Local karate school remembering former martial artist, actor Stuart Quan while expanding teaching

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- The martial arts are alive and well inside a new studio-- Bushido Kai Karate Do in Clovis. Students are taught by veteran instructor and owner Shannon Wong.

"What do you call it-- a karate nerd, a martial arts nerd? I'm no master by any means I'm just a guy that has passion."

Wong's passion started at a young age, but grew when he met Fresno native martial artist and Hollywood actor Stuart Quan, who became his mentor. Inside the studio, a picture of him hangs above the students.

Quan passed away in 2006, a great loss to Wong who made it his mission to carry on his legacy.

"I think I carry a lot of his lessons with me every day. Most of our students don't know they've never met him; he passed away 11 years ago. Hopefully my take as a student of Quan is passing on through them."

Recently Wong moved from Northwest Fresno to a new location in Clovis at Willow and Nees to be closer to students. He has also taken on new offerings like Kickboxing and Machida Karate.

"There's one thing I learned from Stuart Quan is evolving and always change with the times, continuing to learn, don't be set in your ways-- so that's one thing I've learned that's helped me and to start delving into other styles."

Wong said karate has helped him heal and he knows the art can be life changing for students of all ages.

"Focus, concentration, and discipline-- I'm trying not to just raise martial artists, I'm trying to raise leaders."

Bushido Kai Karate is hoping with their new location and growing interest in karate they will be able reach even more students.