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 talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Phoenix Wellness Arts (PWA) creates a positive social impact by helping individuals achieve harmony in body, mind, and spirit. Our holistic approach to martial arts not only empowers people to become the best versions of themselves but also strengthens the community as a whole.

Through the practice of Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Kickboxing/Sanda, we provide opportunities for physical fitness, mental well-being, and personal growth. Shaolin Kung Fu builds discipline, coordination, and resilience, fostering confidence and perseverance. Tai Chi serves as a moving meditation that supports mental health, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being. Our Kickboxing/Sanda program offers practical self-defense skills, enhances cardiovascular fitness, and promotes strength and endurance.

Beyond physical training, we are committed to sharing and preserving Chinese culture, enriching our community with its traditions, values, and philosophies. By encouraging individuals to push their limits, embrace self-improvement, and develop lifelong wellness habits, Phoenix Wellness Arts contributes to a healthier, more connected, and empowered society.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Martial arts has always been a deep passion of mine. My journey began with TaeKwonDo, earning my black belt at just 9 years old. Three years later, I achieved another black belt in Karate. At 12, I traveled to China to train at Tagou, the world’s largest martial arts school, where I immersed myself in traditional kung fu, modern wushu, and the combat sport of Sanda/Sanshou. Over the years, I’ve explored a variety of martial arts, including Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and Muay Thai, expanding my understanding of different disciplines and their unique philosophies.

By the time I was 15, I knew I wanted to open my own martial arts school—it was just a matter of figuring out how to get there. To build a strong foundation, I pursued a degree in marketing, media, and consumer economics, gaining business knowledge that would one day help me run my own school. I worked across multiple industries—travel, machinery, software, legal, and retail—to learn how different businesses operate. I also supported another martial arts school, observing firsthand what worked and what didn’t when running a successful program.

The path wasn’t easy. Balancing my training, teaching, and a demanding corporate job meant working 15- to 16-hour days, often commuting over an hour between work and the school. The physical toll was one thing, but the mental exhaustion was just as challenging. Eventually, I made the leap—I left the corporate world behind to go all in on my dream.

Building Phoenix Wellness Arts (PWA) has been an incredible journey, but it hasn’t come without its challenges. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success often invites criticism. When you start achieving your goals, negativity from others follows—whether it’s doubt, jealousy, or people trying to tear down what you’ve built. But I’ve come to embrace the mindset that success speaks louder than any doubter. My drive to succeed is fueled by my passion for martial arts and my desire to share it with the world.

PWA is built on the principles of rebirth and health—hence the name, Phoenix Wellness Arts. The phoenix represents transformation, while wellness embodies the idea of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. My goal is to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, supported, and empowered to become the best version of themselves. It’s about finding harmony between body, mind, and spirit—my own vision of rebirth.

The final piece of our name, Arts, is just as important. I believe martial arts is a personal journey—one that should be adapted to each individual. I’ve never been someone who excelled at just one thing, but rather, I’ve embraced the value of variety. That variety allows people to develop their own style, to move in ways that feel natural to them, and to truly express the art. Martial arts isn’t just about technique—it’s about understanding movement, discipline, and self-discovery. And that’s what I want to share with the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d make sure they got the full Atlanta experience—especially when it comes to food, fun, and unique local spots.

I’m a huge fan of Asian cuisine, and Atlanta has no shortage of amazing places to eat. We’d start with some comforting bowls of pho at New Super Pho and then dive into all-you-can-eat KBBQ at 9292 KBBQ or Thrill KBBQ. For a great hot pot experience, Hot Pot Times is a must. If we’re craving roasted meats and classic Cantonese dishes, Ming’s BBQ is the spot. And for dessert, I’d take them to Matcha Maiko for some of the best matcha-based treats around. Of course, we can’t forget bubble tea—Glaze Tea has some of my favorites. And for a fun, interactive dining experience, we’d hit up Revolving Sushi Factory or Kura Sushi for conveyor-belt sushi.

When it comes to activities, Atlanta has plenty to offer. Sandbox VR is an absolute blast—fully immersive virtual reality experiences. A trip to the Georgia Aquarium is a must; it’s one of the largest aquariums in the world. For sports, catching a Hawks game at State Farm Arena is always a good time, but if we can, we have to see an Atlanta United match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. And for the full experience, I’d make sure we got seats in the supporters’ section—the energy is unreal!

Since I’m a huge trading card and hobby shop fan, I’d definitely take them to some of my favorite local card shops. Cards HQ, Supergames, Wasteland Gaming, and Dave’s Card Shop are all must-visits. There’s something special about stepping into a card shop, surrounded by the nostalgia and excitement of trading cards, board games, and collectibles.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my business partner, Crystal Yau, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in my journey. Together, we are building something truly special. I am also deeply grateful to the many friends who have helped us grow, including Mykayla Jeter, Cassandra Eng, Royia Hope, Jing Feng, Joey Chen, and Marianna Camarillo—just to name a few. Additionally, I’d like to extend my appreciation to Crisp for their invaluable education and the opportunity to learn from various business owners, which has shaped me into the coach I am today. A special thank you goes to our sibling school, Mt. Song Martial Arts Academy in Tampa, for their steadfast support from afar. Each of these individuals and organizations has played a vital role in our journey, and I am truly grateful for their encouragement and belief in our vision.

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

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

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

Image Credits
All Images were taken by Kai Yau.