Tristan is the president and founder of REACH Wushu, and started the organization. He is involved in connecting with local developers and programs to bring the organization into different communities of Northern Virginia. He hopes to expand beyond this area in the near feature. Tristan has won several titles internationally in wushu. He is an ambitious and driven individual, dedicating countless hours to training and competing in wushu which granted him global titles in wushu.
At the age of only 12, Tristan became one of the youngest athletes in USAWKF history to make the United States Adult National Wushu Team. Since then, Tristan has achieved placement on the team several times, representing the United States in various international competitions. He is a skilled athlete, earning medals in the long-fist, broadsword, spear, and staff events throughout his years of competing. Most recently, Tristan earned two gold medals in the broadsword and staff events and bronze in the long-fist event at the Pan-American Wushu Kung Fu Championships in Brasilia, Brazil (2022).
The dedication and hard work that wushu entails has given him a persistent work ethic that enables his success in a number of aspects of his life. Because of this, Tristan developed a passion for spreading opportunities to learn wushu to people who do not have the opportunity to do so. He founded REACH wushu in order to give children the opportunity to learn the virtues that wushu has taught him throughout his life. Through his work with REACH wushu, Tristan hopes to impart valuable lessons on virtues and other important values to the children he mentors.
President/Co-Founder
Tristan Kooc
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
tlkooc24@gmail.com
Derek is the director of REACH Wushu, and has been with REACH Wushu since its beginning. As director, Derek has developed wushu training programs suitable for each individual organization. He has won several national titles in wushu. Derek has dedicated countless hours to training and competing in wushu, winning national championships in long-fist, broadsword, and staff at the 2022 USAWKF National Championships. His dedication to this physically and mentally demanding discipline has no doubt paid off, boosting his morale, discipline, and well-being. In the coming years, Derek wants to go further in his wushu achievements, hoping to make the national team and compete at the world level.
In addition to his success in wushu, Derek is also a talented and hardworking clarinetist in his school’s concert and marching ensembles. When Derek isn’t training for wushu, he is likely practicing for his musical passion. His dedication to both martial arts practice and musical pursuits has given him a strong sense of self-improvement, as well as a deep appreciation for the arts.
Derek’s journey in wushu has given him a deep connection and appreciation of the world around him. He wants to develop REACH wushu in order to give back to his community. In addition, he wants to spread Chinese culture through wushu to the youth population in order to popularize the sport.
Program Director/Co-Founder
Derek Wang
Freedom High School
derekftw8692@gmail.com
Bryson Smith
Program Administrator
Bryson Smith is the hardworking and passionate program administrator for REACH Wushu. As program administrator, Bryson schedules training and testing programs with local organizations. He has a deep love for wushu and dedicates countless hours to training and competing, which led him to medal at the 2022 USAWKF National Championships.
At a young age, Bryson discovered his love for wushu and has been pursuing it ever since. He is a skilled athlete and has found success in various events including long-fist and straightsword. His dedication and persistence in wushu have given him a strong work ethic that he applies to everything he pursues.
Aside from wushu, Bryson has a curiosity for exploring new cultures and food. He enjoys trying different types of cuisine and immersing himself in different cultural experiences. Bryson also has a love for music and enjoys listening to various genres.
Bryson's dedication and hard work extend beyond his personal pursuits. He is a role model to many and strives to give back to his community. Bryson joined REACH wushu aiming to help provide opportunities for children to learn wushu and the valuable lessons and virtues it teaches.
West Springfield High School
bzsmith2022@gmail.com
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