SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” is Muhammad Ali’s call to glide through life’s challenges with the finesse of a butterfly and the ferocity of a bee.

For Jay Riddell, whom vendors call the face and host of the GreenHaven Pocket Farmers Market (GHP), no group embodies that spirit more gracefully than the young martial artists from iYa Taekwondo.

Riddell says, “Their powerful performances and quiet confidence have become a staple of inspiration for the community, proving that strength and softness, discipline and joy, can coexist in perfect harmony.”

Since its opening, iYa Taekwondo has committed itself to changing lives – one student at a time – through martial arts, mentorship and personal development. 

Located in the heart of Sacramento, this Greenhaven-Pocket area school doesn’t just teach kicks and forms. 

According to Master Xai Lor, the CEO and founder of iYa, “It fosters a safe, inclusive space where students of all ages and backgrounds can build confidence, learn self-defense and discover their inner strength.”

“At iYa, we believe martial arts is for everyone,” says Program Director Ana Throne. “Whether you’re 5 or 55, there’s something transformative about stepping onto the mat and realizing what you’re capable of.”

Riddell adds, “More than just a training ground for physical fitness, iYa Taekwondo has become a launchpad for leadership, equipping its students with the mental and emotional tools to thrive in life and even in business.”

It may seem like a stretch to connect martial arts with boardroom success, but the parallels are striking. 

“From black belts to billionaires, the mindset fostered by martial arts,” says Lor, “has proven to be a hidden superpower for many high-level leaders.”

Take Dan Schulman, CEO of PayPal, whose Krav Maga training instills in him a sense of constant forward momentum: “Standing still is asking to be hit.” 

Or Mark Zuckerberg, who trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu several times a week to build resilience and mental focus. Even Adena Friedman, CEO of Nasdaq, earned her black belt in Taekwondo and credits the experience with sharpening her determination and courage. These leaders – and many like them – mirror the same lessons being taught every day at iYa Taekwondo.

At iYa, martial arts is more than a sport. It’s a system for personal excellence. The school’s programs are intentionally designed to cultivate qualities that echo in boardrooms, classrooms and communities alike:

Discipline & Focus: Students are taught to master skills through repetition and dedication: lessons that translate into consistent performance and self-management in the real world.

Stress Management: Training sessions offer a physical outlet for tension and teach students how to remain calm under pressure.

Confidence and Leadership: Advancing through belt ranks builds self-belief. Many students find themselves leading drills or mentoring peers, developing communication and leadership skills organically.

Teamwork and Communication: Whether it’s partner sparring or group forms, students learn the value of listening, adapting and working toward shared goals.

Adaptability and Resilience: Setbacks are inevitable in martial arts, just as in life. Students are taught to embrace failure as part of the learning process, building the grit needed to persevere.

Among the many young leaders shaped by iYa Taekwondo is Lor, a standout student who’s drawn praise from instructors and community members alike. Through years of practice, Lor has transformed from a quiet participant into a confident role model, leading demonstrations and inspiring peers. 

Her growth is living proof that martial arts is more than physical training: It’s a blueprint for becoming a leader in any field.

She is honored to be the first Hmong American woman to own and operate a Taekwondo school in the United States, at 7385 Greenhaven Drive, Suite 2.

For Riddell and the community at the GreenHaven Pocket Farmers Market, the presence of iYa Taekwondo is more than a performance, it’s a symbol of resilience, unity and growth. 

Watching young martial artists move with purpose and poise reminds everyone that leadership isn’t reserved for boardrooms or billionaires. It’s built here, on mats, in markets and in moments of quiet determination.

Whether you’re looking to improve fitness, build confidence or become a leader in your own life, iYa Taekwondo offers a path worth exploring.

Ready to take the first step toward your black belt in life?

Visit iYa Taekwondo Sacramento and discover how martial arts can transform not just your body, but your future: iyatkd.com. Phone 916-382-9058.

GHP General Manager Vic Cima says, “We are extremely proud to have these young athletes demonstrating their skills at the Farmers Market. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on many Sunday mornings.”