Within the vibrant walls of Jing Ying Martial Arts, Taresa Lee is a testament to the transformative power of discipline and passion. Her days oscillate between the rigorous demands of training and the detailed precision required in her administrative roles both as the Director of Membership at Wushu Kungfu Alberta and Operations Manager at Jing Ying Martial Arts.
Taresa’s martial arts journey commenced in 2010 in the humble surroundings of Chinatown. Though not the standout student in terms of natural talent, her resolve was unmistakable. “I was definitely not the best in class, but I was very passionate,” Taresa recalls, explaining how her backyard became her sanctuary where she practiced relentlessly until it was time for class.
This foundation of hard work paved the way for her international success in competitions, enriching her love for kung fu. “The more I competed internationally, the more passionate I became,” she explains, detailing her journey to gold and silver medals across several global stages. Her achievements highlight a career marked not only by victories but by the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Parallel to her life in martial arts, Taresa navigates a career in a vastly different arena as a booking agent and manager at Chan International Model & Talent Agency. Here, the disciplines of martial arts blend seamlessly into her managerial duties. “It’s definitely not related in the world of kung fu,” she says, “but the discipline aspect definitely overlaps. I’m on call almost 24 hours a day.”
Her motivation to take up martial arts stemmed from a deeply personal place — a desire to protect her mother from the discrimination they faced as immigrants. “I saw my mom… get bullied at work… and I thought, I need to learn how to defend her,” Taresa shares, reflecting on the origins of her martial arts path. This initial impulse to defend and protect transformed into a broader mission to excel and empower herself and others.
As an instructor, Taresa emphasizes the values instilled in her by her Sifu – Sifu Dale Lee. “Talent means nothing,” she asserts. “It’s almost better to not be talented because you learn the value of hard work.” She diligently imparts this wisdom to her students, reinforcing that perseverance is crucial beyond the mat and into everyday life challenges.
Taresa’s narrative weaves through her dual roles at Jing Ying and Chan International, illustrating a life governed by the rigorous demands of kung fu discipline and the strategic thinking required in the fast-paced world of modeling and talent management. Her story illustrates the idea that the principles of martial arts can offer profound lessons in resilience and determination that apply across all aspects of life. Taresa’s journey not only celebrates her as a martial artist but also as a beacon of strength and inspiration in every arena she enters.
