10,000 Victories Team Shines at the Gold Mountain Tournament in San Francisco Chinatown

On May 23rd, the 10,000 Victories team traveled to San Francisco Chinatown to compete in the Gold Mountain Tournament — and everyone represented the school with great spirit, strong performances, and excellent sportsmanship.

For most of our team entered this year, this was their first experience competing in a martial arts tournament. Every one of them demonstrated tremendous courage, preparation, and enthusiasm.

Aya Ahn took Gold for her Lian Bu form. Gabi Nunan-Saah earned Silver, also for Lian Bu. And Marley Brandenburg won Gold for his Duan Da or Short Striking performance.

In the intermediate division, Darren Miyawaki competed with exceptional results — Gold for his Short Striking and Silver for his Earth Dragon Staff. And in a particularly meaningful moment, Louie Meinolf — a student of Sifu Joseph Vigneri, competing for the first time — earned Silver for his Mei Hua performance and Bronze for Pure Yang Sword.

Northern Shaolin instructor Joseph Vigneri, a Northern Shaolin black belt graduate of Sifu Scott Jensen, and Xingyi instructor Henry Geddes were on the floor throughout the day, supporting and cheering every competitor on. And our dedicated Qigong and Tai Chi practitioner Amy Rogers went a step further — volunteering as tournament staff, helping support the entire event from the inside.

That last detail is worth pausing on. Showing up to compete takes courage. Showing up to serve takes something else — a commitment to the health of the whole community, not just one’s own performance. Amy’s presence exemplified exactly that.

More than medals, the day reflected the deeper spirit of traditional martial arts. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, encouragement, friendship, and mutual respect. Competitors from many schools came together not only to showcase their skills, but also to connect, learn from one another, and strengthen the martial arts community.

This spirit reflects the principle of Wude — martial virtue — which teaches respect, humility, perseverance, and support for one another’s growth. Events like this remind us that martial arts are not only about individual achievement, but about helping everyone progress together.

We are proud of everyone who competed, everyone who supported, and everyone who showed up, for your courage and great spirit. 

Congratulations to Aya, Gabi, Marley, and Darren. And thank you to Joseph, Henry, and Amy for representing 10,000 Victories with such integrity.