Shaolin 1st Duan Instructor (6th level)
Taijiquan Assistant Instructor (3rd level)
Michelle began training Shaolin Kung Fu at Yang’s Martial Arts Association (YMAA) in Andover, MA in 1997. After three years, she stopped to attend Tufts University where she received her B.A. in International Relations. In 2008, she learned that Jonathan Chang was accepted into the YMAA Retreat Center’s 10-year program in Miranda, CA. Inspired and encouraged, Michelle resumed her training at YMAA Andover. With a fresh perspective, she became deeply appreciative of the arts and aspired to learn more.
In 2013, Michelle became the only female student to be accepted in the 5-year training program at the YMAA Retreat Center. She trained Shaolin and Taijiquan full-time under renowned martial arts teacher and author, Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. Michelle graduated in June 2018 and committed herself to the arts as a disciple of Dr. Yang.
Michelle views martial arts as a positive way of life that she aims to share with others through teaching. Michelle is continually inspired by her mentors, training partners, students, and those who strive to improve themselves. She is forever grateful to Dr. Yang and her second family, the YMAA community.
Michelle has competed in and served as a judge at several tournaments.
She has been serving on the Board of Directors of YMAA International since 2021 as Co-Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer.
2019 October 12, International Chinese Martial Arts Championship (ICMAC) in Boston, MA
- 1st – Traditional Advanced Women (36+) Hand Forms
- 3rd – Traditional Advanced Women (36+) Long Weapon
- 1st – Traditional Advanced Women (36+) Short Weapon
- 1st – Traditional Advanced Women (36+) Other Weapon
- Traditional Adults (36 and over) Advanced Women Grand Champion
2015 May 16, Tiger Claw Elite Championship (TCEC) in San Jose, CA
- 2nd – Traditional Advanced Women (18-39) Northern Fist
- 2nd – Traditional Advanced Women (18-39) Short Weapon
- 1st – Traditional Advanced Women (18-39) Other Weapon
2014 May 17, Tiger Claw Elite Championship (TCEC) in San Jose, CA
- 3rd – Traditional Advanced Women (18-39) Northern Fist
- 3rd – Traditional Advanced Women (18-39) Short Weapon
2014 January 25, International Chinese Martial Arts Championship (ICMAC) in Houston, TX
- 1st – Traditional Advanced Women (18-35) Hand Forms Northern Long Fist
- 3rd – Traditional Advanced Women (18-35) Open Weapon
2012 July 7, International Chinese Martial Arts Championship (ICMAC) in Boston, MA
- 3rd – Traditional Advanced Women (18-35) Hand Forms Northern Long Fist
- 1st – Traditional Advanced Women (18-35) Hand Forms Southern Short Hand
- 2nd – Traditional Advanced Women (18-35) Long Weapon
- 3rd – Traditional Advanced Women (18-35) Short Weapon
- 2nd – Traditional Advanced Women (18-35) Open Weapon
2012 June 9, Tiger Claw Kung Fu Magazine.com Championship (TCKFMC) in San Jose, CA
- 1st – Traditional Adult Intermediate (18-39) Northern Barehand
- 2nd – Traditional Adult Intermediate (18-39) Southern Barehand
- 3rd – Traditional Adult Intermediate (18-39) Short Weapon
- 3rd – Traditional Adult Intermediate (18-39) Long Weapon
2012 April 7, 2nd Wu Dao Competition in Cambridge, MA
- 2nd – Adult Advanced Barehand
- 1st – Adult Advanced Weapons
Traditional Kung Fu category
- 2018 May 19-20, Tiger Claw Elite Championship (TCEC) in San Jose, CA
- 2017 May 20-21, Tiger Claw Elite Championship (TCEC) in San Jose, CA
- 2016 May 21-22, Tiger Claw Elite Championship (TCEC) in San Jose, CA
- “Yang Taijiquan at Medium Speed – A Bridge to Understanding Jing Training” (kungfumagazine.com, January 8, 2019)
- “Challenges in Preserving Traditions in Modern Times – Lessons learned from a multi-year martial arts training program” (Kung Fu Tai Chi Magazine: winter 2018/2019 issue, kungfumagazine.com)
- Sai Fundamental Training (YMAA Publication Center, 2016) – Camera Operator
- Tai Chi Sword for Beginners (YMAA Publication Center, 2015) – Camera Operator
- Neigong: Martial Qigong for Internal Power (YMAA Publication Center, 2014) – Lighting, Talent
- “Michelle Lin on Assassin’s Creed and the Tiger Claw Elite Championships” by Gene Ching (Kung Fu Tai Chi Magazine, kungfumagazine.com, 2016)