THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 3, 1995 TAG: 9505020099
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
Every day Ngoc Xuan Nguyen, also known as Master Adam, teaches people how to get the better of him.
It's an occupational hazard for a karate instructor, though.
Nguyen, a Vietnamese native who is also a master in meditation and yoga and a personal trainer, arrived in the United States in 1971 and in Virginia Beach in 1974. He got both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Old Dominion University and he's active in the Vietnamese Community, the Asian Festival of Hampton Roads and the Buddhist Center.
One of the things he likes about this country is the cultural diversity. He says he's grateful to the people of the United States, calling it a country where the citizens are generous, compassionate, intelligent and full of good will.
Full name: Ngoc Xuan Nguyen
Hometown: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
What brought you to the Beach? Beautiful spirit of the people and the beach.
Birthdate: 9/9.
Occupation: Meditation, yoga and karate-do master.
Nickname: Adam.
Marital status: Happily married.
Children: Duy Ngoc, 14, Minh Duy, 12, Quang Minh Nguyen, 10.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? Have time to do and enjoy what I need or love to do.
Last smart thing you did: Being mindful.
Last dumb thing you did: Teach people how to beat me.
Favorite meal: Vegetarian.
Favorite movies: ``Sound of Music'' and most Disney movies.
Favorite song: ``Blue Danube.''
Last book read: The Buddha and his teachings (Narada).
Hobbies: Reading, travel.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Be free from ignorance.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? Nothing. Find and see our own faults and not others'.
Secret vice: Honey.
Favorite restaurant: Enjoy all of them.
Your favorite night on the town: Spending time with my family.
Favorite TV shows: AMC and Disney.
Favorite sport: Water sports.
Last vacation: Florida, Christmas '94.
Worst job: No job.
Of what achievements are you most proud? A stable, happy family; practicing and guiding people to excellent physical wellness; cultivating virtues, great compassion and perfect wisdom; understanding our true nature, the way things are to enjoy real peace and happiness.
What would you like as your epitaph? Extraordinary - ordinary. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DAVID B. HOLLINGSWORTH
Ngoc Xuan Nguyen
by CNB