Zahn was a small, nondescript boy trying to stay out of the way of the neighborhood bullies. Generally very quiet and reserved, his desire to help others caused him to take in a diseased stranger in town, giving him rest and food when nobody else would. In gratitude, the stranger stayed for five years, teaching this small youth everything he knew about unarmed combat. When his illness finally claimed his master's life, Zahn set out to stop all bullies he could find and teach others how to stick up for themselves, regardless their size and stature.