Biography

• A First Generation Disciple of Grandmaster Richard Lee. Disciple Name: Li Zhi Qin
• A Richard Lee 1st Degree Black Belt
• 2nd Tuan (Black Sash) under The World Kuo Shu Federation.
• International “A” Referee under The World Kuo Shu Federation.
• Represented the United States as an International Referee:

  2015 – 5th TWKSF World Kuo Shu Championships – Argentina

  2012 – 4th TWKSF World Kuo Shu Championships – Malaysia

• Represented the United States in International and World Forms and Weapons Competition:

  2012 – 4th TWKSF World Kuo Shu Championships – Malaysia

  2009 – 3rd TWKSF World Kuo Shu Championships – Germany

  2006 – 2nd TWKSF World Kuo Shu Championships – Singapore

  2003 – European Kuo Shu Championships, United Kingdom

  2003 – European Kuo Shu Championships, Germany

• Represented Richard Lee’s West Coast Team in International Competition:

  2011 – International Kuo Shu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2010 – International Kuo Shu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2009 – International Kuo Shu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2008 – International Kuo Shu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2007 – International Kuo Shu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2006 – International Kuo Shu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2005 – International Kuo Shu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2004 – International Kuo Shu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2003 – International Kuo Shu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2002 – International Kuo Shu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2001 – International Kuo Shu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2001 – United States Open Kuo Shu Championships, San Francisco, CA.

  2000 – International Kuo Shu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

• East-West Kung Fu Schools Black Belt of the Year – 2011
• Inducted into the Bok Fu Do Hall of Fame – 2009
• Inducted into the Order of the Cobra – 2009
• President’s List member Since 2000
• East-West Kung Fu Schools Instructor of the Year – 2004 and 2008
• Exceptional Dedication Award – 2006
• Years of Experience: 17

Jennie Mitchell began her martial arts training in 1998. Looking for something more challenging than aerobics, something more involved than standard gym fare and wanting some basic skills in order to defend herself if needed, Ms. Mitchell searched for a martial arts school. What she found was a home. She started the Top Gun Instructor Training program two and a half months after she started lessons at East West and never looked back. Her perseverance and determination in the subject were rewarded when she become the oldest woman ever earn a Black Belt in Bok Fu Do in 2009. Her example has set an unprecedented trend, paving the way for an entire generation of older students looking to do the same. Says Master Newman, “She was the first student that I took from the first five lessons all the way through black belt. We have spent many years together and she has always been extremely dedicated and hardworking.”

Says Master Buckley, “Mitchell is a giver not a taker; a real doer. No matter what the task, we can always count on Mitchell. She’s a special lady and a huge part of our organization.”

In 2012, Ms. Mitchell was chosen to be a disciple under Grandmaster Richard Lee. She has represented Richard Lee’s West Coast Team at the International Kuoshu Championships and the United States on both an international and world level.

Some words from Ms. Mitchell:

I recall Grandmaster Lee telling me on my 4th introductory lesson that he hoped I would never have to use my martial arts. As it turns out I haven’t had to use the physical aspects of Bok Fu Do – but there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t use the mental strength, perseverance and iron will determination that’s developed along the path to Black Belt.

And achieving a Black Belt at East West isn’t the final destination, it’s merely the launching pad for so much more. If I had to sum up the ongoing journey in one word – it would be “discovery.” The discovery comes from within about your hopes, your fears, your dreams and the realization that limitations are usually self made. Having challenged those limitations and succeeding, I continue to set high expectations for myself, with the full understanding that I can and will obtain whatever goal I set. That’s a very powerful realization, hard fought and not easily gained, but one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received.

So I say thank you, thank you to my teacher, my Master and my Grandmaster for not only helping me reach my goal of Black Belt, but more importantly, living a Black Belt life every day.