"THE BATTLES do not measure a warrior's LEGACY WON, but by the lives touched and the WISDOM PASSED ON."

Dedication

This biography is dedicated to my beloved family, my devoted students, and all those who walk the path of martial arts with courage and humility.

To my mother—your unwavering strength and sacrifice were the roots from which my journey grew. Your lessons of resilience and kindness have been the guiding force in every step I take.

To my brothers and sisters—your support and companionship have been my foundation. Each of you played a role in shaping the person and the master I have become.

To my students—you are the living embodiment of the martial spirit. Your dedication fuels my desire to teach, and your success is the greatest testament to the power of perseverance.

To the masters who came before me—your wisdom, discipline, and guidance have left an indelible mark on my life. I honor your teachings and strive to carry forward the legacy of our art.

Dr. Mohamad Yasin Owadally

Phase 1 : Roots of Resilience – A Childhood Forged in Strength

"Strength is not inherited—it is built through the trials we endure and the values we uphold."

In the heart of Port Louis, Mauritius, where the rhythm of daily life blended with the spirit of community, a young Mohamad Yasin Owadally took his first steps into the world. Born into a family of nine, his early years were shaped by the warmth of familial bonds and the quiet strength of a mother who bore the weight of raising her children alone.

His father had departed before Yasin was even born, leaving his mother Rahima to shoulder the responsibility of providing for the family. Despite the financial hardships, she ensured that her children lacked nothing essential. Through her unwavering love and relentless work, she cultivated a home where values of kindness, discipline, and hard work flourished.

Yasin grew up in a modest environment, but he never felt deprived. “We may not have had the riches of others,” he recalls, “but we had everything that mattered—love, care, and a sense of belonging.” This grounding in gratitude and resilience would become the foundation for the strength he later brought to his martial pursuits.

In a household bustling with nine siblings five sisters and four brothers life was anything but quiet. Yet, amidst the clamor, Yasin found solace in his mother’s teachings and the moral lessons she imparted through her daily actions. Without formal education herself, she instilled in her children a wisdom that could not be taught in classrooms the wisdom of perseverance, humility, and the importance of choosing the right path.

These early experiences became the first lessons of his martial journey. Long before he stepped onto a training mat, he had already learned the value of endurance and the power of moral integrity. It was within these formative years that the seeds of his future in martial arts were sown—a future that would eventually extend far beyond the borders of Mauritius.

From an early age, Yasin realized that the path he chose would define his future. Surrounded by the temptations and distractions common in any neighborhood, he faced a pivotal decision: to follow a path of discipline or be led astray. At the age of eleven, he made a conscious choice to walk the road of integrity, driven by a sense of duty to his family and an innate desire to rise above circumstances.

Phase 2 : The First Strike – Awakening the Martial Spirit

"The first step on the path of mastery begins with the courage to rise and the will to endure."

In every warrior’s journey, there comes a moment that shapes destiny—a choice to rise above circumstance and walk a path of discipline and purpose. For Dr. Mohamad Yasin Owadally, that moment arrived in his teenage years. By then, he had already experienced the challenges of growing up without a father, yet he never allowed hardship to cloud his spirit. Instead, he found solace in the teachings of martial arts—a path that would soon become his life’s calling.

As he advanced through the ranks of Karate, earning his brown belt through tireless training, his passion only grew stronger. While others saw martial arts as a hobby, Yasin envisioned something more profound. During a casual conversation in college, a classmate asked him, “What do you plan to do with your future?” Without hesitation, he responded, “I want to make martial arts my profession.” It was more than just an ambition—it was a declaration of the path he would follow with unwavering dedication.

While his early lessons with Issa introduced him to martial arts, it was his encounter with Bhisma Teeluck that transformed his perspective forever. Bhisma Teeluck was no ordinary instructor. Trained under Chinese masters in the United Kingdom, he brought a level of authenticity and depth to Kung Fu that few could match.

As Yasin’s martial journey intensified, so did his responsibilities. Upon completing his education, he made a practical decision to join the —a career that demanded both mental resilience and physical endurance. Yet, even amidst the demands of his professional life, his commitment to martial arts never wavered.

In 1996, a defining moment arrived—an invitation to represent Mauritius in an international Wushu tournament held in China. The competition was fierce, with more than 16 countries participating. For Yasin, it was not just about winning—it was an opportunity to prove himself on the world stage and bring honor to his homeland.

With the teachings of his masters echoing in his heart, Yasin stepped into the arena. His performances in Nanchuan and Broad Sword forms captivated the judges, earning him two gold medals—a historic achievement for Mauritius. "Standing on that podium was not just my victory," he recalls, "It was the culmination of every lesson, every hardship, and every person who had guided me along the way."

 

Phase 3 : Trials of Discipline – Shaping a Warrior’s Path

"Discipline is not a restriction—it is the path to freedom and self-mastery."

By the late 1990s, Dr. Mohamad Yasin Owadally’s dedication to martial arts had evolved beyond personal ambition—it had become a way of life. Having earned prestigious accolades on the international stage, he understood that true mastery required more than just skill—it demanded discipline, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning.

His journey took a more profound turn as he sought to deepen his understanding of the ancient martial traditions. Determined to grow as both a practitioner and a teacher, Yasin immersed himself in the rigorous training methods of Kung Fu, Wushu, and Tai Chi under the guidance of some of China’s most renowned masters.

The long hours spent perfecting each movement were not easy. Every form, from the graceful arcs of Tai Chi to the explosive strikes of Sanda boxing, demanded relentless practice. Yet, for Yasin, these trials were not burdens—they were stepping stones. “The body grows stronger through hardship,” he often told his students, “but it is the mind and spirit that must endure for a lifetime.”

One of the most defining influences in Yasin’s advanced martial training was his relationship with Master Wang Junfa—a celebrated figure in Chinese martial arts and a recognized authority on Wushu and Tai Chi. Their connection began during one of Yasin’s visits to China, where Master Wang’s reputation preceded him as both a teacher and a martial arts performer.

Under Master Wang’s tutelage, Yasin gained access to techniques and philosophies rarely shared outside of China. "He taught me secrets of the art that only a few ever learn," Yasin recalls with reverence. These lessons expanded his capabilities and reinforced his belief that martial arts was not simply about physical prowess—it was about preserving a legacy rooted in wisdom and virtue.

 

In 2010, Yasin formalized his dedication by earning a diploma in Chinese sports coaching from Shandong University. This marked a new chapter—not only as a martial artist but as an educator committed to nurturing the next generation of warriors.

 

He recalls one particularly dedicated student who arrived timid and uncertain. Through consistent training and mentorship, the young man not only mastered advanced techniques but went on to represent Mauritius in international competitions. "It is not just the medals," Yasin reflects, "It is seeing the transformation in their spirit—that is the real reward."

One of Yasin’s most profound contributions to martial history was his research on the lost tradition of Lee Tai Chi—an ancient style believed to have originated over 3,000 years ago. Through extensive study and written documentation, he provided evidence that led to the World Tai Chi Federation officially recognizing Lee Tai Chi as an authentic and valuable school of practice.

"Karate is not about being better than someone else; it’s about being better than you were yesterday."

– Dr. Mohamad Yasin Owadally