Ten Years On: Presence in Teaching and Learning

​It has been ten full years of coaching—filled with laughter and tears, hardship and joy. Looking back over this decade, I have no regrets, and I have never once thought of giving up.

​Recalling the inception of 肌本野DAILY GRIND, I had just graduated from university. Having no intention of entering mainstream schools to teach, I treated that year as my gap year. My daily routine back then was remarkably pure; I simply posted the same line on Facebook every single day: 2045, same place, oldies, meaning we would train at Tin Shui Wai Park at 8:45 PM, rain or shine. Although I spent my mornings preparing lessons, the training sessions weren't overly refined; there were no periodization in programming, just old school calisthenics with high sets and reps. Yet, it was during that year that I built a storm-proof training habit, growing from a individual into a collective community.​

Through six months of dedication, I gradually pushed beyond Tin Shui Wai, expanding my coaching to Kowloon Park and Victoria Park. That was also the time that I was training intensely for Spartan Races, aiming to compete on the world stage. Incorporating a heavy dose of running and fueled by the trend at the time, I had the privilege of leading over 40 students from DAILY GRIND to race together. Back then, I possessed a fierce obsession with victory; however, I quickly realized that glory is fleeting. We cannot remain at the peak forever, nor can we always stay champions. Chasing never ends. Compared to personal conquest, I wanted to devote far more focus to my students and the community. So, I chose to step back at my peak, and I have never regretted it.

​During the pandemic, I began diving deep into mobility training, which was when I truly recognized the foundational bedrock of physical conditioning. Heavy loads and high volume continually stimulate the body, but they can also leave it increasingly tight, stripping away our ability to relax and contract fluidly. The resilience of bodily mobility directly connects to cognitive and emotional resilience. This made me realize with greater clarity that I didn't need competitions or rivalries; what I truly needed was a sustainable way to care for my body so I could walk the long road ahead. That is what truly matters in daily life. Mobility training isn't meant to dictate the upper limit of our athletic performance; on the contrary, it defines our baseline and floor. To be honest, I lost over 70% of my students during that pivot. It was the price of my choice, yet I have no regrets.

​As mobility training gradually gained broader acceptance, I dedicated myself to train the trainers on one hand, while creating online courses with regard to movement analysis on the other. Consistency brought progress, and small achievements followed. Yet the reality remains that what one person can accomplish alone is inherently limited. If more coaches can spread the benefits of movement and a positive mindset, that impact will multiply exponentially. Reflecting on my journey, I was never naturally gifted; I was simply blessed with teachers who tirelessly and patiently guided me. It is also aligned with biblical teachings that call me to be a servant leader.

Apart from teaching regular class, there are different collaborations with various sports brands which allowed me to explore different dimensions through shifting roles. I cherish every opportunity and embrace every challenge.

​Every so often, I notice the audience around me gradually shifting, which is a reality beyond my control. Some students I meet only once; others journey with me for a year; but eventually, the day comes when everyone completes their course or graduates. I have evolved from the early days of lingering sorrow over goodbyes to focusing strictly on the present moment of teaching and learning—taking full responsibility for my choices and celebrating those decisions along the way.

Ten years bring countless changes. Embrace change courageously, and stay true.