Meet the Maker

Hey, I’m Josh Yim, the maker and founder of Bucking 90 Leather Co.

My journey to the rodeo community and leatherwork wasn’t the usual one — it came through years of discipline, focus, and passion for something completely different: competitive martial arts. What started as a childhood pursuit quickly became a lifelong commitment, shaping my mindset, work ethic, and the way I approach every craft. Those same lessons in patience, precision, and respect for tradition now live on in every piece I build.

Early Discipline: 13 Years of Wushu and Tai Chi

Before leather, rodeo, or boots, my life revolved around martial arts.

I trained and competed in Wushu and Tai Chi for 13 years, dedicating nearly every day to refining movement, balance, and precision. Those long hours on the mat taught me patience, body control, and respect for the smallest details — lessons that would later find their way into every cut of leather I make today.

Martial arts wasn’t just a sport to me; it was a way of life. It taught me to appreciate the craft of repetition — doing something over and over until it’s not just right, but instinctive. That mindset became the foundation for how I approach my work in the shop.

Representing Team Canada on the World Stage

Through years of training and competition, I was proud to earn a spot on the Canadian National Wushu Team in 2016 and 2018.

In 2018, I had the honour of representing Team Canada at the 3rd World Taijiquan Championships in Bulgaria, where I placed 4th overall in the world.

That experience changed everything for me. It gave me a deep understanding of what it takes to perform at a world-class level — the discipline, focus, and consistency needed to master your craft.

Those same principles now guide my leatherwork: it’s not about rushing a project or cutting corners, but about showing up with purpose, every single time.

Turning the Page: The Next Chapter

When COVID hit in 2020, my time in martial arts officially came to an end. It was bittersweet — but it opened the door to something new.

I was ready for a fresh challenge, something that would allow me to keep working with my hands, stay creative, and connect to a community. That’s when I joined the Alberta Boot Company — and my life took a turn toward the western world.

Working at Alberta Boot Company gave me a front-row seat to craftsmanship that was rooted in heritage. Every day, I saw the pride and precision that went into every pair of handmade boots. I was surrounded by people who valued hard work, quality, and authenticity — the same values I grew up with through martial arts.

More importantly, it introduced me to the rodeo community. Through Alberta Boot, I had the opportunity to work with and meet some incredible people — from Calgary Stampede royalty, to Canadian Finals Rodeo competitors, to PBR Canada Cup Series riders.

Seeing how much pride cowboys and cowgirls take in their gear — their boots, their belts, their chaps — inspired me to start creating something of my own. That’s where leathercraft came in. What started as a creative outlet quickly turned into something bigger.

Before long, I was building belts for friends, crafting wallets for fellow riders, and taking on custom projects. One order turned into two, then ten — and before I knew it, Bucking 90 Leather Co. was born.

Alongside running Bucking 90 Leather Co., I also work as a Primary Care Paramedic in Alberta. It’s a career that demands precision, calmness under pressure, and the ability to make quick, deliberate decisions — traits that pair naturally with craftsmanship. Both require focus, steady hands, and the commitment to do things right the first time.

Being a paramedic keeps me grounded and reminds me what really matters. Every shift is a reminder that even the smallest actions can make a lasting impact — whether that’s helping someone in need or hand-stitching the final edge on a custom belt. Both are about showing up, giving your best, and taking pride in the details.

For me, the two careers go hand in hand. Leatherwork gives me the creative balance I need after long days in the field, and paramedicine gives me perspective — a reminder to appreciate the process, the people, and the purpose behind every piece I make. Whether I’m cutting leather in the shop or responding to a call, my goal is the same: to do the best work possible, with pride, integrity, and heart.

Both paths have shaped who I am — one built on service, the other on craftsmanship. They’ve taught me that real skill comes from repetition, respect for the process, and never cutting corners. Whether it’s caring for a patient or crafting a new piece of gear, it’s about trust — the trust others place in you, and the trust you build in yourself through doing things the right way, every single time.