Tan Jun Beng

Tan Jun Beng is a prominent Singaporean Wushu figure who has achieved significant success as an athlete, coach, and advocate for the sport, contributing to its growth and development in Singapore.

Tan Jun Beng 陈俊铭
Beng with his wife
Born	31 July 1984 Singapore
Citizenship	Singapore
Education	Boon Keng Primary School Manjusri Secondary School
Alma mater	Singapore Polytechnic (School of Mechanical Engineering)
Spouse	Thor Dianna
Children	Leah Delilah Tan
Father	Grand Master Tan Eng Hock

Early life and education

Tan Jun Beng was born into a martial arts family. His father, Grand Master Tan Eng Hock, founded the Shaolin Hood Sun Thong (少林佛山堂), a Traditional Shaolin Martial Arts and Lion Dance Club in Geylang in 1968. Initially, his father did not want him to practice martial arts, fearing that his energetic nature would lead to trouble. However, due to concerns over Jun Beng's academic performance, his father eventually allowed him to start martial arts training at the age of 8, hoping he would gain useful skills and possibly inherit the family martial arts school.

Notable Early Influences: His father, Grand Master Tan Eng Hock, and martial arts star Jet Li were major influences during his formative years.

Career

Tan Jun Beng began his career as a freelance and part-time instructor at Wufang Singapore Pte Ltd during his Polytechnic years (2001-2003). After completing his National Service, he joined Wufang full-time from 2005 to 2012. In 2012, he founded **Xuan Sports**, which was later incorporated as **Xuan Sports and Wellness Pte Ltd** in 2018. The company was officially registered for GST in March 2023.

Achievements Wushu Competition

Tan Jun Beng with Wife and Daughter

• Won four gold medals in the 1996 National Wushu Championship at the age of 12. 
• Multiple national and international gold medals. 
• Represented Singapore in the SEA Games (2001, 2003) and the Asian Games (Busan, 2002). 
• Won a bronze medal in Broadsword at the 2004 Asian Wushu Championship in Yangon. 
• Named Sports Boy of the Year at Singapore Polytechnic in 2003

Positions Held National Coaching Experience:

• Head Coach, Wufang Singapore Pte Ltd (2005–2012) 
• Founder and Head Coach, Xuan Sports (2012–present) 
• Coach of the Singapore National Wushu Team (2016-2017) 
• Team Singapore Wushu Coach at the 6th World Junior Wushu Championships in Burgas, Bulgaria (2016)

International Coaching Experience:

• Coach for the Bandung State Team, Indonesia (2012)

Judging Experience

• Tan Jun Beng is an experienced judge in both national and international Wushu competitions:

• National Judging Experience:
  • He has served as a judge and head judge at numerous National Schools Games and National Wushu Championships, spanning from 2011 to 2024.

• International Judging Experience:
  • He has judged international events such as the SEA Games, World Junior Wushu Championships, Asian Wushu Championships, and the Taolu World Cup.

Majorprojects

1. Xuan Sports 10th Anniversary Show In 2023, Xuan Sports celebrated its 10th anniversary with a special martial arts show at the Ho Bee Auditorium, National University of Singapore. Themed "Growth," the show featured performances combining traditional Wushu, Taiji, Lion Dance, and other Chinese cultural elements. Directed by renowned creative director Koo Chia Meng, the production also featured multimedia docufilms produced by Xu Xin’en and Max Liang. The show was designed to highlight the academy’s values and student development, blending modern storytelling with traditional martial arts. For more details: [Xuan Sports 10th Anniversary Show Explained]

1. River Valley High School 60th Anniversary Performance In celebration of River Valley High School’s 60th Anniversary, Tan Jun Beng led a large-scale performance featuring 500 students. The event showcased a vibrant mix of Wushu, Taiji, Lion Dance, and Dragon Dance. Tan Jun Beng took on the roles of choreographer, music editor, and lead trainer, working with students aged 13 to 18, ranging from complete beginners to advanced Wushu athletes. Over several months, he dedicated his time to rehearsals, transforming the students into skilled performers who delivered a stunning performance. The event was a highlight of the anniversary celebrations, displaying the students' growth and mastery under his guidance.

Philanthropy and Charity

Tan Jun Beng is deeply committed to giving back to the community through various charitable programs. One of his notable contributions is leading the Elderly Taiji Program for SASCO (Singapore Amalgamated Services Co-operative Organisation). This initiative, run by Xuan Sports, focuses on promoting physical wellness, mental alertness, and social engagement for the elderly. Through regular Taiji sessions, participants are encouraged to improve their balance, flexibility, and overall health in a supportive, community-centered environment. The program aims to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens by reducing fall risks, promoting relaxation, and fostering social connections.

In addition to his work with the elderly, Jun Beng and his team have also partnered with local community centers to offer free Wushu and Taiji classes to underprivileged youth. By providing access to martial arts training, these programs aim to teach discipline, resilience, and confidence, helping young people develop both physically and mentally. Jun Beng’s passion for helping others extends beyond his academy, as he continuously seeks opportunities to use Wushu and Taiji as tools for empowerment and community building.

Through these charitable programs, Jun Beng reinforces his commitment to making martial arts accessible and beneficial to all, regardless of age or background. His efforts continue to make a lasting impact on various communities across Singapore.

Recognition and awards

1. Sports Boy of the Year** (Singapore Polytechnic, 2003)
2. Multiple national and international medals in Wushu, including Asian Wushu Championships and SEA Games honors.

Impact

Influence in Wushu

Tan Jun Beng has been a driving force in shaping the Wushu landscape in Singapore, playing an essential role in nurturing both athletes and public figures who have excelled in their respective fields. As a coach, he has trained numerous national and youth Wushu athletes, many of whom have represented Singapore at prestigious events like the SEA Games, Asian Games, and World Wushu Championships. One of his most celebrated achievements is coaching home-grown SEA Games gold medalist Zoe Mui, a remarkable testament to his ability to produce elite athletes.

Beyond the realm of sports, Tan has also trained Singaporean actor Koh Jia Ler, best known for his roles in the critically acclaimed Anthony Chen films Ilo Ilo and Wet Season. Under Tan’s guidance in Wushu, Koh developed the discipline and focus that contributed to his success not only as an athlete but also as an actor. Koh has been nominated for prestigious awards such as the Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actor, demonstrating the diverse influence of Tan's mentorship on his students' careers.

Tan’s influence extends beyond coaching, as he has also contributed significantly to the development of Wushu through his role as an international judge. His participation in high-level competitions such as the SEA Games and World Wushu Championships as a judge has helped shape the standards of the sport, further cementing his reputation as a respected leader in the global Wushu community.

At the grassroots level, Tan’s efforts to popularize Wushu have made a lasting impact, introducing the sport to thousands of students across Singapore. His work ensures that Wushu continues to grow, with young people embracing its discipline, philosophy, and cultural significance. Tan’s ability to inspire and cultivate talent across a wide range of fields—from sports to the arts—underscores his profound and far-reaching influence in the Wushu community.

With his unwavering commitment to excellence, Tan Jun Beng has left an indelible mark on both the Wushu community and the broader Singaporean cultural landscape. His legacy as a coach, mentor, and visionary continues to shape the future of Wushu and inspire future generations to achieve greatness.

Public Perception

Tan Jun Beng is highly respected within Singapore’s Wushu community and internationally recognized for his contributions to the sport. His extensive experience as a coach, choreographer, and judge has earned him a reputation as a leading figure in modern Wushu. He is known for his ability to balance the rich traditions of Chinese martial arts with innovative training techniques, making him a mentor that athletes of all levels look up to. His students and peers consistently describe him as a dedicated, passionate, and disciplined leader, who has helped shape the future of Wushu in Singapore.

His influence is far-reaching, as Tan has been involved in numerous high-profile events and performances, including national celebrations and large-scale community projects, which have further solidified his position as an ambassador for the sport. His efforts to popularize Wushu through schools, community programs, and high-level performances have made him a key figure in making martial arts more accessible and appreciated across various audiences.

Tan is often praised for his vision and leadership in promoting Wushu as both a competitive sport and a cultural heritage. His work has inspired countless athletes and enthusiasts, and his commitment to the growth and development of the sport continues to set him apart as a respected authority in the field. Public perception of Tan is that of a humble yet accomplished leader whose contributions have helped raise the profile of Wushu not just in Singapore but on the international stage.

Continuing Influence

Tan Jun Beng’s lasting influence on the Wushu community continues to expand through his tireless dedication to the sport. His approach to coaching and training has set new standards, not only in Singapore but also internationally. By fostering a culture of excellence and discipline, he has shaped generations of Wushu athletes, many of whom go on to become successful competitors, coaches, and mentors themselves. His philosophy of combining traditional martial arts values with modern techniques ensures that his legacy persists in the athletes and coaches he trains.

Tan’s impact extends beyond coaching to his role as a respected judge in international competitions. His decisions and insights help shape the standards of global Wushu, further cementing his influence in the sport. His active involvement in setting the direction of Wushu, both in competition and training methodologies, helps maintain Singapore’s prominence in the international Wushu scene.

As his former students rise to take leadership roles in their own right, the ripple effect of Tan’s mentorship continues to resonate across the community. His influence can be seen in the growing number of athletes who take up coaching, as well as the increasing recognition of Wushu as an integral part of Singapore’s athletic and cultural landscape. Tan Jun Beng’s contributions ensure that Wushu remains a respected and evolving art form, while his leadership inspires the next generation to carry forward his vision for the sport.

Media features

Tan Jun Beng has been featured in numerous media outlets: - The New Paper (Page 11, 5 January 1999)

新明日报 (Xin Ming Ri Bao) (Page 1, 11 July 1996)

8 Vision News Network, 8World

Yahoo News have also covered his journey and achievements (LINK)

References

[The New Paper, 5 January 1999]

[Xin Ming Ri Bao, 11 July 1996]

8World News Feature on Xuan Sports

Yahoo News Feature

SEA games 2003 nan gun results

SEA games 2003 Nan Quan results

SEA games 2003 nan dao

21st SEA Games Wushu Results

External Links

Xuan Sports Official Website - https://www.xuansports.com

Xuan Sports YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/xuan-sports