How Martial Arts Shaped a Creative Life: David Tri Nguyen on OKIRU Rise Together

How Martial Arts Shaped a Creative Life: David Tri Nguyen on OKIRU Rise Together

“At the end of the day, the goal is to really uplift other artists, not just myself, but the creative scene here in Melbourne.” – David Tri Nguyen, Founder of Flying Art Studios

That’s the heart of our latest episode of the OKIRU Rise Together Podcast — conversations that celebrate creativity, culture, and community.

In Episode #72, we sit down with David Tri Nguyen — filmmaker, hip hop head, martial artist, and founder of Flying Art Studios — to unpack how discipline, identity, and resilience shape a life built on creativity.

David doesn’t just practice creativity — he lives it. From martial arts to filmmaking, dance to entrepreneurship, David’s story is one of transformation, community, and staying grounded while chasing ambitious dreams.

This episode is an honest and wide-ranging conversation about what it means to create, belong, and persevere as an artist in Melbourne’s evolving cultural scene.


Key Themes from the Episode

Creativity as Grounding
David shares how meditation takes many forms in his life — from boxing to dance — and how giving full energy to one task at a time is his foundation for growth. Creativity, for him, is not just a career path but a way of staying mindful and present.

Navigating Cultural Identity
As Vietnamese Australians, both David and host Liem reflect on the complexities of being “too Australian for the Vietnamese, too Vietnamese for the Australians.” Their conversation explores how cultural heritage can be both a challenge and a source of strength, offering lessons on gratitude, resilience, and embracing identity.

Resilience in Creative Business
Launching Flying Art Studios wasn’t easy. Between the uncertainty of COVID-19 and the constant challenges of running a creative business, David highlights the importance of adaptability, persistence, and learning from setbacks. His story is a blueprint for other creatives building something from the ground up.

Community, Culture & Belonging
Beyond art and business, this episode dives into the deeper role of culture and community. From the influence of hip hop and rave culture on Melbourne’s youth to confronting the realities of living in a multicultural but unintegrated society, David reminds us that creativity thrives when people come together.


Why This Conversation Matters

The OKIRU Rise Together Podcast is about more than storytelling — it’s about building connections, celebrating culture, and amplifying voices that don’t often get heard.

David’s journey is a reminder that creativity is not a solo pursuit. It’s about resilience, community, and lifting others up along the way. His perspective adds to a growing tapestry of stories that define what it means to create, belong, and rise together in today’s world.


Listen & Watch to the Full Episode

🎙️ How Martial Arts Shaped My Creative Life with Flying Art Studios | OKIRU Rise Together Ep #72

Available now on: YouTubeSpotify

Stay connected with us:

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Facebook: @okiru.com.au


👉 This isn’t just a podcast — it’s a movement. At OKIRU, our mission is simple: to celebrate creativity, culture, and community, and to share stories that inspire the next generation.

If you believe in the power of rising together, join us for the full conversation and be part of the journey.

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