#902 Flowing with The Twinjas and Austin Liu

 

This week’s guests on the special edition Bruce Lee Foundation takeover of the Bruce Lee Podcast for the month of May are The Twinjas—Ollie and Jonny Ho—and professional MMA fighter, stunt performer, and coach Austin Liu.

Shannon has known Ollie and Jonny Ho, known as The Twinjas, their whole lives. Their father, Steven Ho (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Conan O'Brien), has been a previous guest on the podcast and is a longtime friend. Identical twins and martial arts prodigies, the boys are making waves across entertainment, athletics, and fashion. 

They’ve trained since the age of four and have competed across multiple martial disciplines including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, Muay Thai, and more. Their infectious energy and talent have earned them roles on a number of series, and they are regular contributors to the official Bruce Lee social media accounts.

Joining them is professional fighter, stunt performer and coach, Austin Liu. Austin is also one of the martial arts instructors for both the Camp Bruce Lee and Warrior Academy programs at the BLF,  where he shares his passion for working with youth by bringing Bruce’s philosophies of personal growth and confidence to the next generation.

Join Shannon as they discuss how all three guests first found martial arts, how Bruce Lee’s legacy has influenced their journeys, and what it means to grow into your power—both physically and mentally. Hear directly from two youths as they drop some real gems about how their lives have been positively affected and enriched by training in martial arts.

Scroll down for more information about all our guests and listen to today’s episode as all of them express how they embody Bruce Lee’s spirit of self-actualization, adaptability, and service! 

 

Get to know The Twinjas & Austin Liu

 

The Twinjas – Ollie & Jonny Ho

Identical twins. Martial arts prodigies. Next-gen action icons.

Ollie and Jonny Ho—known as The Twinjas—are identical twin brothers making waves in martial arts, entertainment, and fashion. Sons of legendary martial artist Steven Ho (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Conan O’Brien) and acclaimed interior designer Nina Petronzio, the twins were raised at the intersection of discipline and creativity.

 They’ve competed at a high level across multiple rule sets—including Brazilian jiu jitsu, wrestling, boxing, Muay Thai, and judo—earning respect and recognition for their skill and tenacity. Their dynamic presence earned them three “yes” votes on America’s Got Talent and a co-starring role in Obi-Wan (Star Wars / Disney+).

 The Twinjas also appeared on NBC’s Olympic Special with Snoop Dogg and Kevin Hart, helping break down all the combat sports of the last Summer Olympics with sharp insight and humor. As recurring cast members on the popular Ninja Kidz YouTube series, they’ve captured the hearts of millions of young viewers.

 In fashion, Ollie and Jonny are sought-after models, featured in global campaigns for Nike, Gap, Abercrombie, Amiri, Essentials FOG, and many more. Their look, confidence, and versatility have made them standout talents on runways and in ad campaigns worldwide.

 Regular contributors to the official Bruce Lee social media accounts, they embody the philosophy and spirit of Bruce Lee—living proof that discipline, adaptability, and authenticity never go out of style.

 From the ring to the screen to the spotlight—The Twinjas are building a legacy all their own.

Austin Liu

Originally from the small town of Tracy, CA, Austin Liu is a multifaceted talent recognized for his roles as a professional MMA fighter, stunt actor, coach, and content creator. With an impressive resume that includes appearances in internationally-recognized promotions such as Fury FC, Combate Global, and URCC, Liu has seamlessly transitioned from the world of combat sports to the captivating realm of film and entertainment.

Liu's story begins in Tracy, CA, where his deep passion for martial arts took root at the age of 7. Inspired by iconic films like "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" and the works of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, Liu's journey led him to the local Taekwondo dojo, "Studio Kicks." A relentless pursuit of excellence saw him and his father practicing sparring tactics at home, refining advanced kicks that would later set him apart in the fighting arena.

The move to Fresno in 7th grade marked a pivotal moment for Liu, who found refuge in martial arts at "Sunnyside Taekwondo" under Derrik Carter's guidance. Training alongside decorated Taekwondo champion Austin Carter, Liu was pushed beyond his comfort zone, while also delving into Boxing, Muay Thai, and MMA.

High school brought a fusion of Wrestling, Muay Thai, and Boxing, with Liu competing in the most competitive public school wrestling circuit in California: the Central Valley. Determined to focus on his passion, he joined "Fresno Fight Club," training vigorously for his first Muay Thai fight at 18. While initially pursuing mechanical engineering in college to please his parents, Liu's true calling in MMA became evident. Training at first under his striking coach/manager Jasper Tayaba, he formed a crucial mentor-student partnership, winning his first MMA fight at the age of 20.

The journey continued as Liu sought to enhance his skills, leading him to Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, CA (known for it's formidable MMA wrestlers and the ability to consistently get talent into the UFC). Under the guidance of UFC legend Urijah Faber, Liu immersed himself in a training environment that housed an extraordinary roster of UFC fighters like Cody Garbrandt, Clay Guida, and Chad Mendes.

Turning pro at 22 and signing with his first management agency, Liu faced exciting challenges, gaining recognition through thrilling fights. A setback at Fury FC prompted a transformative period, leading him to explore new passions. A stroke of luck landed him a role as a stunt actor for "The Gaming Clinic," a high-quality Star Wars lightsaber replica company. Liu embraced the opportunity, contributing to fight choreography and discovering a new creative outlet.

In 2023, Liu found mentorship in Steven Ho (a stunt actor and stunt coordinator with a lifetime of experience in the industry), marking a new chapter in his career. He has since graced TV shows, music videos, and short-film projects, aiming to inspire the youth through martial arts and break free from societal expectations.

Austin Liu's journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of one's true calling. As his career continues to unfold, Liu remains dedicated to inspiring others and breaking boundaries in the world of martial arts and entertainment.

Connect with Ollie and Jonny Ho aka The Twinjas…

Instagram: @twinjas_official 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twinjasofficial 

Threads: @twinjas_official

Connect with Austin Liu…
Instagram: @liudynasty

TikTok: @liudynasty

X: @liudynastymma

YouTube: @liudynasty



Write to us at hello@brucelee.com or tag us @brucelee on social media with #bruceleepodcast.

Sydnie Wilsons09