Twenty Years as Owner and Head Instructor
Sigung’s Corner
by Sigung David Moylan
Fu For You Fall 2026
Last newsletter, I wrote about the legacy of our Academy founder in Twenty Years Honouring the Memory of Our Founder, Sigung Bob Schneider. Now I reflect on my own path. September 6th marks my 20th year as owner and Head Instructor.
Although this is the Fall newsletter, I am writing in the summer from beautiful Otty Lake in the Tay Valley. I recently finished a biography of John Muir, Scottish-born American naturalist that advocated for the preservation of wilderness, including Yosemite Valley. I’m fond of this quote, which captures the essence of his work:
“And into the forest I go to lose my self and find my soul.”
As I sit by this forested lake, I think back to the summer 20 years prior. Patti-Lynn and I were on a portaging canoe trip through Algonquin; an ideal setting to let thoughts settle and to contemplate whether I wanted to leave my employer and take on a new life running the Academy.
I was 27. After successfully passing the national exam and articling requirements to become a Chartered Accountant, I had just been promoted to manager at Deloitte. Changing careers was a major life decision. Ultimately, I concluded that I would forever regret not taking a chance on becoming Head Instructor.
This role certainly is a more modest lifestyle than I would be experiencing as a seasoned accountant, but it provides many intangibles for which I am grateful. I’ve lived in the KW community my entire life and I truly love the people in it. Owning a small business gives a special opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of organizations and individuals. In many ways, the Academy is a microcosm of the larger community.
The sense of community was felt at our recent lion dance performances in downtown Kitchener supporting the BIA’s Far East Asian Night Market. This was our third year being a part of this wonderful local summer event that sees over 10,000 people over the course of the afternoon and evening! I was able to drum and dance at the event along with our energetic Lion Dance Team. The day gives me a chance to chat with past and present families of the Academy and the community at large. It’s a very joyful experience.
A lot of change happens over 20 years. Another profound aspect of my role is watching our students flourish. I get to see the children of the Academy grow into leaders. For example, Sifu Anne and Sifu Sarah, who both started with the Academy at a very young age, just celebrated ten years running our very popular summer camps. Congratulations! They went from attending camps, to evolving them, to mentoring a new generation. This is a wonderfully satisfying cycle to witness!
I negotiated with our new landlord through the winter and spring and was able to secure a new lease for our Academy. This was another pivotal moment for my family and I, and we are once again excited about the future of growth that lies ahead for the students, families and instructors!
