Intro - Founder Des

About Us

My name is Desmond H.

• 9+ Years of Bodyweight Training Experience

• NASM-CPT Certified Personal Trainer

• Bachelor of Health Science Education (Honours)

• Social Worker

Back to the Roots.

This tracksuit photoshoot took me back to the old days, before DAILYCALI, to that time when I cared only about whether each rep was good or bad, and whether my body was making progress.

It’s still there, that fire can still burn brightly. I still want to break through my own limits.

Progress is never a lonely journey.

@daily_cali_

Passion & Purpose: The Journey of Calisthenics Pt.2

What are we truly training for?

After saying goodbye to the high of unlocking a new personal record, I was reminded: training is not always glamorous. It can feel repetitive.

Reflecting sometimes brings a quiet sense of guilt, because that urge to “unlock a specific movement” is no longer my daily driver.

However, this shift has made my overall far more consistent and mature. Instead, I focus on my future self and what I can share with others.

My current motivation centers entirely on the coaching, messages I deliver in every session and communication

And yes. Training is not always pretty, and it can certainly be boring.

But when the ultimate purpose extends beyond the workout itself, the mono disappears.

Because of DAILYCALI, every single rep carries true meaning.

@daily_cali_

一雙鞋的一雙足印，這遠比鞋的材料更深切。

收到Barefoot Asia的Motus Strength II ，這讓我想起足印正正代表了昨日的我敢於向前邁進，面對各種挑戰後走過的每里路。

我也因此問自己「究竟生活還欠了什麼嘗試」？

我在拼勁中忘記了喘息。我亦想學會在強迫自己高效的同時，也學會放鬆，允許自己放鬆的勇氣。

我於是每天也抽空小部分時間起來行走，感受步行，腳掌與地面的互動和面對內心的恐懼。

這一切也是嘗試：Barefoot提倡貼地的理念、我穿起黑鞋、我願意放下工作。

而這一切也是勇氣。

朝往未來，繼續一步一腳印，腳踏實地。

@barefoot_asia
@daily_cali_

————————————

Store Address 分店地址：

📍灣仔皇后大道東183號合和商場408號舖
408, Hopewell Mall, 183 Queen’s Rd E, Wan Chai

Mon-Sun, 1200-2000

📍尖沙咀金巴利道35號金巴利中心地庫
Bsmt, Kimberley Hse, 35 Kimberley Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui

Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, 1100-2100
Tue, Wed, Thu, 1200-2100

📍大圍圍方3樓322號舖
322, The Wai, 18 Che Kung Miu Rd, Tai Wai

Mon-Fri, 1200-2100
Sat, Sun, 1130-2100

📍啟德 Airside 4樓L404號舖
L404, Airside, 2 Concorde Rd, Kai Tak

Mon-Fri, 1200-2030
Sat, Sun, 1100-2100

Passion & Purpose: The Journey of Calisthenics Pt.1

Exactly one year later (1 Aug), on the very same date, my Weighted Muscle Up transformed from +20kg to a solid +30kg breakthrough.

That is a beautiful journey. With my body weight increasing by only from 62kg to 63kg, I can now complete 4 clean reps at +20kg, 1 at + 30kg, and I have begun experimenting with heavier loads (+35kg).

It feels great to be able to finish it within a year.

Continuing to discover fresh physical challenges within this journey is a rare gift.

That is the absolute magic of calisthenics: it never becomes dull or repetitive.

After 9 years of training, I believe I have entered my true peak, both in physical conditioning and mental clarity.

What's next? Yes.

@daily_cali_

Our fifth birthday together. Thank you for making our lives joyful.

Sharing daily life is wonderful, but growing old together is the deepest happiness.

Let’s keeps exploring life! Love you!

True growth happens in the quiet moments.

Progression in calisthenics isn't a straight line, it��’s built on hundreds of unseen failed attempts, adjustments in movement breakdown and steady consistency.

Eventually, those unseen repetitions yield breakthrough moments. After all, it’s not about whether anyone sees it, but whether you keep doing it.

From a passion to a movement, this is the core philosophy that drives everything we do at DAILYCALI.

Discover our full story and how DAILYCALI came to be.

Congrats @reformwithem ! Finally have your own corner! It’s no longer just you supporting DAILYCALI, we’re all working hard together!

I also want to congratulate MYSELF on trying Pilates & Gyrotonic for the first time. Really enjoyed it!!

Both are perfectly aligned with the precise muscle control required for Calisthenics, or better said, they are the very foundation of all bodyweight training.

From explaining the three dimensions to giving movement instructions, Emily is truly experienced.

This also helped me see which areas of my body need more work.

And Yes, I’m not ashamed to be a “Pilates boy.”

Congrats again! @corecommunityhk

I want to thank DAILYCALIs for allowing us to serve you and giving us this opportunity to learn over the past five years.

I was once a rookie coach, and I used to worry so much. Looking back, it all comes down to learning, accumulating experience, and Preparation.

I still remember that nervousness and teeth shaking moments; it continues to remind me of where this wonderful journey began.

Once again. Thank you for allowing us to serve you as customers and for giving us these moments to learn. I don’t take this for granted.

@daily_cali_ will only get better and better. ⛰️

Tips To Break Through Your Calisthenics Movement Plateaus!

"Eye Levels Assistance"

Your Eyes are the Ultimate Tool for Body Control.

(1) Scapular Retraction: look up and extend your gaze, it naturally guides your upper back to tighten.

(2) Scapular Protraction: When you tuck your chin or alter your eye level, it allowing you to create a deeper spinal curve.

My Personal Tips: To achieve ultimate precision, we can break down by dimensions and apply specific visual strategies.

Scroll For Page.2 👉

@daily_cali_

Option A: Vertical Skills Movements 
Apply to Muscle Up or Handstand.

switching your gaze at the right moment is absolutely critical:

1. Look forward while descending  2. Look downward while ascending 
Scroll for Page.3 (Horizontal/Basics) 👉

Option B: Horizontal Movements & Strength Work 
Apply to Front/ Back Lever, Pull Up, or Dips, our primary goal during the static hold is to Maximize Extension.

Therefore, your gaze must- Look upward or toward the distance continuously.

Scroll for Page.4 (Tips for Beginners) 👉

A Practical Tip for Beginners: Establishing a "Visual Anchor" 
You can try placing a simple object,
such as a yoga block,

directly in front of your training station to serve as your "visual anchor."

Throughout your set, lock 100% of your attention onto this object.

Scroll for my Last Tips 👉

The Ultimate Combination: Breath and Vision

When eye alignment is paired with a steady breathing rhythm, it becomes the most powerful assistance combo built right into your own body!

My new record:
30kg Weighted Muscle Up! (Bodyweight: 62kg)

Full Article is on our DAILYCALI Website! (Click on instagram story / @daily_cali_ )

🔗 English Version:
https://www.dailycalihk.com/post/calisthenicsbreakthrough

🔗 中文版：
https://www.dailycalihk.com/zh/post/徒手健身突破

Monotony is another form of fulfillment.

I love mornings, I love the sun, and I love all kinds of movements, not just calisthenics, all of which help me relax in my daily life.

I also love a structured, organized daily rhythm. I feel that’s what makes life feel complete. Even on my days off, I have a schedule I’ve already planned the day before. Even that helps me find peace.

Of course, I also love home. The moment of sitting on the sofa is pure happiness.

These are all very simple, small joys, ones that don’t even require spending money.

Simplicity allows me to focus on enjoyment, and thus it becomes a different kind of fulfillment.

I hope you feel the same way.

@daily_cali_

Park Meet Ups are always wonderful.

Ever since I was a child, I’ve known that parks are equal to happiness. I’d always run downstairs from home full of excitement, and this place has always been where I could burn off all my energy, make full use of my whole body, and connect with others.

That hasn’t changed, and I never imagined that my current career would actually begin in a park. (😭)

The great friends I’ve met along the way were all people I got to know through training, and we’ve even become a team.

The small experiment this time is an attempt to take advantage of the entire environment and move beyond the traditional, pure form of calisthenics.

If there are bars of different heights, we’ll share some Muscle-Ups. If there’s a road and people who love to run, we’ll go for a run (thanks @chrxstang ). If there’s a beach, we’ll sit down together for pizza, drinks, and a chat about life.

Just like the introduction we give at every meetup—we just want everyone to have fun. I hope you all enjoy it.

Let me know if you want ROUND 2!!! COMMENT!

@daily_cali_

Coaching isn’t easy. It’s impossible to predict with 100% certainty the age gaps, differences in sport levels, learning backgrounds, and areas of interest among participants.

But there’s one thing I believe we can definitely do our best at: Keeping everyone smiling and creating a warm energy.

This also explains why DAILYCALI Studio isn’t like a gym (because we really aren’t).

One reason is that we want the environment to embody the calisthenics philosophy: “Anytime, anywhere.” We’re designed to feel like a home, you don’t have to feel like you’re switching to a different mindset; instead, it’s like coming home to do your home workout.

Another reason is that each class is like a mini-family. Family members don’t put masks on; everyone is open and honest with one another.

We hope you arrive as an individual, find your tribe here, and leave as a friend.

I look forward to everyone bringing their unique stories here every week and sharing them with us.

At the end of the day, we hope exercise brings you joy, and we’re more than happy to help!

DAILYCALI.
@daily_cali_

About Inspirations: The Human Flag was the first Cali Move I ever heard of.

I first noticed Calisthenics back during that “Crazy Reps & Sets, Bar Dance” era (2017). But it all started with a post on Instagram–a photo of someone who looked like Superman actor Henry Cavill doing a human flag on the streets of Manhattan.

Probably not him, but my first reaction was that it was bullshit, it was definitely photoshopped.

I showed it to a friend, but he was dead serious, saying it was real, it was calisthenics, and that he’d already been training for half a year.

As we spoke, he took me to a nearby park. And that’s how my Day One of calisthenics began.

And the rest is history, y'all know @daily_cali_ .
.
.
Years later, though the human flag has remained far from my favorite move, it holds great symbolic meaning. Every attempt is still a great one.

Thanks to the team for capturing Raw Street Workout, takes us back to the golden age.

@wearebounce.co

The Seed of Steady: Keeping the Day 1 Mentality

Day 1 is always the most memorable. Back then, we had the drive to push ourselves forward; we dared to take on challenges—all because we longed for that moment of success.

But after tasting even a little success, we can become drunk on satisfaction. Fortunately, the most beautiful thing of calisthenics: there’s always the next progression, always the next wall to climb.

That’s why, at DAILYCALI, I consider the balance between “Challenge and Satisfaction” to be one of the key factors in session design.

From zero to one, you’ll face pull-ups. Next, you’ll conquer the handstand or muscle-up. Once you’ve mastered them, looking back you’ll realize that what once felt unnatural has now become nerve-free.

What matters most is maintaining that “Day 1 mentality”—always holding onto the belief that you can do better, and embracing the ups and downs.

I believe that even after everything it has been through, DAILYCALI is still just Day One.

Let’s grow together.

#dailycali

Outside of work, I’m a cat person all the way. Coming home and chatting with my cats is what keeps me going.

As they’ve gotten older, I’ve had to start paying more attention to their health. But if you’re a cat owner, you know they’re really against going outside. Still, it’s something we have to face eventually.

Having the chance to bring 豹豹 to Vetiva Animal Hospital at K11 @vetivacenter really eased my anxiety, because I know just how professional they are.

Dr. Roy conducted my cat’s checkup with great confidence. The process was smooth and comfortable, and he was able to evaluate everything without the cat showing any resistance at all.

After the checkup, Dr. Roy shared many details and recommendations on how to care for my cat.

If you’re a cat or dog owner, I highly recommend visiting Vetiva!

Thank you @vetivacenter !

Details. What are Details?

In Canton, 「細節」, meaning even the most insignificant, tiny things can catch your eye.

I believe every areas of interest can be observed closely, and detail never stand alone. But at the same time, we all have things we don’t/ unable to care about.

Therefore, I believe the definition of “Looking At Details” should be:

"In any theme, the connection we form with things, once our passion and knowledge reach a certain level."

_______
Part 2.)

When launching our own tracksuit design, I find it hard not to admire Carlo @__juan_juan__ . The details he cares about are ones I don’t—he focuses on the texture of a piece of fabric when you touch it, the length, width, patterns; all of this is tailor-made.

Meanwhile, my obsession lies with the customer—
(1) the symbolism behind.
(2) the sense of identity a uniform provides to members.
(3) the positive relationship with the supplier.

Beyond that, the spirit of innovation that Carlo, as part of the art team @wearebounce.co , pours into it. I also thought about what this all means to him personally.

_______
Part 3.)

This also made me realize that to go further, We Must Be A Team.

When everyone puts what they care about on the table, it becomes a crystal-clear diamond—110% of our hearts.

And back to that: What are details?

DAILYCALI is the answer.

Why We Need a Team?
"GIVE BACK, TO GET MORE."

This is a question that made me question myself: DAILYCALI started out as just me. If one person can make it work, why do we need a team?

I came up with two answers: The sense of fulfillment from succeeding alone is very tiny. Second, as I’ve grown older, my views on the world and my responsibilities have changed.

What matters to me now is—before I leave, how much "Social Impact" I can deliver.

A New Definition of Success:

This has led me to a completely new belief. I’ve redefined Success as the (1) Positive Impact We Make, the (2) Lives We Change, and the (3) Opportunities We Provide.

Against The Mainstream:

We’ve tailored the role of our instructors to ensure alignment with the sports industry, our culture, and your needs, while offering unique benefits such as (1) Content Allowances for building personal IP, (2) Educational Sponsorships, and (3) Wellness Week.

A New Chapter:

Our Education Platform co-lead by @benjamin_root is now ready to help you unleash your potential.

We’re looking for someone with a unique background (education as a priority) who is committed to growing together and brings a dedicated energy to the team.

Feel free to talk with @daily_cali_ !

Be the Best Version of Yourself.

It’s been a while since I sat down to reflect on week's classes, and one core realization keeps coming back to me: the essence of being a coach—It all comes down to self-discipline.

I have always believed that consistency is the key to progress. And being a good coach means start by being the best version of myself, so I can truly inspire and encourage others to keep moving forward.

(1) Beyond the sport: True progress isn't just about the physical aspects of sports. It’s about the patience to do the same thing consistently for 365 days.

(2) Give yourself some principles: Setting strict boundaries, holding onto principles, and executing them with discipline.

(3) Self-awareness: Facing own weaknesses honestly and having the courage for deep self-reflection.

At the end of the day, people aren't just following a program; they are following you.

I truly believe that life’s excitement isn't about the variety of activities—it’s about how we transform our life experiences and daily reflections into personal growth.

This rhythm is my reality, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
回歸本質，做好自己。

@daily_cali_

I’m getting real about my Streetlifting progress over the past year.

With my body weight staying steady at 62kg, I've managed to add 27kg MU(+17kg), 75kg Ring PU(+12kg), 60kg Dips(+10kg).

Here is the exact "simple and raw" strategy I use to break my plateaus:

1. Linear Periodization & Pyramid Sets 
My core approach is Linear Periodization (gradually increasing weight while decreasing reps over weeks). During daily sessions, I rely on Pyramid Sets (increasing the weight while decreasing the reps across sets).

-The Build-up: I start lighter and climb toward a Max Rep set.

- Micro-loading: When my Max Rep becomes stable, I use Micro-loading (using small weight increments of 1-2 kg) to nudge past my limits.

2. Attacking My Weaknesses 
Pushing movements have been my struggle since day one. Instead of rushing, I use "Double Progression" (adding weight only after reaching the upper rep limit for all sets).

Treat Max Strength training like endurance work until the form is flawless.

3. Embracing the "re-correction” 
Form is a moving target that always needs "re-correction".

Mistakes made early on in the learning process led to the development of bad habits, my Muscle Ups lacked a full lockout or resulted in a "Chicken Wing".

-The Fix: I’ve added Drop Sets (reducing weight immediately after a set to perform more reps) specifically to burn in the correct posture.

______
My suggestion is:
(1) If you can't make all three lifts legendary at once, make one or two of them first.

(2) I truly wish I had started Weighted Elements sooner, as it is the absolute Foundation of Foundations for relative strength.

Seeing the calculators in their hands reminds me of myself.

To be honest, I didn’t achieve impressive results back then. But there's no such thing as failure—only success or lessons learned.

& now I'm still here. We're leading the way ahead.

I'm not qualified to give any advice; I can probably only share life experiences. But I hope this can bring some relief to the young ones:

(1) Let's put an end to discussions like "Is studying useful?"

Meaning of learning is absolute. It’s just that learning has no fixed form.

Only as time goes by, you realize it can be interactive and transcend the text. If textbook knowledge comes too easily, try stepping outside the structure.

(2) Exam is just a warm-up for the many challenges you’ll face in the future.

If your results are good, don’t let satisfaction stop you from learning; if they’re not, don’t think you’ve already lost.

(3) Maintaining an underdog mentality is what will take you the furthest.

In the end, life requires struggle. Being troubled by struggle is a form of happiness.

Years from now, you will surely be proud of yourself.

Struggle is great.

IF I COULD GO BACK to my first cali try, I’d do it on Gymnastics Rings.

The One Thing I’d Change: Start on Rings Sooner

Many see rings as "elite only," but they are actually one of the most versatile tools for any fitness level. Here’s why:

1. Low Barrier, High Ceiling

Rings are height-adjustable, that's make the training efficiency unmatched.

- The Rule: If you can’t perform a movement with feet off the ground, simply lower the rings and use partial weight-bearing (feet on floor).

- This allows for perfect mechanical tension across pulling, pushing, and core patterns without compromising form.

2. Joint Friendly

Rings adapt to you, offering a "release" for those with old shoulder or wrist injuries.

- Rotation: Rings allow for natural internal and external rotation (the "twist"). This builds incredible shoulder stability and grip strength. Also, get a full 180° of horizontal movement.

3. A Personal Lesson: Don't Skip the Basics

I was "lucky" enough to unlock the Iron Cross early on. But if I were starting over today, my First Drill would be (Video 3) Cross Pressing on the Ground:

a.) Rings at shoulder height.
b.) Strict elbow lockout + protraction.
c.) Focusing on the "Upper 90°" first, then polishing the "Lower 90°."

The instability of the rings forces nervous system to work overtime. You quickly learn to "pull" your strength back to the midline, engaging the stabilizers in a way a static bar never could.

Preparation is the secret ingredient to every story.

In the past, preparation was a shield against nerves—a way to ensure personal performance remained steady.

Today, my perspective has evolved into Servant Leadership. I now view preparation as a fundamental responsibility to our supporters.

As a founder and coach, preparation involves managing every detail—from team positioning to the specific message displayed in every corner.

Grateful for the joy and stories everyone shared with us. You make us proud of what we have built together.

-Mission & Vision: The Long Game

DAILYCALI was built on years of steady accumulation, come from small beginnings.

While daily execution is Mission, staying focused on 5-year and 10-year targets is Vision.

"Prepare for the worst, hope for the best."

We’re officially back to the grind.

_
Love

@benjamin_root
@a__flare
@wearebounce.co
@backyardizakaya
@feel_good_pilates_
@meanwhilecoffee_

5 years...damn 5 years. It’s been an incredible journey.

It all started with a pen and a piece of paper.

I’m no predictor of the future, I would never believed we’d have this chance to come together and share this moment today.

I was still in disbelief that everyone chose to believe in me when I was a complete nobody.

In my fifth year, I’ve become more reflective and deeply grateful for the support I’ve received along the way. This has led me to try my best to give back, spread positivity, share my experiences, and offer a helping hand.

From teenagers, to minorities, to the community meetups, and now this open house organized with members, my hope is to help make our society more fulfilling.

I would like to thank my team who has been shining brightly, and I appreciate everyone’s selfless dedication and understanding.

I am grateful that we all share a common understanding of what it means to pass on our legacy and embrace life without regrets, and I look forward to every milestone ahead.

Without you, DAILYCALI wouldn’t be DAILYCALI.

And yes, we made it.

We shine together.

This past week, we hosted a very special Park Meet Up with a true legend in the game, Daniel @fitnessfaqs .

I am incredibly grateful to Daniel for selflessly sharing his time and wisdom with our community.

Beyond the impressive skills, what inspired me most was—his Longevity.

Daniel represents the beauty of continuity and decades of dedication, who has been practicing calisthenics for nearly 17 years, and many of us, myself included, grew up watching his videos to learn the ropes. 
One more thing. We often talk about "finding" passion, but this meetup reminded us that passion is something you inhabit.

Neither FitnessFAQs nor DAILYCALI started as grand business plans; they began with a camera, a computer, and a “simple desire to share”. 
We didn’t choose passion to become who we are today; rather, our sustained passion is what created our current reality.

This event was a victory for our community and a testament to the —
“Great Things Come From Small Beginnings".

Foundations for Breakthrough: What I Wish I Knew When I Started

Discuss the breakdown before chasing the breakthrough.

Looking back at my daily practice, there are specific technical insights I wish I had prioritized from day one.

Here is a breakdown of my daily training tips.

1. Rings Day: Iron Cross
- Core Focus: Strengthening Adduction and Abduction strength.

- Personal Tip: If you are already training Levers and Planche, you likely have sufficient pressing. However, since the Iron Cross is a Frontal Plane Movement, I must train both the upper and lower ranges of the motion (Full Range) to allow the connective tissues to adapt fully to the unique tension. 
2. Weighted Day: Weighted MU, PU & Dips
- Core Focus: Load management.

- Personal Tip: I utilize a Peak Sets (a pyramid loading strategy) approach. Difficulty increases incrementally, with the 3rd set designated as the "peak" of the mountain, followed by a gradual decrease in weight. I don't test my Maximum (1RM) every week. If my previous peak weight feels manageable during 2nd set, I’ll attempt a new, heavier weight for the 3rd set. 
3. Bars Day: Planche & Handstand
- Core Focus: Center of gravity projection.

- Personal Tip: Overhead Press Ups is a must. I’ve realized that Handstand training is essential here; specifically, when I treat the Planche Press as primary core driver, I develop the complete stability and support structure needed for a solid hold. 
4. Mobility Day: Shoulder & Hip
- Core Focus: Joint range of motion and end-range strength.

- Personal Tip: The flexibility of Shoulder and Hip joints dictates my output ceiling. I incorporate active stretching post-session because "static flexibility" does not equal "dynamic/free control."

Summary: Every life-transforming change begins with the smallest accumulation. Don’t change your training routine too often; in fact, it’s best not to change it at all. Time will tell!

What Does It Mean to Teach "Well"?

We just wrapped up a Theme Workshop for beginners with @benjamin_root , then headed straight to a session with the Ethnic Minority Social Centre @touch_subcentre .

Two groups, same passion for movement, but completely different goals. It made me realize that "good" teaching isn't just about the science.

1. The Person Over the Plan 
You can have the most professional lesson plan, but if you don’t have People-Centricity, you’ve lost the Center of Gravity.

We must monitor their Cognitive Load (the mental effort required to process new info) to ensure they are actually absorbing the "why," not just the "how." 
2. The Social "Bond Together" Effect

In a group class, movement is just a Communication Tool. The real magic happens when we create Empowerment.

Good teaching is coach’s interaction with members. Great teaching is when they start interacting with each other.

Collective Voice. When a group supports a new member, it becomes a Third Space where they find strength together. 
3. The Ultimate Truth: Choice 
Beyond all theories, "good" is subjective. Personalization is the only way to satisfy everyone.

One person wants an Endorphin Rush; another wants to deconstruct every grip. 
We can’t guess what they want, but we can provide the freedom to choose their own intensity.

“Good coaching is not the transmission of movements, but the art of providing personalized choices that empower individuals and bond communities together."

Thank you! @monnii.29_

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

(1) I'm Des

Nothing But Passion.

I’m Des. I grew up in Hong Kong, and my family has roots in Malaysia, giving me a mix of Malay, Hmong, and Chinese heritage. This diverse background influences my perspective and brand's vision of cultural integration.

I'm approaching my ninth year in Calisthenics now. Throughout this time, it truly feels like a never-ending yet rewarding process.

I love Calisthenics because it transformed my entire perspective on life, teaching me that strength knows no learning boundaries.

The deeper I went, the more I saw it as an art form—a Beautiful Dance between the mind and body. It requires both physical power and profound mental discipline.

(2) Before DAILYCALI: My First Encounter with Calisthenics

My nine-year journey isn't just about unlocking movements; it's about being someone who emphasizes personal growth. Thanks to my social worker background, I understand how to create an environment where everyone feels safe to share and grow.

I started this sport in 2017, introduced by a friend. At that time, I was very skinny, only 46kg. The story of this beginning was simply because I wanted to become attractive through Calisthenics and take a snapshot of a Human Flag!

To be honest, back then I hadn't built such a great passion, and I was still distracted by other things. The most direct reason was that I thought I had no talent for this sport; at that time, I was unwilling to experience failure or soreness. I didn't believe in it.

The turning point was in 2020, when I sprained my shoulder during training, resulting in a serious injury. I couldn't lift my right arm for two whole weeks—it was that kind of feeling where I had completely lost the awareness of lifting my arm. But this time I didn't choose to give up; instead, it triggered my thirst for knowledge about sports science.

In fact, at that time, it's rare to see someone incorporated sports science into Calisthenics training. So I wanted to become a promoter of this aspect, trying to integrate the two together, at least to avoid getting injured again. From then on, I found my love for sports education and also found the reason to pursue.

(3) The First Few Moments of DAILYCALI

Effort can be seen. Just do it.

I spent six months starting from zero to complete a sports science coaching course, and two years on a Bachelor's degree in Health Education. Later, on March 28, 2021, I established the beginning of all this—the "Daily Calisthenics" page, implying that people should make Calisthenics a daily routine.

My first post actually didn't have much to do with sports science; it was more about the history of Calisthenics and some tips that everyone could apply to their own training. I am very grateful that when the first post was published, we already received attention. (I need to especially thank the Calisthenics community in Taiwan here; their early support was like a shot in the arm for more attempts in the future, and it even established a foundation for sports philosophy. Shout out to Taiwan.)

During the content creation period, I realized that besides making posts, I also wanted to practice my theories and embrace more human-to-human connections. Therefore, six months later, I started coaching services in outdoor parks. Thankfully, Calisthenics started to become widely known at that time. There were gym people looking for alternatives, people who started exercising during the pandemic, and Hong Kong where became more health-conscious.

I am very grateful that I started outdoors; all the rainy days and sunny days were a kind of romance.

Outdoor days made the early members seem even more remarkable. I occasionally doubt at this: what exactly convinced everyone to follow me to train Calisthenics outdoors? I was a nobody.

The best answer is to repay everyone with hard work. For this reason, we officially rented our first studio in September 2022. It was a very mini place (less than 300 sq. ft.) in the corner of an industrial building in the Kwun Tong district. This wasn't what I considered the right taste for DAILYCALI, but for a start, it was the beginning of a dream.

I still remember after getting the keys to the studio, I lay in the middle of the room, a tough guy unable to control his tears. In this still empty space, I saw hope and saw step-by-step progress. And I knew that we could be in a better place, and we could repay everyone with even greater effort. Just do it.

Two years later, we moved into Sheung Wan.

This is one of the decisions I don't regret and that I completely got right. We finally actualised the concept of integrating community and life, and we could have more spacious room to finish our Brand Visualise.

Every time I hear everyone say they really like the warm environment, the scent, and the atmosphere of the music playlist we have built, I am sincerely grateful from the bottom of my heart to the earliest supporters; you made this moment possible for the new members of the future.

(4) DAILYCALI as a Team

Over the past five years at DAILYCALI—from writing blog articles to leading courses to the teamwork we do today—it has been one kind person after another who has taken up the torch.

Deeply inspired by the book “Zero to One by Peter Thiel” —This book taught me that true innovation isn't about copying what already exists; it is about doing something no one else has done. This includes the salary structure and the necessity of avoiding competition. This later shaped why I am determined to offer something different.

Let’s be honest and get back to earth: DAILYCALI is not a massive commercial chain. Our resources are not infinite, and we can’t offer corporate safety nets. Instead of just opening another "gym” or overemphasizing what has worked in the past, we started small, focused on creating a "Community & Belonging" niche space that didn't exist in the local market. What we lack in size, we make up for in soul.

There is a question that always made me question myself:

DAILYCALI started out as just me. If one person can make it work, why do we need a team?

I came up with two answers: The sense of fulfillment from succeeding alone is very tiny. Second, I reflect my views on the world and responsibilities as a human. What matters to me now is—before I leave, how much "Social Impact" I can deliver.

In the 2026 version of DAILYCALI, we already have a clear division of labor: we have an Art Team, Graphic Designer, Videographer & Photographer responsible for branding, merchants and content creation; we have such great supporters that we no longer need to worry about whether anyone will show up tomorrow; we have coaches who cater to different target audiences and have different styles; and we have B2B, NGO, and school collaboration opportunities.

I am currently trying to foster a culture of instructor development. By providing Content Allowance and Education Sponsorship for each instructor, we focus entirely on building our instructor’s Personal IP. We Pay them To Build their Own Brand. Shortly, we aren't afraid of anyone becoming "too big" or eventually leaving. In fact, we want our instructor to find their unique style. We pay because we believe they are worth the investment.

In reality, kindness may not always work, but it can never fail; the ideal outcome is a win-win situation. However, the worst possible outcome of mutual calculation is a lose-lose. That's why even if we end up no longer working together, that’s just the way things are. We can part ways gracefully, and I’m sure you’ll be proud to tell everyone that you’re from DAILYCALI or you love DAILYCALI.

My list of people I need to show gratitude to:

I am very grateful for everyone's selfless contributions and proud of us. Without the team, we could not have grown so fast. Thank you, Jose, Benjamin, Joanne, Alina, Carlo, Brandon, Chris, and some good homies I met early on—Theo, Alison, Ka Wing. Most importantly, the friend who introduced me to Calisthenics, Edmond—he is the true godfather / Day 1 of DAILYCALI. An additional note: Thank you to my girlfriend Crystal, who from the very beginning right through to the end believed I could do it, even when I was questioning myself.

(5) Summary: some thoughts

After years, all the decisions become steady. We move forward without regret, finally finding the true pleasure and fun in the journey of life.

Part 1. Looking back

I'm a ordinary person, I’ve been where you are. I know the struggle of building everything from scratch—the exhaustion of trial and error, the burnout of wearing too many hats, and the lonely grind of finding your corner.

Experience must be earned, but it should be earned in the right way. I believe these unnecessary hardships can be avoided with the right support. Therefore, I have some thoughts to share, hoping that you, in front of the computer right now, will feel that someone understands your feelings after reading:

(1) Never Stop Learning.

Learning gave me confidence from small beginnings, from sport science, social work, business to marketing, branding, and communication. Ultimately, these lessons converge into one truth: Leadership is about the Accumulation of Vision. This used to be a problem that troubled me, because I always worried that I was not a born leader, but it turns out that leaders are never born.

(2) Running your own brand isn’t what makes you cool.

What’s truly cool is that you spend your time, before and after falling asleep, thinking about the problems you need to solve tomorrow and be woken up by those problems and spend the entire day fixing them.

If problems are inevitable, then try to embrace them. What a soulful thing that is. With that kind of soul, even every step you take feels more grounded.

Learn to love what you’re doing, love the views by the roadside, love where you come from, love your culture, and learn to appreciate yourself.

(3) There's no such thing as failure—only success or lessons learned.

In the end, life requires struggle. Being troubled by struggle is a form of happiness.

Years from now, you will surely be proud of yourself. You must believe in yourself.

Part 2. Looking forward

Aside from all those Conversions, Active Members, and Business Models, to be honest, I'm really not that nervous about them. I’m only & truly grateful for the joy and stories every member (We named DAILYCALIs) shared with us. You make us proud of what we have built together. It is everyone who made us who we are.

In our Mission & Vision, this is a Long Game. DAILYCALI was built on years of steady accumulation, coming from small beginnings. While the mission is daily execution, and Vision—we staying focused on 5-year and 10-year targets.

We can still do better in terms of building Community and inclusion, in the design of the session, and in the booking experience before class.

I will return to update this again in 2028. Thank you for reading this far. I’d love to hear your story too.