Meet Lyman Chen | Head Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lyman Chen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lyman, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Founded by a group of friends and former colleagues, Phoenix Wellness Arts emerged from the collective dream to create a haven for individuals seeking wellness, empowerment, and a deep sense of community. Our journey began in the world of martial arts, specifically Shaolin Kung Fu, Wushu, Kickboxing, and Tai Chi, but it soon blossomed into something much greater.

The heartbeat of PWA is our vibrant, inclusive, and tight-knit community. We’re more than just an establishment; we’re a family. Our culture is built on a foundation of support, encouragement, and mutual growth. Whether you’re taking your first step into the world of martial arts or seeking to deepen your practice, you’ll find kindred spirits and lifelong friends here.

Our dedicated instructors are the backbone of our wellness center. Each of them brings their unique specialty, experience, and passion to the table. Their expertise ensures that you receive the highest quality guidance and training. Lyman Chen’s dream of opening a martial arts studio began when he was just 15 years old. His vision became a reality when he teamed up with Crystal Yau, who shared a similar passion for starting a business centered around wellness. Together, they founded Phoenix Wellness Arts to promote health and wellness through martial arts.

The Phoenix, a symbol of rebirth, resilience, and transformation, perfectly reflects their journey. Martial arts has profoundly impacted both Lyman and Crystal. Lyman has been dedicated to martial arts since 2001, while Crystal grew up immersed in the practice, influenced by her father, a tai chi master. Their experiences highlight the resilience required to master martial arts and the rejuvenation it brings.

At Phoenix Wellness Arts, our approach to martial arts extends beyond traditional concepts of kung fu, fighting, or competition. We are committed to enhancing overall health and well-being, aiming to help individuals achieve harmony in mind, body, and spirit.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Crystal Yau holds a master’s degree in Biostatistics and has dedicated 15 years to business analytics at Georgia Power. In starting Phoenix Wellness Arts, she worked tirelessly behind the scenes to set up the foundations of the business, like business license, website, etc.

Crystal’s passion for Tai Chi and Kung Fu began in childhood, inspired by her father, a Tai Chi Master. Since joining the Shaolin Institute in 2016, Crystal has been deeply involved in both the Kung Fu and Tai Chi programs. She has taken on multiple roles, including serving as a teaching assistant on the leadership team and performing with the SWAT team. Her training at Shaolin has encompassed traditional Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Sanda, self-defense, and Zen.

Lyman Chen’s martial arts journey began in 2001. He trained in Tae Kwon Do and Karate in the US, achieving black belts in both disciplines. His expertise extends to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, and he has earned numerous medals and trophies in various competitions, including forms, sparring, and weaponry. At the age of 12, Lyman traveled to China to study Kung Fu at the prestigious Tagou Martial Arts School, the largest martial arts school in the world. His dedication led him to return repeatedly, ultimately becoming a coach at the same institution.

Professionally, Lyman has built a career in marketing, with experience spanning travel, machinery, software, and most recently, the legal industry. Before founding Phoenix Wellness Arts, he balanced a full-time marketing career with teaching martial arts on the side, a challenge that often resulted in sleepless nights. Despite the demanding schedule, Lyman successfully integrated his marketing expertise with his teaching, collaborating closely with clients to enhance their brands and, subsequently, the brand of Phoenix Wellness Arts.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta offers a fantastic array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Here are some must-visit spots you won’t want to miss:

– 9292 Korean BBQ: For a delightful Korean BBQ experience.
– Hot Pot Times: Perfect for those who enjoy a customizable hot pot meal.
– Kang Nam: A great place for sushi
– Revolving Sushi Factory: A fun and unique sushi dining experience.
– New Super Pho: A go-to place for delicious Vietnamese pho.
– White Windmill Bakery: Great for indulging in delicious pastries and baked goods.
– Maiko Matcha Cafe: Ideal for matcha lovers and tea enthusiasts.
– Ming’s BBQ: Known for its tasty Chinese barbecue dishes.

Additionally, the food courts at Jusgo Supermarket and Great Wall Supermarket offer some incredible eats that are well worth exploring. For shopping enthusiasts, Teso and the charming boutiques inside Sugarloaf Mills are favorites. And if you’re up for some entertainment, we often enjoy playing games at Dave & Buster’s.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many people we would like to thank. We have a strong community extending from friends who have trained with us previously from the Shaolin Institute especially Joey Foss and James Flannery, coworkers who supported our journey from Georgia Power and Crisp, and our families that support us in starting our own business.

Website: https://thepwalife.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pwakungfu/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenix-wellness-arts

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pwakungfu

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/phoenix-wellness-arts-duluth

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PWAKungFu

Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pwakungfu

Image Credits
Shout out to Kai Yau and Anna Daugherty for the photos.