On Sunday, October 11, 2015, White Dragon celebrated it’s 30 Year Anniversary at a banquet for 362 students, instructors, friends and family at Jasmine Chinese Restaurant. Grandmaster Doc-Fai Wong, all 10 of White Dragon’s Sifus, as well as several visiting Plum Blossom Federation Sifus were also in attendance. Remarks from White Dragon’s Founder, Master Nathan Fisher follow:

“Wow…..White Dragon is officially 30 years old! You know, 3 decades of existence for any organization is an incredible accomplishment. And, we have a lot to be proud of: like the fact that White Dragon is the oldest and largest group of schools in Grandmaster’s Plum Blossom International Federation. And, outside of Grandmaster’s Headquarters School, we’ve also produced the most high-ranking Sifus, the most black sash students, and the most instructors over those 30 years than any other school in the Federation.

But these achievements have definitely not come easily. In fact, it’s been very challenging at times. And we definitely would NOT still be here, if it weren’t for some very special people:

Firstly, White Dragon has a truly amazing staff of young men and women who dedicate themselves each and every week to transforming our students into great martial artists. Your time, your energy, and your patience help me and your Sifus build and sustain an organization that benefits thousands of people each year. You make it possible for traditional martial arts to flourish in an age where many such schools are closing. So, let me just say “thank you” on behalf of your students, your Sifus and Grandmaster for all that you do for the school.

Secondly, White Dragon has an absolutely incredible, amazing group of Sifus who work harder than any martial artists I’ve ever seen. Didn’t they do a fantastic performance for you the other night at the exhibition? You guys make it possible for students of all ages to learn our incredibly sophisticated system of martial arts. In you, lives the hope of a future where traditional martial arts flourish, because through your expertise and leadership you make our traditional system relevant to today’s generation of students. Without you, White Dragon simply would not exist. So, I want to thank you personally for all that you do for your students and for me. I couldn’t ask for a better adopted family than you!

Thirdly, I have to acknowledge the indispensable contribution of my teacher, who has supported White Dragon by working with me, and our staff and students, for 30 years. You continue to amaze us with the depth of your knowledge and the depth of your caring for our students. All these years, you’ve been coming to San Diego to share your expertise with us, and we will not let you down. In the years ahead, you will see even more students practicing the martial arts you love. And together, we will build a lasting legacy of improving people’s lives with the valuable lessons you’ve taught us.

I also want to thank our great students, some of whom have been training at White Dragon for decades. People like Mr. and Mrs. the Spear, who’ve been training in the La Mesa since 1993, or Cassandra Wong with us since 1990. Or Joe Vasconcellos, training in Clairemont since 1990, or Kendrick Eaton, with us since 2000. There are so many more who are here tonight, that have practiced with us for more than a decade. Your support has afforded us the time to live our lives as martial artists and as teachers focused on helping others. In my opinion, there is no better life to live. So, thank you for your continued support of the work that we do. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together over the next 30 years.

Finally, I want to give thanks to the community in which we’ve made our home. The people of San Diego have allowed us to prosper and grow through good and bad times, and yet too many of the people who live here go without the bare necessities of food and shelter. So, in an effort to tackle this ever growing problem, this year White Dragon began donating a portion of all special event proceeds to the San Diego Rescue Mission, an organization that’s been serving the homeless here in San Diego for the past 60 years. So far this year, with your help, we’ve been able to raise a total of $10,300 to further this great cause.

So, this evening I am pleased to present a check for $4850 to the Rescue Mission’s Director of Community Events, Mr. Ryan Chambers. Let’s give him a warm welcome…

Now, before we start the feast, I just want to mention one more person who’s done an awesome job for the school over the past few years. He’s been training with Tai Sifu Tittle for over 10 years now. And, he’s been a key part of the team that built White Dragon Chula Vista into the largest school in our organization. To recognize all this exemplary work, it is my great pleasure to officially promote him to the level of Assistant Chief Instructor of the Chula Vista school. Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in congratulating, Mr. Galih Bimaputra. Congratulations Mr. Bimaputra!”