Li Yi instructs students during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. Li Yi, a former martial arts athlete, is now a coach for kids at E.M.M. school in Macao. She is devoted to passing on the martial arts spirit and her excellent skills to the next generation.
Li started practicing martial arts when she was 8 years old. On Sept. 25, 2023, she won the gold medal in the women's changquan competition at the Asian Games in Hangzhou. In January this year, she was among the awardees when the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) honored individuals and entities for their achievements, outstanding contributions to the SAR and distinguished services.
Although retired, she never left sports and martial arts. As a martial arts coach, she filled her life with great passions for teaching. In her class, she instructs primary school students in basic skills, such as forward kick, outside swing, side somersault, and the back handspring.
"Children learning martial arts are often highly disciplined, strong-willed, and have high execution efficiency," said Li, "I feel a great sense of accomplishment teaching them." (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
This file photo shows Ho Iat Seng (L), chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), shaking hands with Li Yi as she is awarded an honorary medal in Macao, south China, Jan. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
Li Yi instructs a student during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi instructs a student during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi instructs a student during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi instructs a student during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi instructs students during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi demonstrates martial arts motions for a student at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi corrects a move for a student during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi instructs students during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi instructs a student during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi instructs a student during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi corrects a motion for a student during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi instructs a student during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi instructs students during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi instructs students during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi instructs a student during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi and students greet each other before practicing martial arts at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi corrects a motion for a student during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi demonstrates martial arts motions for students at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi instructs a student during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi corrects a motion for a student during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi corrects a motion for a student during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi instructs a student during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi instructs students during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Li Yi instructs students during an after-school martial arts class at a school in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
