AN ITF TAEKWON-DO STORY
A DREAM RUN AT 41
THE LINEAGE AND LEGACY OF CHRISTOPHER LEYESA
E-BOOK
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HARDCOVER
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AUDIOBOOK
SOON
ABOUT A DREAM RUN AT 41
After the murder of her father, a thirteen-year-old young lady in the Philippines stepped into a role of maturity-training in martial arts and keeping a part of her father alive.
Crossing the ocean, her son was immediately enrolled in martial arts —a discipline he would turn into a livelihood.
Meet Christopher Leyesa and follow his debut on the world stage representing Team USA and his journey to becoming an ITF World Champion in Amsterdam, Netherlands-paying homage to his lineage.
Three years later, his son Nolan would do the same-training to achieve gold and carrying out his father’s legacy at the ITF World Championships in Barcelona, Spain.
Read about Leyesa’s battles with loss, injury, systemic adversity-and the dream run he took on his forty-first birthday.
MEET THE AUTHOR NOLAN C. LEYESA
Nolan C. Leyesa is a world champion multi-styled martial artist recognized for competing and achieving accolades in international competition representing Team USA. Nolan holds a 2nd Duan/Dan in Chinese Wushu Kung-Fu and ITF Taekwon-Do.
Nolan’s most notable achievement consists of earning a gold medal and two bronzes at the 2025 ITF World Championships in Barcelona, Spain. Nolan earned his medals among his fellow teammates, the junior boys, on the seven-person team. Prior to that, Nolan placed gold in double broadsword and bronze in 1st set compulsory spear at the 4th Pan-American Kung-Fu and Taijiquan Championships in 2023 in Ontario, Canada.
As of the summer of his junior year, Nolan has achieved over sixty martial arts accolades regionally, nationally, and internationally, along with recognition from state senators, including only his high school years.
Nolan trains and teaches under the instruction of his father, Christopher Leyesa, owner of the family-run Wushu Taekwon-Do Academy. Nolan works both in front of and behind the camera for his family’s martial arts school business, sharing his Wushu and Taekwon-Do journey on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok under @theredhive.
Furthermore, Nolan’s public image is widening as his first published book, “A Dream Run at 41,” about his lineage under the World Championships lights, debuts.
In 2026, Nolan is training for Buenos Aires, Argentina, as he has been selected to represent Team USA Wushu at the 15th Pan-American Wushu Championships and returns to Team USA Kung-Fu to compete at the 5th Pan-American Kung-Fu Championships.
Looking ahead, his eyes are set on the next ITF Taekwon-Do World Championships, set to take place in Ireland in 2028. By then, Nolan hopes to be competing highly in martial arts at the collegiate level while working to add onto his martial arts legacy.
A Dream run at 41
THEMES
The Duality of Pride: Poison and Purpose
A Dream Run at 41 reveals pride as a force with two opposing powers: one that destroys and one that elevates. When pride is rooted in ego and stubbornness, it can become destructive. But when it is grounded in purpose, humility, and something greater than oneself, it becomes a source of strength. The story explores the difference between protecting your pride and taking pride in a meaningful purpose.
The Carrying of Lineage and the Passing of Legacy
A Dream Run at 41 explores how legacy is carried from one generation to the next. It shows that legacy is not simply inherited—it must be intentionally preserved, lived, and shared. Rather than measuring success by accomplishments alone, the story emphasizes the lasting impact of values, character, and the lives we influence.
Coming to Terms with Adversity: Finding Light in Darkness
A Dream Run at 41 reveals that true resilience is not about avoiding hardship but about discovering purpose through it. The story explores how setbacks, loss, and disappointment can become opportunities for growth, reminding readers that difficult seasons do not define a person’s worth or future.
Limiting Oneself: The Invisible Blueprint
A Dream Run at 41 reveals that the greatest obstacles are often the ones we place on ourselves. The story explores overcoming self-doubt, embracing both success and failure as part of growth, and recognizing that perceived limitations are often stepping stones rather than barriers.
Separating Life on the Mat and Off the Mat
A Dream Run at 41 explores the connection between personal life and performance. Rather than suggesting these worlds can be completely separated, it emphasizes learning to manage life’s challenges while remaining present in the moments that demand focus, discipline, and composure.
Pushing Through Smart
A Dream Run at 41 chronicles how perseverance is not blind stubbornness but strategic wisdom. The story explores the importance of adapting, recognizing personal limits, and understanding that true strength comes from knowing when to push forward and when wisdom calls for a different approach.
THE HEART OF THE JOURNEY
“An athlete with something to fight for will always outperform one who is only chasing a result.”
For Christopher Leyesa, that something was his mom, Rosalie Leyesa.
Rosalie passed away just before she could see her son accomplish a long-time dream. A dream that stems from generations, back to her, and to her father before her. Rosalie carried an immense pride, unshakable and fierce, pride that didn’t just live in one person but was handed down and grew stronger with each generation. And even though she died before her son and grandson were crowned world champion, she was there.
Follow the Lineage. Join the Legacy.
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