Through Jeff, the children learn the basics of karate, but more importantly, they learn life skills such as honesty, perseverance, and courage. “My role is having that positive influence in their lives and being a good role model,” says Jeff, “so all these kids can grow up to be successful.”

Jeff is an accomplished black belt with numerous trophies from years of competition. But now, it’s all about others: his Lil' Dragons. Jeff remembers, "Being their age and looking up to my instructors. Now that the role’s kind of reversed, it’s very cool.”
According to Master Vu Tran, Jeff is the ideal instructor. “In order to get kids’ attention so they care about what you have to say, they have to know you care about them. And they know that through his actions,” Master Tran says. “His relentless positive energy and enthusiasm is infectious to the kids.”

Jeff’s spirit of volunteerism doesn’t end with the Lil' Dragons. Every Saturday, Jeff gives his time to Habitat for Humanity. He explains, “Helping to build a house, seeing the final product, is so worth it, and you get to witness the influence you make on people.”

“The world is made a little better every time someone such as Jeff comes along,” says Wes Nelson with Habitat for Humanity.