Help Ashton and Arnie Represent Team USA

Hello, my name is Rieko, Ashton and Arnie’s mother.

I have 3 sons and all of them love Wushu. My older sons Ashton and Augustin have been doing wushu for 11 years and Arnie for 5 years. Especially this year they have been working extra hard. We made a big decision to leave Wushu school they have been training for many years to pursue their dream to make it to the national junior team. As a result, they lost friends to train together and an environment with mats and carpet, it was mentally hard for them, but they worked hard with their coach. We can only afford once-a-week training with the coach, and the rest of the days depend on self-training. Ashton, who is a high schooler, went to the open gym after school. Two younger sons practiced in front of the house or nearby park every day, and Ashton or one of their parents watched them. In the past few years, competition costs have risen high and it hits us even harder financially. To add to the situation, I had a car accident at the beginning of the year. I have been receiving various treatments but I still have days that I feel pain whether sitting or standing, and I can only take painkillers and lay down on days like that. I used to make crafts and sell them at festivals, but now my back and neck injuries give me a hard time working on crafts. My husband is trying hard to increase household income, but supporting 3 kids isn’t easy. Although they have been working hard to get into the team, it was unexpected that two of my sons have the honor to compete in the world championships. My kids understand our financial situation very well. They know only one parent can accompany them on their trip to the world championships while Augustin and the other will stay home and send cheers through the live stream the international wushu federation may have. But we want them to compete fully without worrying about our financial status.

Any amount will help us. Even if you can’t, please share, so that this sports get more recognition and more kids will join this sport, then the federation will have enough funds, and future athletes can benefit from it.

Thank you so much for your kind support.

Please also read the messages from Ashton and Arnie below:

What is Wushu?

Wushu is a dynamic and intricate type of Kung Fu, a Chinese martial art, that has evolved over many years. It includes acrobatics tricks, complex routines, and various moves. Famous actors like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li have all helped make this martial art more popular through their movies.

Ashton's Story

Ashton Yim, currently in the Junior Wushu Team and the Adult Wushu Team, has started ever since the age of 5. With 11 years of dedication, passion, and drive to compete in high-level international competitions, Ashton has made half of his wish true by making the U.S. Wushu Teams. However, due to the cost of travel, hotel, and competition fees, the reality of competing in these international competitions is slim.

Arnie's Story

Following the footsteps of his brothers, Arnie started at the age of 3. Joining his first Junior Team Trials, he wasn't able to make it into the team but learned his mistakes and strived for his next Junior Team Trials. With his determination throughout his training, he was able to make it to the USA Junior Wushu Team. However, similar to his older brother, the reality of competing in this competition would be costly and financially difficult.

We Need Your Help

Despite financial challenges, we are completely dedicated to winning and bringing back the medal for the USA. Without extra support, it'll be hard for us to fulfill our dream of representing Team USA. Because this trip is costly, any help you can give, no matter how small, will mean a lot to us. Thank you!