Jo Kyo Nim Bich Tina Tsan began training at the Ancient Arts of War and Wisdom Dojang in 2006. She became fascinated with martial arts at an early age through her love for Chinese Kung Fu movies. When Tina discovered Kuk Sool Kwan, she knew she had found an art that embodied the virtues displayed by the classical Heroes from those movies.

Tina Tsan was born in Dong Nai, Vietnam. She came to California during the summer of 1990 and currently resides in Long Beach,CA. As a young child, Tina enjoyed watching tales of classical Chinese heroes such as Wong Fei Hung, Sou Hak-Fu, Wong Kei-Ying, and Fong Sai-Yuk. Tina was fascinated with the display of martial prowess that was developed in each Hero; the choreographed fight scenes were very enjoyable to watch. It was through watching these films that Tina first learned about the Daoist concepts of self mastery, courage, patience, endurance, perseverance, sincerity, and spiritual development. Martial arts became for her both an expression of appreciation for her cultural heritage, as well as a means of self-development she endeavored to pursue.

Naturally, when Tina sought out a martial art school, she looked for one with an instructor who would embody the Daoist virtues displayed by the classical Heroes she had watched growing up. After visiting various schools, Tina was turned off by the many commercialized martial art schools she came across. Disappointed with her search, Tina put her martial art goals aside to begin her training in Massage Therapy and Body Work. When Tina was done with school, she was hired at a Massage Clinic in Costa Mesa, CA, where she specialized in Swedish, Pre-Natal, Deep-Tissue, and Acupressure massage techniques. By fate, while driving to her first day of work, Tina came across the Ancient Arts of War and Wisdom Dojang, then located just a block from her new work place. Tina stopped by to inquire about classes and lessons, and upon meeting the head instructor, Master Mike Dunchok, Tina was immediately impressed by his deep level of knowledge of the applications of martial arts, as well as his commitment to teach Kuk Sool as both a form of self-defense and, more importantly, a form of spiritual development.

After training with Master Dunchok for more than four years, Tina received her 1st degree black belt on September 9, 2009. She is currently training for her 2nd degree promotion. Tina is currently pursuing a Master’s degree, studying Acupuncture and Herbology at YoSan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, in order to deepen her understanding of the body’s energetic system and to gain the tools and experience necessary to better help others. Tina’s favorite hobbies include playing the GuZheng, a traditional Chinese string instrument, and dancing. She has been studying and learning how to play classical and folk Chinese Music on the Guzheng from the virtuoso Bei Bei He.