The AM Podcast - A Podcast for Asian American Men

Living Your Life for You, Not For What Others Expect Of You (Dealing With A Physically Abusive Father, Family Expectation To Become A Doctor, and More) Ft. | Jay Lee (Krav Maga Instructor/Founder of Korean Tiger Studios) | SPOTLIGHT

Jul 28, 2021

41:21

For today's Spotlight Episode, I'm excited to welcome Jay Lee to the show. He's a Krava Maga and Muy Thai Instructor and the founder of Korean Tiger Studios, where he provides coaching and training on martial arts and defense techniques.

Jay's inspiring journey into martial arts was born out of necessity. Being bullied in high school for being the only Asian kid in school to dealing with an abusive father at home, Jay found himself taking matters into his own hands when defending himself.

To make matters worse, Jay comes from a distinguished family with over 35 physicians who expected him to not only follow in their footsteps but inherit three family practices once he finished medical school. From the outside looking in, Jay had the golden ticket. All he had to do was follow the plan, however, Jay knew deep down inside this life wasn't for him. Ultimately, Jay had to make the difficult decision to either live a life expected of him or live his life the way he wants.

In this episode, we discuss:

- Learning how to fight out of necessity

- Having an abusive father who was an ex-marine in South Korea (getting drop kicked, father using weapons against him)

- Having an abusive father who was an ex-marine in South Korea

- Being in a family with over 35 physicians who expected him to follow in their footstep

- Becoming the first Krav Maga certified Korean American

- Family cutting him off after he made the decision not to pursue a career in the medical career

- Having a chip on his shoulders

- His thoughts on Asian Hate as someone who teaches self-defense for a living

- Men should be able to protect their families

- Sharing his best piece of advice

- Where he envisions himself in the next five years.