Full name:
William Kwok
Degree/Graduating Year:
DCE ALM '07
Location:
New York, NY
Position on HAEd:
HAEd New York Co-Chair
Current role or job:
President of Martial Arts Education Society;
Headmaster of Gotham Martial Arts School
3 Fun Facts:
My only sibling is 14 years younger than I am.
Since I don’t drink alcohol, my “happy hours” include academic studies, martial arts teaching, and my family time.
I photograph myself in the same martial arts kicking pose at different world landmarks.
Why did you join HAEd?
I have always had a passion for education. My father was a professor of physical education so I spent most of my childhood on a college campus. In recent years, I started a non-profit organization called Martial Arts Education Society with the mission of “bringing self-discipline and hope back to our communities.” I also began taking graduate courses in education and designed a martial arts-inspired social-emotional learning (SEL) program named Martial Mind for elementary schools. Since I do not have prior experience working in K-12 education, HAEd provides a great channel for me to meet and work with alumni who also have a passion for improving education. Being part of the HAEd team has been an enjoyable learning experience.
What do you hope to achieve through HAEd?
Today, our children live in a fast-paced, accessible world due to the wonders of modern technology and the influence of social media. Many tend to focus heavily on a fast-track lifestyle and instant gratification. I hope the elite group of educators at HAEd will act as a conduit to improve and expand Martial Mind. As a positive outcome of this program, we hope that children will become more focused, self-disciplined, and respectful of others. With a sound mind and healthy body, children will have better social-emotional skills to navigate this complicated world.
How did you get involved in education?
My first official position as an educator was to serve as an adjunct professor in business studies. This experience motivated me to become a professional martial arts educator in 2007. However, my passion for education stemmed from Sir Ken Robinson’s insightful TED talks and books in the last few years. I find his background as an arts educator quite interesting. As Sir Robinson depicts in his book Creative Schools, art education and physical education have been overlooked and have a lower status in mainstream academia. As a martial arts educator and the son of a physical education professor, I hope to learn more about the educational system and contribute to the system in a meaningful way. Sir Robinson’s work has motivated me to pursue graduate studies in education and evolve martial arts education. It is proven that martial arts education can benefit both children and adults in many different ways including critical thinking, perseverance, and physical health. It could be an added value to the balanced curriculum Sir Robinson presented in Creative Schools.
What is something that inspires you?
Teaching is the highest form of learning! The growth of my students enriches my life. Their improvement, physically and mentally, inspires me to become a better educator. Their curiosity always challenges me and makes me reflect and refine my own practice. As a mentor, I delight in witnessing the evolution of children and young adults as they become more responsible and respectful members of their communities. Their hard work, discipline, and confidence will serve as an example to others.
What is the most memorable experience you remember from your time at Harvard?
My research experience with my thesis director, the late Professor Philip Kuhn, was the hallmark of my time at Harvard. His unflagging enthusiasm, bountiful insights, and continuous encouragement made this process a cherished experience. His mentorship enabled me to cultivate a “black belt” attitude towards my research. He set me on a path of what it means to be a scholar. I will always remember Professor Kuhn as a man of generosity, courtesy, and integrity.
What advice do you have for other Harvard alumni?
Be bold, be innovative, be persistent, and flexible! Don’t be afraid of criticism. This simple formula has served me well in my life and that of my students. Behind all success, there is an incredible amount of hard work, perseverance, and belief in the goals that we set. Harvard is one big intellectual ecosystem. We are always here to support one another and serve as a beacon of innovation to the educational community.