Today we’d like to introduce you to Sang Han.
Hi Sang, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Master Han’s Journey: From Despair to Healing and Legacy
Master Han has dedicated his life to mind-body disciplines, beginning martial arts in 1974 and earning a 7th Dan Black Belt from Kukkiwon. His search for inner harmony became critical in 1995, when a sudden health crisis left him with severe fatigue, chest pressure, and fear of death. When Western medicine failed, he turned to Tai Chi—and found healing.
In 1999, he met Grand Master Byung Joo Choi, founder of the Golden Rishi Academy in Korea, who became his mentor and guided his recovery through Qigong. A mountain hike with Grand Master Choi became a turning point—where he felt healing for the first time.
After immigrating to the U.S. in 2000, Master Han opened a Tai Chi and Qigong school in Chicago, later moving to San Diego. Though the journey was difficult, he remained committed to sharing what had saved him.
He honors two great teachers:
Grand Master Chen Xiao Xing, 19th-generation Chen Taijiquan lineage holder, under whom he is the first Korean American disciple.
Grand Master Byung Joo Choi, who asked Master Han to publish two important works:
Qigong Revolution: Core principles of Qigong
Sojucheon: Microcosmic Orbit meditation and the path of Seongmyeong Ssangsu (cultivating body and spirit)
Today, as President of Golden Rishi Academy USA, Master Han continues to teach globally, carrying forward the wisdom of authentic lineage and personal transformation.
“My journey began in pain, but it led me to purpose. Now I help others find their own path to healing.”
—Sang P. Han, President, Golden Rishi Academy USA
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Master Han’s journey has been filled with physical, mental, and spiritual trials.
The most defining hardship came in his mid-20s. Outwardly, he appeared healthy and was actively teaching martial arts. But one day, while taking a bath, he suddenly collapsed from intense chest pressure and difficulty breathing. From that moment, his health rapidly declined—his weight dropped from 90kg to 70kg, he could no longer exercise, and no treatment seemed to help. Both his body and spirit hit rock bottom.
In desperation, he turned to Tai Chi and Qigong. A major turning point came in 1999 when he met Grand Master Byung Joo Choi in Korea. Grand Master Choi’s training was strict and deeply internal—far from the fast results many seekers hoped for. But Master Han endured, and through steady practice, began to heal both physically and emotionally. This profound healing experience gave birth to a dream: to share this wisdom in the West.
In 2000, he immigrated to the United States with his wife and two young children. But more challenges awaited—language barriers, cultural isolation, and financial struggles. He opened a Tai Chi school, but students were few and the future uncertain. Still, he did not give up. He kept teaching the practice that had saved his life.
Gradually, people began to come. As they practiced, their own healing began. Slowly but surely, the ancient wisdom that Master Han had devoted his life to began taking root in the Western world.
We’ve been impressed with Golden Rishi Qigong & Tai Chi, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Academy is a San Diego-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving community health through Qigong and Taijiquan (Tai Chi) programs. We offer free community classes, affordable fee-based programs with sliding-scale options, specialized health-focused sessions, educational publications, and wellness seminars to promote physical mobility, mental clarity, and emotional balance for all ages and abilities. Known for accessibility, inclusivity, and evidence-based practices, we stand out by reinvesting all revenue into our mission. We’re proud of empowering thousands in San Diego to live healthier lives. Join us at [website] to experience these ancient healing arts.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
While many people recognize that our Golden Rishi Academy is dedicated to promoting health and wellness through Qigong and Tai Chi in San Diego, few know the deeper story of our vibrant community. Our students come from all walks of life—across cultures and generations, including seniors in their 90s—united in the pursuit of harmony in body, mind, and spirit through these ancient practices.
We regularly perform Tai Chi and Qigong demonstrations at local events such as SeaWorld and the Lunar New Year Festival in downtown San Diego, and we proudly hosted in World Tai Chi & Qigong Day (Last Saturday of April), connecting with practitioners across the globe. Through meditation and Tai Chi retreats held in Japan, Korea, Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Idyllwild, we support both the physical and spiritual growth of our members.
These experiences have revealed a powerful community need for wellness-based programming and inspired our founders to establish a nonprofit dedicated to making these timeless healing arts part of public health for all.
Pricing:
- Free 30min Tryout Lesson
- Free Hiking and meditation
- $45 per class
- $135/month for 1 class/week
- $185/month for 2 classes/week
Contact Info:
- Website: https://goldenrishi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golden_rishi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goldenrishimartialarts
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@goldenrishi
