Isabelle Khouri Black Belt

Hello! My name is Isabelle, and I’ve been on a transformative journey through Kung Fu since I was five. My dad, who has practiced alongside me and is now a 62-year-old black belt, serves as my mentor and inspiration.

  Today I’d like to share my journey with Kung Fu and the challenges I’ve faced in finding time and space to train. I began this journey at just five years old, ins pired by my dad, who has always been my mentor.

When we moved to El Dorado Hills, everything changed. The three-hour distance from the studio forced us into online classes right as the pandemic began. I felt lost without the in-person energy and guidance that meant so much to me. Training from my living room dimmed my excitement and motivation.

After a year, I started private lessons with my dad, which reignited my passion, but consistency remained a struggle. Our family trips twice a year made it hard to maintain a routine, and I often felt I was falling behind.

Yet, through these challenges, I learned to adapt. I transformed my home into a training space and made the most of my available time. I’m incredibly grateful to Shifu for his patience and encouragement throughout this journey.

Each small victory reminded me why I love Kung Fu—not just for the skills, but for the important life lessons it teaches me. It has shaped my life, fostered resilience and deepened the bond between my dad and me. Despite the obstacles, Kung Fu continues to guide my growth and inspire me.