Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Howard.
Hi Ryan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It’s officially our 25th Anniversary!!! In the year 2000, I began teaching Shaolin-Do at a small dance studio in San Antonio (off Vance Jackson & 410). About seven months later (the first 3 months I only had one student) we signed the lease to a small space on the corner of Nacogdoches Rd. and Thousand Oaks.
I was still living in Austin and attending Southwest Texas University in San Marcos. The days were long. Waking up at 5:00am to get to my first class in San Marcos and then arriving home in Austin at about 12 midnight after teaching evening Shaolin-Do classes in San Antonio, while still attending weekly Shaolin-Do classes with my teacher in Austin.
I did this six days per week for almost 3 years.
In 2002 I graduated from Southwest Texas with a degree in Criminal Justice. I had planned on using my degree to become a State Game Warden. However, by the time I graduated, the school had grown and I decided to make teaching martial arts my full-time career. BEST decision I ever made!
In addition to teaching thousands of students over the years, I’ve also had the opportunity and privilege to teach Tai Chi to the San Antonio Spurs, use of force tactics to the US Border Patrol and tai chi to hundreds of veterans with the Wounded Warrior Project.
From our first students to our newest, we are honored to have been part of your journey in self-discipline, strength, and personal growth. We’ve trained thousands of students, forged lifelong friendships, and built a community rooted in respect, perseverance, and the martial spirit. None of this would be possible without our dedicated students, families, and instructors who make South Texas Kung Fu & Tai Chi more than just a school—it’s a family
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When COVID hit in 2020, the city shut down gyms and martial arts schools, forcing us to adapt quickly. We immediately transitioned to online classes, with hundreds of students joining Zoom sessions each week to train with our instructors. Through perseverance and dedication, we gradually overcame the challenges and returned to in-person training.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about South Texas Kung Fu & Tai Chi?
We’ve been changing people’s lives in San Antonio for 25 years using Kung Fu & Tai Chi. The atmosphere at our school is one of camaraderie & support. The result is a friendly environment with supportive people working enthusiastically toward common goals.
Our Adult Kung Fu path builds personal confidence that comes from instinctual self-defense skills. It awakens your mental discipline and a can-do mental attitude all while feeling healthier and happier.
Our Tai Chi program is a healthy way to get into the best shape of your life (physically & mentally). It’s the perfect blend of gentle movement, mindfulness, and relaxation.
Our KIds Kung Fu program is designed to keep children engaged for the long term, teaching them not only martial arts but also the valuable life lessons of perseverance and commitment to achieving meaningful goals.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I believe luck plays a significant role, but I was taught from a young age that hard work creates luck.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southtexaskungfu.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanantoniokungfutaichi/
