The impact of the 2025 Eaton Fire continues to widen uncertainties for many in the Altadena community. While year one is now in the rearview mirror, a common issue remains the leading talking point for those hoping to rebuild: money. 

“To do a build-out, it’s going to cost $2 to $3 million,” says Two Dragons Martial Arts owner and instructor, Sipoo Shelene Hearring. “That’s a reality. That’s a given.”

While Shelene has been warring through the stressful rebuilding process, progress has been made toward the studio’s multi-million dollar goal.

In November 2025, the owner hosted a 10-hour webathon that raised $150,000 to put toward the half-million-dollar price tag for buying the land where the studio once stood. Shelene credits the success of the virtual fundraiser to Greenline Housing Foundation, an Eaton Fire Relief Fund, founded by Jasmin Shupper. “While natural disasters do not intend to discriminate on the basis of race or class, our country’s history of systemic racism in housing, like the practice of redlining, means the segregated communities of today are often hit harder by natural disasters such as the Eaton Fire,” says a statement on the company’s website. 

“We are blessed [and] we are grateful. They have a team of people that's gonna help us rebuild, and it's exciting. They are people with intent of making sure we succeed,” says Shelene about Green Housing Foundation.

A day after the Eaton Fire swept down the San Gabriel Mountains, Two Dragons Martial Arts was reduced to rubble, and its memories, along with charred wreckage, rest where thousands of children came over the years to be cultivated through Tai Chi. For nearly 20 years, TDMA stood as a safe haven for community youth, fostering productive alternatives to street life. While its structure is now cleared of debris, the heart of the business remains more alive than ever.

“When one rises, we all rise. We're going to rise together,” declares Shelene. “I take my faith and my martial arts discipline to stay focused and to stay with intent. After you lose every single thing, the only thing left is the people around you and the love. That's what matters most. So if I can't help the people I love, then what am I here for? That’s my purpose.”

The devastation of the wildfire presented unimaginable decisions for neighboring businesses and residents in Altadena. While some have opted to sell their empty lots, Two Dragons Martial Arts has chosen to remain put. For this family-owned and operated establishment, it’s the community that holds the key to their future.

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“I know the community is hurting just as much as we are, but the community is not alone,” says Two Dragons Martial Arts instructor and son of Shelene, Sifu Solomon Hearring. “So we're here to stand for them. It wasn't a good feeling, but we're looking forward to better days and better blessings.” 

“This represents a place of peace, a place of love, a place where people have rallied around us, supported us, and helped us to grow. So, it was not a thought process in my mind of whether I was going to stay or if I was going to come back. My plan was always to come back. It's been blessing after blessing. That's why I know we can win.”

Two Dragons Martial Arts plans to reopen on its original corner of East Mariposa Street and Lake Avenue in 2027. 

“I believe we can do it because there's a lot of spirit, intention, and people wanting to see it happen,” says Shelene.

To help Two Dragons Martial Arts rebuild, check out their GoFundMe.