Since age four sophomore Raymond Che has practiced several martial arts including tae kwon do, jiu jitsu and wing chun. He practices, competes and teaches at St. Louis Martial Arts Center.

Inspired by old martial arts movies and his 90 year-old grandfather’s study of tai chi, Che asked to take classes at a young age. He continued to study for many years and was finally offered a position to teach at his studio.

“Raymond was always wanting to help so the instructor picked him,” his mother Jing Wu said.

Although he’s involved with other sports, including FHN’s own tennis team, Che continues to help and teach between seasons, showing his students the work and drive needed to excel in the sport.

“It’s not just beating someone up,” Che said. “It’s about working to achieve your goal.”

Although Che is still learning, friends and family claim that he has been impacted by his studies and has learned the discipline and drive that martial arts is built on.

“He’s more determined as a person after doing tae kwon do,” sophomore Mike Ebert said.