Hello, I'm Willie Chen, one of the lead coaches at the Badminton Performance & Nutrition Academy, affiliated with the Badminton Canterbury Association. Over the past decade, I've had the privilege of coaching individuals and groups, ranging from beginners to high-performance athletes, in the beautiful sport of badminton. Today, I want to share my passion for coaching badminton, the joy I find in helping others improve their skills and techniques, and some of my own accomplishments in the world of badminton.
My Badminton Journey:
My journey in badminton began over 20 years ago when I started representing Badminton Canterbury under the guidance of Coach Alfred Wong. During my formative years, I was fortunate to be selected for the New Zealand Junior Squad, where I had the honor of being coached by the Commonwealth Games medalist Daniel Shirley. My dedication to the sport led me to training in Taiwan and Malaysia under the tutelage of the 1985 World Champion, Han Jian. These experiences have not only shaped my playing career but have also provided me with invaluable insights into the world of badminton coaching.
The Art of Coaching:
Coaching is not just about teaching the technical aspects of the game; it's about nurturing a player's holistic growth. My coaching philosophy extends beyond the court, encompassing elements such as off-court recovery, mental well-being, tournament preparation, gym weights training for badminton, and personalized nutrition programs. I firmly believe that a well-rounded approach to coaching is the key to unlocking a player's full potential.
My Accolades:
While my primary passion lies in coaching, I have had my share of success on the badminton court. Here are some of my notable achievements, which include but are not limited to:
- U16 South Island MD Winner – 2007, 2008
- U19 South Island MD Winner – 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
- U19 South Island XD Winner - 2010
- U19 Canterbury MD Winner – 2009
- U19 Canterbury XD Winner - 2009
- U19 Otago MD Winner – 2008
- U19 Otago XD Winner – 2008
- U19 Marlborough MD & XD Winner – 2010, 2011
- U19 Southland MD & XD Winner – 2010, 2011, 2012
- Oceania Junior Championships MD Silver – 2010
- Canterbury Open MD Winner – 2011, 2012, 2013, 2019, 2020
- Canterbury ANZAC / St. Paddy MS Winner - 2016
- Canterbury ANZAC / St. Paddy MD Winner – 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2023
- Canterbury ANZAC / St. Paddy XD Winner – 2013, 2015, 2016
- Slazenger Cup National Team Winner – 2014, 2016
- Otago Open MD Winner - 2023
These accomplishments have not only given me a deep appreciation for the sport but also serve as a testament to my dedication to badminton excellence.
In closing:
Coaching badminton is not just a job for me; it's a passion that fuels my desire to help individuals embark on their journey to become the best players they can be. Whether you're a beginner looking to grasp the basics or a seasoned athlete aiming for the highest level, I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Badminton is a sport that has enriched my life, and I'm committed to sharing that enrichment with others. Together, we can aim for the highest heights of badminton excellence