Sensei Harris instructed Mr. Smith in his art of Shoshin Ryu Karate Jitsu / Yeung Chuan; giving Steve the gift of a life experience that has tremendously effected his entire life. Through the training in this art, Master Smith developed a close bond and relationship with Sensei Harris which also led to his introduction to Master Fook Yeung, Sensei Harris's own teacher. Through his interaction with both of these highly skilled & Great men, Steve learned the principles that make what he practices & teaches to his students so effective.
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| Steve Smith, Fook Yeung, & Dave Harris |
(Mr. Smith is also the inheritor of Sensei Harris' Shoshin Ryu Karate Jitsu/Yeung Chuan)
Mr. Smith has also traveled and studied extensively with a man who would become a very close friend, the late-Jesse Glover, Bruce Lee's First student, and has been given permission to instruct & share Jesse's Process of training known as "Non-Classical Gung-Fu".
He also holds the title of Guru Second Degree with permission to teach the system of "Visayan Eskrima Corto Kadena" founded by the late-Maha Guru Sonny Umpad.
Certified Instructors
United States
Started training with Master Smith in 2004, and continuously learning from him today!
From the first time my dad taught me how to escape from a wrist grab, I have loved the martial arts. Much of my childhood was spent punching and kicking my way through the house fantasizing of Jedi's or Old China. As I grew, what began as play turned into a search for a way that would help me face the world and express myself. I wanted something that, was functional, but also valued sensitivity and creativity.
I searched for teachers in my home town of Washington, but soon found myself traveling to New York, California, Hawaii, and West Virginia. Eventually, I found myself in Oregon at one of the annual mountain retreats taught by Steve Smith. There was an effortless power I felt in the art and the precision was freeing. I left thinking that I was finally home.
Since then, I've been a roller coaster of experiences as I learn this ancient way of moving. Drills, forms, applications, weapons, and free flow are all used to teach principles of Gung-Fu. These are principles that help one to find clarity in the mess and struggle of conflicts that arise internally, with others, and from unforeseen circumstances.
As a teacher, I'm honored to continue sharing this art with my youngest student, who's is 12, to my oldest, who is 62. I am grateful to see how the art has met our student's health and defense goals while providing increasing confidence and new found friends. We'd love people of all martial arts experience to join and feel welcome at our Dojo. There are only a few simple rules should one choose to stop by. Show up. Hang your worries at the door. Play.
Classes are held Tuesday & Thursday evenings 7:30pm - 8:30pm at the Rosehill Community Center in Mukilteo, WA. To enroll you can contact me here
Canada
I started my martial arts career in Judo; practicing the art for 3-years.
Following Judo, I had the honor of personally meeting General Choi & training under one of the General's main instructors in Tae Kwon Do (TKD); Master Jong Chan Kim, to spread TKD to the world. In my first tournament as a Black Belt the experienced included receiving Gold Medals in both sparring and forms. In 1986, I opened my own TKD school which led to me becoming a Full-time Martial arts teacher 2 years later in 1988, continuously teaching to this day, in Coquitlam, British Columbia.
With a Beginner's Mind, approximately 20 years ago, while attending seminars by Bob Anderson, James Keating, & Kelly Worden, I met Jesse Glover & Sensei David Harris. Through hosting numerous seminars by Remy Presas (founder of Modern Arnis) I have also received a Black Belt in Modern Arnis; and also learned some Balintawak from its Founder, Bobby Tobaota; both Filpino Martial Arts styles.
I have attended numerous seminars by Sensei Dave Harris, happy to receive "gifts" (of his knowledge & skill) from him, while he was teaching in Victoria, B.C., or at his school at the Phinney Ridge Community Center in Seattle, WA. My main teacher now is his student Master/Sensei Steve Smith, who I have developed a very close relationship with throughout our many years together since first meeting one another. Through Sensei Smith I was honored to have met and become The Last "closed door" student of his teacher, Master Fook Yeung; driving down to train with Master Yeung every 2nd weekend of the month until his passing. Master Yeung stated that I was no longer considered a student, but rather a Disciple.
Currently, along with my continuous training with Sensei Smith, I have also been studying the art of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ) under Bob McRoberts who is the first Caucasian in Canada to receive his Black Belt in the art. Adding another wonderful art to learn at my school; though this version of BJJ is not sportified, but a more practical version.
Classes are held weekly in our own studio offering lessons in Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and of course...Fook Yeung Chuan. For more information you can visit my website for Yuen's Family Martial Arts.
My Martial and Healing Arts history
I started learning martial arts in Australia. First at ten, then with more focus in my teen years. I learned Judo and Jujitsu under the umbrella of Professor Wally Strauss and more directly from Shihan Les Jordan. One of the foundational lessons I anchored, was if you hurt them, you have to fix them. Learning how to fall effectively was also a beneficial life long skill. Professor Wally Strauss was an impressive man who could easily throw people, lock them up or get out effortlessly from under a dog pile of big guys focused on holding him down. Shihan Les Jordan shared the values of learning, practice, skill, humor, fun, realigning and caring. He slipped in the hidden value of teaching others by having me be his assistant instructor.
University pulled me away for a while. After completing my Degree in Occupational Therapy and starting work, I was drawn to the arts again. A western martial art, fencing, sparked my interest. Maitre Andy Szakall was a pillar of the Australian fencing scene, little did I know. His old world charm and directness engaged and frustrated me. I kept coming back for more. Western fencing is an art of great skill and depth.
While fencing, I started to yearn for the Asian martial arts. Judo had changed to be more competitive, I wanted something different. I was on the look out for something with more of a focus on skill, intelligence, efficiency and using my hands more. Being the youngest of five, I had learned repeatedly, that I did not do well in strength contests. An article in the newspaper caught my interest, it was about Sifu William Cheung and Wing Chun. Watching Sifu Cheung move in class confirmed it, he moved and flowed around limbs and person with efficient ease. I admired his mastery and flow and dove into training under Sifu William and his brother Sifu David Cheung. I trained in both the Fencing Salle and the Kung Fu Kwoon, and was generally successful at keeping the styles separate, although I did almost kick someone on the fencing piste.
Then a period of travel, settling in Canada, work and family.
In Victoria B.C. I was lucky to connect with Sifu Ray Van Raamsdonk. A gentleman, scholar and diplomat, passionate about Wing Chun and martial arts. Through his kind and generous tutorage, I was able to experience many training opportunities with high level martial artists from around the world. Through Sifu Ray, I continued learning and exploring wing chun and other arts including tai chi and arnis, progressing on to teaching wing chun..
It was through Sifu Ray Van Raamsdonk that I first met Sensei Harris. For two days in Victoira, Sensei Harris shared, demonstrated, told stories and history, joked and played. I was amazed. Sensei Harris was respectful of Sifu Ray and the club, at the same time moving Sifu Ray with effortless ease. This was what I pictured, effortless power, respectful training and fun. All my learning to date gave me the eyes to see that this was amazing and what I had being searching for all these years. People were laughing in the class, focused and learning. Spending time with Sensei Harris and his lovely wife, Gerry, was wonderful, a time filled with stories, laughter, demonstrations, learning and surprises. My wife still remembers with awe and surprise the experience of Sensei Harris showing her the feel of different elements and how it can influence techniques.
I eagerly trained each time Sensei Harris came to Victoria. He started bringing over some of his students to demonstrate on. At times they flew through the air and had some spectacular crashes. That is how I met Sir, Steve Smith. I have had a long term interest in the Healing and Health arts, with ongoing study of qi gong, healing tao, meditation and mindfulness, western energetic awareness and teaching Reiki. Sir kindly allowed me to provide some assistance which he found helpful.
I continued attending each seminar by Sensei Harris and as time progresses, those by Sensei Smith. Sensei Smith generously shared his knowledge and experience, in a respectful, welcoming and humble way. I continue training in Fook Yueng Chuan. I was very proud and honoured when Sir gave me leave to teach FYC. Since then, the depth and breadth of my learning and training has increased exponentially. I was very lucky and honoured to meet and train with Master Fook Yueng. I was deeply touched by his skill, joy and wisdom. His mischievous delight as he danced you effortlessly around the floor and the sparkle in his eye were engaging and infectious.
I deeply value the time I get to train with Sensei Smith and connect with my FYC family, at retreats, seminars and classes. They are all highly skilled, wonderful people.
I offer private lessons and small classes just outside of Victoria, British Columbia
You can reach me here
Europe
As a Direct student of Jesse R. Glover (Bruce Lee's 1st Assistant and friend) I had the opportunity to meet Steve Smith at one of the very first seminars in Switzerland, that I organized in 1997. Steve Assisted Jesse at that seminar showing his 1st class skill in Non-Classical Gung-Fu (NCGF). After 1997 I was introduced to Steve Smith's Yeung Chuan, and was fortunate to be taught by Steve to develop a deeper understanding of his art. During my many travels to Seattle over the years to continue my training under Jesse Glover in NCGF, I also made trips to Walla Walla to learn extensively with Steve.
Steve's skill & approach of his teaching is outstanding. I can say, I know this gentlemen for quite some time and I've never felt any attitude be it offensive or superior behavior from his side. Not only in terms of technical skill or his immense knowledge about martial arts in general, but also as a human being with a lot of generosity. He is a peaceful person, & extraordinarily skilled fighter, who can do and master what he says, combined with a surprisingly great ability to teach (since fighters usually are not interested in teaching or able to do so). He has both skills and ability to teach to explain in detail, as well as life-long passion to share, teach, & learn WITH others.
As a long time student of Jesse's in NCGF, I would say that Steve Smith's structure is the perfect link to NCGF, because of some similarities in that specific strategy of combat. I have trained in the martial arts since the age of 16 under several good teachers of different systems (Judo, Jiu-jitsu, Karate, Yoseykan Budo, Wing Chun, NCGF, Visayan Escrima, Boxing & Fencing) as well as experience competing in Kickboxing for several years & meeting several martial artists over the years when I even opened up my own school in 1982. So I've seen many great fighters & systems, but what I see in Steve is a very specific way of combat structure. His effortless skill is absolutely unique and he can back it up with refined accuracy and timing. His knowledge in Chi Na & weapons defense, as well as knowledge and skill in the use of weapons like the knives, sticks (long & short), etc is exceptional and shows his deep and complete commitment of the science of his martial art. All this has drawn my continued interest and training in Steve's method.
After receiving Full Instructorship in 2011 in Yeung Chuan, Steve's method is also a part of my own teaching now for my students & instructors, as well as those competing in sport combat.
I teach classes....
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