Born in San Francisco of Chinese and Portuguese descent, Darren is a fourth generation American raised in the heart of North Beach, more popularly known as “Little Italy.” He attended St. Peter and Paul Elementary School and continued his education at Sacred Heart High School, graduating both schools with honors. Darren went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Davis with a major in Psychology.

Darren was involved in athletics at an early age, specifically in basketball and baseball. His high school basketball team won two city championships. He has also trained in two forms of martial arts: White Crane and Jeet Kune Do.

In his spare time, Darren enjoys horseback riding, indoor rock climbing, snowboarding, weightlifting, mountain bike riding, jet skiing, and is an avid movie buff. Darren also works part-time as a print model and commercial actor in the entertainment industry.

In contributing back to the community, Darren has worked for the Hillside Homes for Children as a child care worker, specifically working with abused children.

Darren has been in the health and fitness industry for more than 15 years and is extensively knowledgeable in aerobic and anaerobic training.

His qualifications as a personal trainer include:

• Worked as a personal trainer at the YMCA in San Francisco.
• Worked as a personal trainer at the Sporting Club in Glendale.
• Graduated with honors from Foothill Fire Academy as a firefighter for the City of Alhambra.
• Acquired an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) — 1A certification.
• Earned the nationally recognized International Fitness Professional Association (IFPA) certification.
• Currently working as an independent certified personal trainer at several health clubs in the Westside of Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and the San Gabriel Valley.