Celebrating Vitality Martial Arts’ Newest Master
On April 12, 2025, at the UMKS Regional Martial Arts Invitational in Woodside, California, Tiffany Bunn was officially promoted to 5th Dahn, earning the title of Tae Baek Kwan Jahng Nim—a recognition of both skill and spirit. With over 28 years of dedication to the martial arts, her journey is nothing short of inspiring. Today, we’re honored to sit down with Master Tiffany and learn more about her path, her challenges, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
How long have you been training in martial arts?
I’ve been training for 28 years.
What motivated you to start training in martial arts? And what keeps you motivated today?
When I was 19, my knees were dislocating once a month. My doctor advised against surgery due to my age and recommended finding an activity to strengthen the muscles around my knees. At the time, my boyfriend—now my husband—was heavily involved in martial arts, and I was around it quite a bit. I decided to give it a try and instantly fell in love with the way it made me feel.
That feeling has never gone away. It’s what keeps me motivated to continue practicing to this day.
What challenges did you face on your journey to Master, and how did you overcome them?
Martial arts has always been a source of strength for me—physically and mentally. While it helped improve my knee health over time, the greatest challenge came in 2018 when I was diagnosed with Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome. At one point, I couldn’t walk without crutches or a wheelchair.
Faced with the option of relying on a spinal cord stimulator or undergoing surgery with no guaranteed results, I chose surgery. It wasn’t an easy path. Recovery was slow and full of doubt, pain, and frustration. But I wasn’t alone—my husband, family, friends, and students lifted me up at every step. They encouraged me to do what I could, when I could, and to celebrate the small victories.
Eventually, I not only walked again—I returned to martial arts. Every stance and movement became a symbol of resilience. Martial arts wasn’t just part of my healing—it was the vehicle for my recovery. This journey has deepened my understanding of perseverance, community, and inner strength.
Challenges don’t define us—our determination to rise above them does.
What advice do you have for aspiring martial artists?
Martial arts is more than learning how to punch or kick—it’s a journey of growth, empowerment, and self-discovery. Starting can feel intimidating, but once you step on the mat, you become part of a community that supports and challenges you.
Martial arts builds confidence, resilience, and a mindset that will serve you in every area of your life. If you’re thinking about trying it—don’t overthink it. Just start. You may be surprised at how far it takes you and how much it transforms you along the way.
How has martial arts impacted your life outside of the dojang?
It’s shaped who I am. Martial arts has given me the confidence to face obstacles head-on, the patience to navigate challenges with grace, and the humility to keep learning.
Most importantly, it’s instilled in me a commitment to building up others. The dojang is more than a place to train—it’s a place that creates leaders and uplifts people. That philosophy guides how I lead in life, support my students, and interact with my community. Martial arts isn’t just something I do—it’s part of who I am.
What does this promotion to Master mean to you personally?
Advancing to the master level is an honor that fills me with gratitude, excitement, and a deep sense of purpose. It represents decades of dedication, perseverance, and the incredible support of my instructors, peers, and students.
But more than that, it comes with a responsibility—to grow, to lead, and to give back. I’m excited for the new challenges ahead because I know they will continue to refine me as both a martial artist and a person.
Becoming a master isn’t the end of the journey—it’s the next chapter in a lifelong pursuit of excellence. I’m ready to keep learning, keep evolving, and keep sharing this incredible art with others.
Stay tuned for more spotlights on the incredible individuals who make up the heart of Vitality Martial Arts. Congratulations again to Master Tiffany Bunn, Tae Baek Kwan Jahng Nim—your story inspires us all.