Fish Tang | Master Coach and Founder of Fishlike

Fish Tang is the founder of Fishlike International and one of only two Master Coaches in Asia authorised to certify Total Immersion (TI) instructors. Coach Tang started his swimming journey as a schoolboy, and has never looked back, becoming Singapore’s youngest certified swim coach at the age of 16. He discovered Total Immersion in 1998 and travelled to the USA in 2004 to certify in the method before bringing it back to Asia. In 1998, Coach Tang founded Fishlike International, which has since grown to become one of the most successful swim schools in the region, with coaches spread across Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand.

Coach Tang is trained in Infant and Toddler Swimming by the world-renowned baby swimming guru, Rob McKay. He is also certified as a Miracle Swimming Licensed Instructor, bringing a new way of swimming pedagogy to people who suffer from water phobia. Coach Tang regularly travels to the USA to work with different Total Immersion coaches and continuously upgrade his skills and knowledge of the method. Besides swimming, Coach Tang is also a senior coach for ChiRunning (USA), a cycling coach for Zendurance Cycling (USA), and holds the International Triathlon Union Level 1 Triathlon Coach Certificate.

Coach Tang is a dedicated swimmer and triathlete with numerous achievements under his belt, including:

• 2022: 3rd place in 40-49 age group in the Oceanman Phuket 10KM
• 2021: Swim Expo Asia 5 Event Swim 8.35KM, 200KM Swimming Beyond Borders Virtual Swim
• 2020: Personal best timing of 3hr 7mins for a 10KM swim.
• 2019: Cross-channel swim from Hainan Island to Guangdong Province (total distance: 23KM), 2019, 16KM swim around Perhentian Island
• 2018: Thailand Swimathon, Swim Expo Asia 5 Event Swim 8.35KM, Bali 10K Swim Marathon, Conquer The 10: Swim Tribe 10km, Kapas Marang 6.5km
• 2017: Oceanman Malaysia 10KM, Thailand Swimathon 10KM Swim
• 2015: 7th position in the Penang Cross Channel Swim
• 2012: 20km Tioman Charity Swim, Ironman Western Australia (2012)

His qualifications include:

• NROC Senior Coach (SIN)
• STA Swim Teacher Certificate (UK)
• AUSTSWIM: Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety, Teacher of Towards Competitive Swimming (AUS)
• SSI Level 1, 2, Baby and you and Adults Teaching Certification, Swim Teacher Instructor for SSI (Germany)
• Mermaid Instructor
• Swimming Instructor Level 1 (CHN)
• ASCA Level 2 Coach (USA)
• WOSA Level 3 open water Swim Coach (USA)
• SLSS Lifesaving Teacher (SIN)
• First Aid, CPR and AED (SIN)

What do I enjoy most about swimming:

“I love the sensation of surging forward every time I glide through the water, and the satisfaction of completing a distance which I previously thought was impossible. I also enjoy working on all 4 competitive strokes and attempting marathon swims around the world. Training for a marathon swim or special race event is a way for me to learn life lessons, and practice the 4R principles for success on a continuous basis: right mindset, right mentor, right techniques and right network.”

Why TI:

“The fact that I am able to improve on my timing year after year, to me proves the efficacy of Total Immersion techniques. With this approach and a dedicated training regimen, I can continuously achieve breakthroughs in my swimming, even after more than 20 years as a swimmer!”

What are my unique skills as a coach:

“I have over 2 decades of swimming and coaching experience, working with people of all ages, experience levels, and training goals. In all that time, I have learned how to simplify complicated swim techniques into logical step-by-step process, and deliver the essential takeaways to my students so they can progress easily. In this way I can guide students from a foundation of zero swim knowledge to becoming confident swimmers and coaches.”

Felicia Lim | Senior Coach

Felicia is Fishlike’s youngest Senior Coach and an accomplished dancer, swimmer and all-round movement enthusiast. She graduated with a BFA in dance from the State University of New York, Purchase College. Felicia is also a certified yoga teacher and taught in several yoga studios in Singapore before joining Fishlike as a full-time swim coach.

Felicia was drawn to swimming as she loves being in water and wanted to explore swimming in different bodies of water. Since joining Fishlike, she has completed Swim Expo Asia 2022: 5 Events Swim (3.8KM, 1.9KM, 1.5KM, 750M, 400M) and the 2022 Oceanman Phuket 10KM Marathon Swim.

What do I love about TI:

“The method makes a lot of sense to me. First of all I like learning the concepts and principles behind swimming, so that I understand what I’m meant to do and how I’m meant to feel in the water. I also like that TI is very detailed and specific with clear focal points, so there is always something to be aware of and tune in to, and I’m never just mindlessly swimming laps. It’s easy to make progress in a way that still feels natural to me.”

What do you love about swimming:

“I love being in the water, the way I can let go, flow and be supported and even play around in the water. Sometimes swimming is not just about the shape of your strokes, but about how you are in the water, how it feels to be in a new environment. Swimming is also great because it’s low-impact and appropriate even if you can’t move much, or tolerate heavy loads or high speeds.”

What are my unique skills as a coach:

“My strength is in the details: I’m very observant and can explain small and specific things to work on that will change your swim for the better, if you practice them diligently over time. That’s why I like working with people who are curious, keen to learn and understand new things, and willing to invest in the process to gradually improve their swim over time.”

Leon Neo | Senior Coach

Leon began his swimming journey as a self-taught swimmer, as taking lessons was a luxury he didn’t have access to. He swam regularly throughout his childhood and youth and was able to teach himself the basics of simple strokes and water confidence. By the time he got to his 30s, he started to get curious about how others were swimming: at the pool, he would watch, experiment and learn from other swimmers, slowly improving his technique without formal guidance.

In his 40s, Leon began to swim in events like charity races, and in 2015, he signed up for Swim Expo Asia’s 1.9KM Open Water Swim (co-organised with Fishlike). This was the event that led him to learning Total Immersion and eventually to becoming a swim coach. Over the next few years, Leon completed Fishlike’s freestyle programs and went on to train as TI instructor under the guidance of Fishlike’s senior coaches.

Leon has been teaching with Fishlike Singapore since 2017. He also helped introduce Total Immersion swimming in Thailand, and assisted in the establishment of Fishlike’s Thailand swim school in 2019. He teaches both kids and adults, bringing a patient and motivating attitude to all his swimming lessons.

Achievements and Qualifications:

– Challenge Taiwan Triathlons 2016 & 2017

– Cross-channel relay swim, QiongZhuo Strait, China, 2019 (19.3KM)

– Oceanman Thailand, 2023 and Malaysia, 2017

– Swim Expo Asia 2015, 2016, 2019 & 2020

– Aquathlon Singapore 2016, 2017, 2024

– Swim for Hope, SAFRA Charity Swim 2015, 2017, 2021 & 2023

– Bali Ocean Swim 2017 & 2018

– Kapas Marang International Swimathon, 2018

What do I enjoy most about swimming?

“The feeling of freedom, endless freedom. Because you can’t think of other things when you’re in the water. When it comes to swimming, it’s one thing that occupies you totally. Unlike when you’re driving or jogging, you can chat with other people or on the phone. You can’t do that with swimming. In the water, you only swim.”

What do I love about the Fishlike method?

I was fortunate that when I started learning the Fishlike method, I found coaches who taught me exactly what I needed to learn. After the lessons, when I experimented and used the method, I found that it worked well even for long swims of 10K. The method itself is very technical and there is a step-by-step approach to follow for progression. Now that I’m coaching, I believe this is the best way to set up good swimming habits and learn efficiently, especially for adult swimmers.

What are my unique skills as a coach?

Over the years I’ve trained to be able to teach a wide range of students, so now I always tailor my teaching to who is in the water with me. When I teach total beginners, I focus more on their water skills and confidence to build a solid foundation for the rest of their swimming journey. When I teach more experienced swimmers, I switch my focus to the technical parts of swimming and the details of how they can improve their strokes and movements. And when I teach senior swimmers, I work on motivation and encouragement, pacing the learning so that they don’t feel intimidated and can progress step-by-step. My passion is ensuring that after a swimming lesson, everyone comes away with a tangible improvement.

Brandon Liu | Coach

Brandon started swimming as a young boy and was trained by Coach Tang himself in the 1990s. He has been swimming in some shape or form ever since the age of 10. As a young man, he played water polo and competed in biathlon races and events for his polytechnic. Given his many years of swimming experience, it’s no surprise that he decided to become a swim coach with Fishlike. Brandon brings a calm demeanour and encouraging instruction to all his sessions, whether in the pool or in open water, and especially enjoys working with young competitive and pre-competitive swimmers.

Achievements and Qualifications: Lifesaving 1,2,3

What do I enjoy most about swimming:

“I like that I can exercise hard without damaging my joints or risking injury, unlike with other high-impact sports like running. Swimming is a great way to exercise the whole body too, and it’s something I can sustainably do for a long time to come.”

Why TI:

“I started learning TI because of Coach Tang, who introduced it to me when I was young. I felt it made my swim more effortless. From what I’ve seen, in other styles there isn’t as much attention to technique, and it’s more about simply making the shape of the stroke so it looks right from the outside. With TI, everything is broken down into small parts and you can work to make sure you get it all right, so you don’t have to struggle to swim with bad habits for the rest of your life.”

What are my unique skills as a coach:

“My background in water sports and competitive swimming gives me an ideal mix of skills and experience to apply to young competitive and pre-competitive swimmers. I’m also good at encouraging adults to improve fitness and wellness through swimming, rather than high-impact land sports that could be injurious in the long run.”

Programs: Super Swim Kids, Happy Laps, Open Water

Ng Wai Yee | Coach

Wai Yee is a former competitive swimmer and swim coach. She competed as part of Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) team, at the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and inter-ministry levels. She also has a background in martial arts, having learnt tai-chi at Xinying Wushu Martial Arts Academy. She has performed tai-chi publicly, representing the academy at prestigious events including Singapore’s National Day Parade (NDP). Wai Yee is also a qualified TCM physician who has been in practice for 8 years.

What do I enjoy most about swimming:

“To me swimming is like TCM in that they are both holistic approaches—swimming is a workout for the whole body and mind that relaxes and refreshes you at the same time. Plus in Singapore the weather is so hot, swimming is the perfect way to cool off!”

Why TI:

“I came across Total Immersion when I was looking for ways to improve my swimming technique. After only a short time learning TI, my swimming became more effortless and efficient. What I love about TI is that there is always room for improvement, and so many different things to continue working on as you progress.”

What are my unique skills as a coach:

“I am good at working with students who have water phobia—with patience and encouragement, I believe anyone can overcome their fears and learn to feel at ease in the water. I also enjoy building a supportive relationship with students and working with them long-term to enhance their overall health and wellness.”

Rakesh M Pujary (Jay) | Coach

Jay is one of Fishlike’s greatest success stories, a coach who started out as a total novice and transformed his swim in just a few years. Jay was inspired to learn to swim as an adult, being the only one in his family who couldn’t swim. He comes from an island in India which has a river on one side and the sea on the other, and the rest of the family are all expert swimmers—often leaving him in the role of bag-watcher at the shore. In 2016, Jay dedicated himself to taking lessons and improving his swim and now is able to confidently join his family in the water, and maybe even teach them a few tricks!

Jay’s professional background is in HR and Accounting, where he worked for 21 years before starting his own business as an entrepreneur. He loves to teach, whether that’s training employees in Excel or coaching kids and adults at the pool.

What do I enjoy most about swimming:

“That’s easy—when I’m in the water I feel good! Maybe it’s something in my DNA, from my family, but I was never afraid even when I didn’t know how to swim, and once I even jumped off a yacht straight into the water! Basically there is a certain kind of pleasure to being in the water, a different feeling that I can’t express in words but I really like it.”

Why TI:

“I like the focus on the techniques, because I always thought swimming was just about moving hands and legs. In India, I was only exposed to a kind of ‘anyhow’ swim, where people just jump into the sea and do whatever. When I went for my first trial session with Fishlike, the method immediately made sense to me, so I joined. There is a clear thought-process that you can follow in specific steps—1, 2, 3, 4—so you know how to progress and it makes it easier to learn.”

What are my unique skills as a coach:

“I have a way of changing my students’ mindset, especially with students who are afraid of the water and can’t seem to progress. I draw on my experience as a coach in other fields, so I can communicate with people and transform their experience for the better to get them to work towards and achieve their goals.”

Programs: Super-Swim Kids, Happy Laps

Joseph Tan | Coach

Joseph is a swimming coach and math/science tutor. He started swimming with his family as a child, but had no formal training and learned breaststroke through observation and his feel of the water. A trampoline gymnast during his Secondary/Junior College years, he placed top in every division at the National Inter-school Championships. While at university, he started coaching gymnastics part-time and continued to do so for about 10 years, on and off, having great success with students’ progression. In a routine fitness test during National Service, he broke the Combat Engineers’ record for Standing Broad Jump. These achievements demonstrate both his intuitive and conscious understanding of biomechanics.

In 2015, Joseph decided to learn freestyle on his own, using videos to observe what the best swimmers did. This was also followed by backstroke and butterfly. He was later introduced to Fishlike through Coach Felicia, and took lessons with Coach Tang that helped refine his strokes.

Joseph is passionate about all kinds of learning, and loves to make connections between different disciplines. His interests include physics, psychology, and physiology, which he applies while coaching. Be it academics, gymnastics or swimming, he enjoys finding the most efficient ways to experience and teach new concepts. With his students, he works to figure out what exactly hold them back, then devises ways to overcome that barrier together.

Achievements and Qualifications: ASCA Level 2 Coach (USA)

What do I enjoy most about swimming?

I see it as an opportunity for fun personal development. I like to figure out how to learn effectively, and do things efficiently. The feeling of weightlessness, gliding along smoothly in water, is simply priceless. Swimming is also the safest full-body exercise with unparalleled effect of stress relief.

What do I love about the Fishlike method?

It focuses on the efficient use of energy, which fits with my philosophy in life, to maximise efficiency in all areas.

What are my unique skills as a coach?

With younger age groups, I enjoy their energy and enthusiasm, creating drills out of what the kids find fun, thus working with instead of against their natural motivation. It’s also nice to teach people without any swimming background, so you can build things up from scratch without any bad habits. With older swimmers, I appreciate that I can explain things in more detail and fine-tune their techniques. I think of different ways of explaining things to students, ensuring that they understand every step, so they don’t just acquire vague muscle memory, but develop intuitive understanding that enables self-correction well into the future.

Mei Yan Cheong | Coach

Mei Yan has been swimming for as long as she can remember, and began exploring competitive swimming, lifesaving and triathlon in her Polytechnic and University days. She has always been nourished by the healing effects of simply being in the water under the sun, and her competitive energetic nature also thrives on the thrill of a race.

In 2017, she began exploring the underwater world by learning to dive, eventually opening a Singapore based dive center with a group of good friends in 2020. Having been a yoga teacher for the last 8 years, she is passionate about teaching and training and has also trained several yoga teachers in 200-hr Yoga Teacher Training programs.

Meiyan chanced upon Fishlike when she was searching for a school to complete her swim coach training and to also encourage her to become a better swimmer. Through the experience with Fishlike and Coach Tang, she has enjoyed learning various ways to keep things fun for kids when learning to swim. Her ability to hold space for people from all walks of life makes her classes accessible, fun and encouraging.

Achievements and Qualifications:
E-RYT 500 Yoga Teacher & Teacher Trainer
SSI Swim Teacher Level 1
SDI Divemaster, Rescue Diver, Advanced Diver
SSI Open Water Diver
Bronze Medallion, Lifesaving 1, 2, 3
Standard First Aid, CPR & AED
NCAP Level 1 Swimming (Theory)
Values & Principles by Sports SG

What do I enjoy most about swimming?
The weightlessness underwater makes me feel both powerful and free. There are days where I feel sluggish and listless, but the water always eases that tension away. Whether I’m swimming or diving, in the pool or in the open sea, it helps me connect with my breath and everything falls silent. It’s probably the closest thing to me that feels like my yoga practice.

What do I love about the Fishlike method?
It has been such a valuable learning process for me! As someone who only began competitive swimming in my late teens (as opposed to my peers, many of whom were club swimmers), some of my stroke techniques and habits don’t necessarily encourage efficient propulsion. When I was first exposed to Fishlike, it felt like a life changing experience. For me, it wasn’t so much as refining my strokes for technical prowess, but about finding less resistance and more glide in the water. There is almost a mindful ease in the process of getting to know your relationship with your body and with water.

What are my unique skills as a coach?
My experience in teaching yoga and my background in competitive swimming gives me the opportunity to find some way to connect the two. I am comfortable with guiding adults to find connection with their body, mind and breath both on land and in water. As for my teaching style with younger kids, I hope to bring encouragement, freedom and empowerment to my students in the long term, to better their relationship with the water, and by extent, their relationship with themselves.