Michelle began training Shaolin Kung Fu at Yang’s Martial Arts Association (YMAA) in Andover, MA in 1997. After three years, she stopped to attend Tufts University where she received her B.A. in International Relations. In 2008, she learned that Jonathan Chang was accepted into the YMAA Retreat Center’s 10-year program in Miranda, CA. Inspired and encouraged, Michelle resumed her training at YMAA Andover. With a fresh perspective, she became deeply appreciative of the arts and aspired to learn more.

In 2013, Michelle became the only female student to be accepted in the 5-year training program at the YMAA Retreat Center. She trained Shaolin and Taijiquan full-time under renowned martial arts teacher and author, Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. Michelle graduated in June 2018 and committed herself to the arts as a disciple of Dr. Yang.

Michelle views martial arts as a positive way of life that she aims to share with others through teaching. Michelle is continually inspired by her mentors, training partners, students, and those who strive to improve themselves. She is forever grateful to Dr. Yang and her second family, the YMAA community.

Michelle has competed in and served as a judge at several tournaments.

She has been serving on the Board of Directors of YMAA International since 2021 as Co-Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer. She lives in Massachusetts and teaches weekly classes, please visit https://wuanmartialarts.com

YMAA Shaolin 1st Duan Instructor (6th level)

YMAA Taijiquan Assistant Instructor (3rd level)

Competitions

2019 October 12, International Chinese Martial Arts Championship (ICMAC) in Boston, MA

   1st – Traditional Advanced Women (36+) Hand Forms

   3rd – Traditional Advanced Women (36+) Long Weapon

   1st – Traditional Advanced Women (36+) Short Weapon

   1st – Traditional Advanced Women (36+) Other Weapon

   Traditional Adults (36 and over) Advanced Women Grand Champion

2015 May 16, Tiger Claw Elite Championship (TCEC) in San Jose, CA

   2nd – Traditional Advanced Women (18-39) Northern Fist

   2nd – Traditional Advanced Women (18-39) Short Weapon

   1st – Traditional Advanced Women (18-39) Other Weapon

2014 May 17, Tiger Claw Elite Championship (TCEC) in San Jose, CA

   3rd – Traditional Advanced Women (18-39) Northern Fist

   3rd – Traditional Advanced Women (18-39) Short Weapon

2014 January 25, International Chinese Martial Arts Championship (ICMAC) in Houston, TX

   1st – Traditional Advanced Women (18-35) Hand Forms Northern Long Fist

   3rd –  Traditional Advanced Women (18-35) Open Weapon

2012 July 7, International Chinese Martial Arts Championship (ICMAC) in Boston, MA

   3rd – Traditional Advanced Women (18-35) Hand Forms Northern Long Fist

   1st –  Traditional Advanced Women (18-35) Hand Forms Southern Short Hand

   2nd – Traditional Advanced Women (18-35) Long Weapon

   3rd – Traditional Advanced Women (18-35) Short Weapon

   2nd –  Traditional Advanced Women (18-35) Open Weapon

2012 June 9, Tiger Claw Kung Fu Magazine.com Championship (TCKFMC) in San Jose, CA

   1st – Traditional Adult Intermediate (18-39) Northern Barehand

   2nd – Traditional Adult Intermediate (18-39) Southern Barehand

   3rd – Traditional Adult Intermediate (18-39) Short Weapon

   3rd – Traditional Adult Intermediate (18-39) Long Weapon

2012 April 7, 2nd Wu Dao Competition in Cambridge, MA

   2nd – Adult Advanced Barehand

   1st – Adult Advanced Weapons