Yao has been in competitive battling for the longest and is highly respected in China. He was recognized for his skill and strength early on and trained in some of the best facilities the country had to offer. Yao had a position in the Elite Four for several years before leaving to become a teacher. He now runs his own school in a rural part of southern China with Henrique, a top trainer from Macau, however he still travels to compete in tournaments to keep his skills in check. Yao is a firm believer that one cannot be in the role of a teacher without remaining in the field you're educating others on.

Yao's first Pokemon was his Pancham (now a Pangoro), however his ace is his Mienshao.