Welcome to Episode #59 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast. In this episode, I catch up with Sifu TW Smith, owner of TW Smith’s Martial Arts Center and the host of one of my favorite martial arts programs, Kung Fu Podcasts.
I can’t believe it took me so long to finally sit down with Sifu Tim! You may remember that I visited his school in Raleigh, NC back in 2016. That’s when we made this video…
But that was just the tip of the iceberg. It was Sifu Tim’s school that blew me away!
Honestly, I didn’t know a traditional, “old-school” martial arts academy like Sifu Tim’s ever really existed… or COULD exist! It was like walking into a dream.
Join me as I take you on a tour of Sifu TW Smith’s school and introduce you one of the most passionate martial artists I know.
Some highlights from our chat—
- “I can’t die.”
- Inconveniences, not barriers
- Lessons at the dinner table
- Meditation as mortar
- Authenticity and consistency
- Direction, not goals
- Clean your soul, clean your dishes.
NOTE: During our chat, I mention an article from the New York Times. For the full text, follow this link: Exit the Dragon? Kung Fu Is Waning.
Okay! Get ready to be inspired!
When you spend time with someone as earnest and driven as TW Smith, you can’t help but attack your own life with a little more spirit and commitment.
To contact Sifu TW Smith…
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Thanks for listening! Keep fighting for a happy life! 🙂
Outstanding interview!
Inspiring, right? Thank you for saying hello, Kelly! 🙂
Beautiful and inspiring. As always, a great podcast. Thanks 🙂
So happy you liked it, Hina! Keep fighting! 🙂
I like the definition of the word “respect”!
Family style respect versus military style respect… it’s a great topic! Thanks, Ingrid! 🙂
Hi Ando,
Sifu TW Smith seem to be quite good, but I am in no position to make any comment, since I am not as skilled as I pretend to be.
That is some gold standard honesty right there! 🙂
Inconvenient… two years of pain and suffering… wash the dinner dishes…
After this episode I find myself wanting to move to Raleigh to study under Sifu TW Smith! 🙂
Another great podcast and I hope that the two of you working together on episodes (whether it’s your show or his) becomes a somewhat regular occurrence.
Now I have to go an plan a BBQ with my senior students!
Sensei Rob!
So glad you found the interview inspiring. I would suggest inviting your junior students to the BBQ, too… everyone can wash dishes! 🙂
I should have clarified: by “senior”
I meant us older students (30 yrs plus) to get them on board. Then a bbq for all the students and the older… nah, let’s use the term “grey beards” can facilitate.
Seriously though, the power in this interview was a good reminder/kick in the rear that if I’m going to talk about martial arts as a way of life AND to pass along everything that I’ve been so graciously given by others, it absolutely requires time together outside of the training times.
Gatherings like this are one more way to pay homage and respect to the Masters whose knowledge and skills have been passed down.
I have no doubt that you are creating a kind and respectful culture on and off the mats, sir. Add some ribs and you’re all set! 😀
Interesting episode,btw i think the link to twsmith website no longer available.
Glad you liked it!
And thanks for the tip on the link… I think I fixed it! 🙂