Thomas Allison has all the tools to set you on a path of success. And so do you… Your body. Find out more here…
What’s your story?
Despite graduating with a major in Marketing and Management from Winchester University in the United Kingdom, I was more intrigued about health and fitness after working in a children’s gym for 5 years promoting health, fitness and wellbeing.
After coming to Hong Kong in early 2006 I was keen to get back to Wing Chun training. I came across Sifu Nima King who invited me to try the Chu Shong Tin system of Wing Chun. I was blown away by the system’s economical use of the body’s muscular activity.
Having been a keen long distance runner for many years, often running half marathons as an after work jog, and being involved with charity swims and the like, I was intrigued at how Wing Chun, a martial art, could help with muscle fatigue and maintaining the body’s structural integrity. Adopting these movement patterns in sporting activities and everyday life has kept me motivated to learn more and pass on that knowledge to others.
What excites you most about your industry?
The possibilities. Sharing knowledge with others so as to better our own lives and the lives of those around us. Being closely involved with other likeminded companies, emphasising the importance of working on oneself to contribute more to our society and the planet as a whole.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I moved here in 2006 with an adventurous attitude. To seek out new places, people and experiences. Hong Kong seemed like an excellent gateway to Asia and I was proved right.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Hong Kong tops the list! Such great opportunities to network with a wide variety of people from a myriad of industries. Hong Kong is so convenient and in terms of what we do, we are in Wing Chun heaven!
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Always be open to experiences, embrace change and go with the flow.
Who inspires you?
Stephen Hawkins. Never seems to give up on what he loves. He has had relentless motivation towards that which intrigues him.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
Human beings are made of 99.9999% space. If you took away all the space the human population could fit inside a sugar cube.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
If I had done something differently maybe I would not be where I am today, knowing the people I know and doing the things I do.
How do you unwind?
Swimming truly helps me to unwind. The body feels open and relaxed, and the mind so calm and spacious after a swim.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Would have to be Thailand. So close to Hong Kong for shorts trips, awesome food, interesting culture and some great diving spots.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill. Some great tools to get the mindset of someone who is successful. Not just in terms of money; positive, honest, can do attitudes with the correct intent can get you very far. Napoleon Hill studied great business people for many years and presents his findings in this book.
Shameless plug for your business:
Mindful Wing Chun also offers great tools to set you on a path of success. Positive, relaxed and focused messages to maintain balance in mind, body and life.
The Chu Shong Tin lineage of WIng Chun emphasises creating power through relaxation. It seems a little counterintuitive in relation to martial arts, but through relaxation we learn how to unify our body parts and move from our centre of mass. This means that a small person, fully able to move their mass as one, can overcome someone seemingly stronger than them. This way of economical movement can be used in all activities, even simple examples like picking up your children or carrying your shopping. Using the mass of our bodies as support rather than excessive muscular force. Many health benefits can be gained from this type of training, such as better posture, less pain and tension in the body and more control of something many of us are not in touch with…our bodies.
How can people connect with you?
Facebook, Linkedin, through the website and of course visiting the club.
Address: 8/F On Lan Center, 11-15 On Lan st, Central, Hong Kong
Phone: (852) 6620 7050
Website: www.mindfulwingchun.com.hk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mindfulwingchun
Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCiYQrjtMgfJFYabJy0wY8nA
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
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