Chi chuan during the tournaments.

Martial arts have always held a special place in Luke’s heart. At the tender age of 8, he embarked on his Kung Fu journey, dedicating himself to the demanding training and practice it entailed. Three years later, under the guidance of his coach, Master Zou Yun Jian, and with the unwavering support of his parents, Luke ventured into the realm of Tai Chi—and instantly fell in love with its profound intricacies.

When I inquired about his deep affinity for Tai Chi, Luke explained that excelling in this art form requires not only physicality but also a deep understanding of its underlying theory. While Kung Fu relies heavily on diligent practice and hard work, Tai Chi demands a more profound comprehension of the purpose behind each movement. Luke emphasized this point by illustrating the deliberate slight bend in the elbows during a Tai Chi form. He explained that a fully straightened and locked elbow compromises proper body alignment, limiting flexibility and resilience in combat situations.

Luke Tian’s exceptional performance and insightful understanding of Tai Chi epitomize his unwavering dedication and profound connection to the art. He practices five days a week, devoting three hours on three of those days and one and a half hours on the remaining two. Luke’s ability to captivate his audience while pushing the limits of physicality not only showcases his immense skill but also his unyielding passion. He won several gold medals during the tournaments and stands as a testament to the transformative power of martial arts and the boundless possibilities that lie within the pursuit of excellence. Luke’s mother, Mrs. Tian, remarked that his extensive training has instilled in him exceptional time management skills.


Luke Tian (in Blue and White) performed a Tai Chi fan with teammates during the tournaments.
Former professional dancer Danica Bito possesses a vibrant and fun-loving personality. She embarked on a career transition, immersing herself in Chinese martial arts at Sil Lum (Cantonese pronunciation of Shaolin) Seattle in 2015 when she was 24 years old. Two years later, she incorporated Tai Chi into her training routine and went on to secure five gold medals at the recent Tiger Claw Elite Kung Fu Tournaments in San Jose, California.

Initially perceiving Tai Chi as an exercise form more suitable for seniors, Danica decided to give it a try when she discovered that the Sil Lum Seattle school taught both Northern Shaolin Kung Fu and Koo’s Tai Chi. Koo’s Tai Chi, created by the renowned martial artist “Iron Palm” Koo Yu Cheung, emphasizes foundational aspects such as balance, alignment, posture, stances, structural integrity, Qigong, single techniques, and Tai Chi principles. Danica discovered a profound connection to her body while practicing Tai Chi, and it brought her a sense of well-being. Through her Tai Chi training, she then experienced a similar connection when practicing the hard-style martial arts she had been accustomed to.
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