One Thousand Gurus Podcast

#24: Jessica Kwong - Journey to Team USA Karate, Self-Talk, and Choosing Your Environment Wisely

J.R. Yonocruz Season 3 Episode 4

Dr. Jessica Kwong shares her inspiring journey from karate to physical therapy and dance. Her story highlights resilience, passion, and self-discovery.

- Background in karate since age 5 
- Transition from athlete to physical therapist 
- Experiences with injuries and rehabilitation 
- Dance as a form of self-expression 
- The importance of community support and mentorship 
- Resilience in overcoming setbacks 
- Insights on self-advocacy and chasing passions 
- Finding joy in multiple interests 
- Life lessons from mentors and experiences

Jessi encourages everyone to pursue what makes them happy and to chase their dreams without regret.

Guest bio:
Dr. Jessica Kwong is a physical therapist, team USA Karate athlete, and kpop cover dancer. Jessica has been practicing karate since she was five years old, and took her hobby to an international level since the age of 15. As a USA representative, she has been able to travel the world, experience different cultures and compete against the world’s best. Through injuries sustained from sport, she found her passion for physical therapy and the rehabilitation process. After graduating with her doctorate from USC, she works in the outpatient orthopedic setting. She treats a wide range of patients, and continues to compete internationally as a USA karate athlete. When she’s not in the clinic or on the tatami, she finds joy in doing kpop dance covers with friends, former teammates of Koreos UCLA, and other dance teams of the kpop dance community. Jessica is blessed to lead a life where she can pursuing her passions and what brings her happiness.

Links/resources:



One Thousand Gurus Podcast:
Everyone has a compelling story to tell with insights we can all be inspired by. J.R. Yonocruz is a self-improvement blogger, relationship coach, and serial hobbyist with a passion for learning. He interviews unique guests from various fields to distill the strategies, habits, and mindsets we can use in our own lives. Each “guru” has a chance to give the audience a peek into a new world.

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Email: onethousandgurus@gmail.com

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