ImageAll good things come to those who wait. Just ask Jennifer Tjiong, who waited more than 30 years to realize her dream of studying martial arts.

As a child growing up in Manila, Philippines, Tjiong had more than just a passing fascination with kung-fu.

"Two of my favorite pastimes were dancing and watching kung-fu movies," she recalls. "Martial arts in some ways are similar to dance. 'Enter the Dragon' was my favorite movie and I remember watching it six times in one day. I was so impressed by Bruce Lee and his amazing moves. I wanted to be able to fight just like him."

The fighting would have to wait-until she grew up, until she came to the United States and until the birth of her second child. When son Jared was born in 1999, Jennifer wondered what she could do to shed some of the weight associated with the pregnancy. She thought about martial arts, but wondered if the opportunity to train had passed her by.

"I was determined to realize my dream of learning martial arts," she admits, "but as a late bloomer I was not sure how my body would take to the training." Once she started the Korean art of tae kwon do, however, all doubts were kicked aside.

"It was a great feeling becoming stronger and developing new skills," noted Tjiong, who now lives in New Jersey.

"In addition to staying in shape, I am always looking for ways to improve my knowledge and technique."

Tjiong quickly made up for lost time. Now a third-degree black belt in tae kwon do and a certified instructor with the World Taekwondo Federation, Jennifer is proving dreams have a way of becoming reality if you want it bad enough. The 5-foot-5, 125-pound beauty has found martial arts success beyond her wildest dreams. Training four to five days a week, Tjiong has transformed herself into one of America's top female martial artists.

Among her competitive achievements are four gold medals at the New Jersey State Taekwondo Championships; a gold, bronze and silver at the U.S. Taekwondo Nationals; and golds at the Garden State Cup and Big East Taekwondo Championships. Competing was never her reason for training, but she acquiesced when one of her masters suggested she was ready.

Image"I had quite a few butterflies in my stomach at my first competition-especially with my master watching," she recalls. "Although I was thrilled to win a gold medal in forms, what touched me even more was seeing a 70-year-old man compete and also win a gold medal. I thought to myself, 'Martial arts truly are for everyone.' "

For Tjiong, recently named Mrs. Philippines USA 2006 by the Federation of Philippine Societies, winning has always been secondary to the experience. "When I stepped onto the floor I became focused on what I needed to do to make my master proud," notes Jennifer, who competes in both forms and fighting. "I loved the adrenaline rush."

Despite success in the "gi" competitive arena, Tjiong was now on a martial arts journey. She turned her attention to kung-fu and soon became a national presence, picking up two gold medals at the USA Wushu/Kungfu Nationals and a gold and bronze at the U.S. International Kuoshu Championships.

"I am always looking for new ways to challenge and better myself," she explains. "Competing in different styles of martial arts and seeing how other people train fascinates me. Each art has its own unique style and strengths. Every competition is a tremendous learning experience."

At a time when most are turning to less-strenuous pursuits, Tjiong feels her martial arts life is just beginning.

"Martial arts is a lifetime of learning," she maintains. "There is so much more to learn and understand. Studying the arts of tae kwon do, hung gar, shaolin kung-fu and shotokan karate has broadened my knowledge and made me understand the importance of keeping an open mind to appreciate the best that each style has to offer."

Seems like the wait was well worth it.
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Name: Jennifer B. Tjiong
Birthdate: Feb. 21, 1967
Birthplace: Manila, Philippines
Current Residence: Denville, N.J.
Height: 5-5
Weight: 125
Education: New York University
Siblings: Laurence and Melinda
Started Martial Arts: 1998
Styles: Tae kwon do, Hung Gar Kung-Fu, Shaolin Kung-Fu, Shotokan Karate
Instructors: Master Jay Koh, Sifu Bill Fong, Shifu Zhang Li Peng, Kusnadi Sensei
Rank: 3rd-Degree Black Belt (TKD)/WTF Certified Instructor
Achievements (2001-2005): NJ State TKD Championships - 4 gold medals; US TKD Nationals - gold, silver, bronze; Garden State Cup TKD Championships - gold; Big East TKD Championships - gold; USA Wushu/Kung Fu Nationals - 2 gold medals; U.S. International Kuoshu Championships - gold, bronze
Facts: Nominated Mrs. Philippines USA 2006 by the Federation of Philippine Societies (N.J.). "In this role, I actively help to raise funds for needy children in the Philippines." She'll play the role of an assassin sword specialist in an upcoming martial arts movie.
10 Years from Now: "I hope my children, Janel (10) and Jared (7), will carry on my passion for the practice and philosophy of martial arts."
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