“I want to learn from my senpais and grow together with the team.” – Bryan
With Newbie Day just around the corner (Saturday, April 26 – mark your calendars!), it’s the perfect time to spotlight our incredible newcomers who’ve recently joined the Japan Dragons crew. We asked them a mix of questions—some deep, some fun—and their answers reveal everything from quirky hobbies to what keeps them coming back to training week after week. Whether you’re a seasoned Dragon or just curious about dragon boating, read on to meet the people bringing fresh energy, big laughs, and tons of heart to the team.
East Malaysia Meets East Asia – Say Hello to Bryan
Bryan’s the quietly cool type who blends into the team and, before you know it, is powering through sprints alongside you. Hailing from East Malaysia, he began his dragon boat journey this year—and he’s already hooked.
“I wanted to try something new,” he says. “The moment that sparked my interest was watching everyone paddle together as one, giving it their all.”
Stepping into the boat for the first time? Not as easy as it looked.
“I thought I was ready, but I kept missing the tempo and rhythm. I was a bit nervous about messing up,” he admits with the honesty of someone eager to grow.
And grow he will. Despite not speaking much Japanese (yet!), Bryan’s all about connection. “I want to learn from my senpais and grow together with the team.”
Off the water, this guy scales walls—literally. He’s into rock climbing, making him a natural for tackling tough challenges.
His biggest hurdle so far? Finding the rhythm. He’s tackling it by diving into as many practices as possible. When asked to describe the team in one word, Bryan doesn’t hesitate: かっこいい – cool, stylish, awesome. We’ll take it!
His goal? “This year, I hope to help the team win at least once in a competition.” Humble, motivated, and ready to put in the work.
Neo – The Quiet Force (Who’s Definitely Not 46)
Don’t let Neo’s calm demeanor or youthful look fool you—he’s a determined paddler with boundless heart. At 46, he defies expectations, looking years younger and bringing steady commitment to the team.
“I wanted to get healthier,” he shares. “Gyms can feel boring alone, but dragon boating’s different—you’re working out with a group, and that pushes me to do more.”
His first sessions? Manageable… until the aches kicked in.
“At first, training didn’t feel too intense, but lately, I’ve been sore after every session,” he laughs. Yet, he shows up every time, paddling with grit.
Still refining his technique and rhythm, Neo’s mindset is spot-on: try, learn, grow. “I want to get stronger—physically and mentally—together with the team.”
Neo’s humor shines through, too. He doesn’t speak Japanese but loves the chatter. “I like hearing everyone talk in Japanese. I don’t understand much—hopefully, they’re not talking about me!” he jokes.
Off the water, Neo explores new worlds underwater as a recently certified open-water scuba diver. “It’s like traveling to another planet,” he says.
Standout memories? Running in pouring rain and a lively drinking competition at Mardi Gras top his list.
Since joining, Neo feels more energetic and confident. And yes—like many of us—he dreams of that ideal dragon boat physique.
His one-word take on the team? Special. With Neo on board, it’s even more so.
Jun Yao – Gamer by Day, Paddler by Passion
Jun Yao may hail from the world of game development, but on the water, he’s all in. A Singaporean with a love for watersports since his kayaking days in school, joining the Japan Dragons felt like coming home.
“I was nervous at first,” he admits. “But once we paddled out—the wind, the speed—I knew I’d made the right choice.”
Collaboration comes naturally to him, and he brings that spirit to the boat. “My drive to improve will be a great asset to the team.”
Memorable moments? “Every training session has been awesome, and Mardi Gras showed me how vibrant Singapore’s dragon boat community is.”
Stamina’s been his biggest challenge, but he’s tackling it head-on. “I’ve started hitting the gym for cardio and weights, and I’m already seeing progress.”
Off the water, Jun Yao’s a fighting game enthusiast, diving into Street Fighter 6 and even traveling for competitions. “I’m not that good,” he says modestly, “but the competition and friendships keep me hooked.”
The impact? “I feel better, and surprisingly, I’m sleeping better, too.”
His one-word description of the team? Passionate.
This season? “One training, one race at a time—focusing on improvement, well-being, and, hopefully, a podium finish with the team.”
Newbie Day on Saturday, April 26, is your chance to experience the Japan Dragons’ spirit firsthand. Meet inspiring people like Bryan, Neo, and Jun Yao, try dragon boating, and discover what makes this team a true community.
We’re more than a team—we’re a family, sticking together through sweat, sprints, and sore muscles. Curious? Come down, get wet, and give it a go. You might just find your crew.
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