Testimonials

Sensei Harry Kendall

Sensei Harry Kendall

Fourth Degree Black Belt - United States Judo Federation

Director of Martial Arts - Davis Athletic Club

Head Judo Instructor - Davis Athletic Club

Head Coach - UC Davis Judo Team

"I first met Raphael Smith when interviewing potential instructors for a new dojo I was opening in Davis Ca. His resume showed a wide breath of knowledge but his age appeared to be too young. I was creating a fighting arts school and was not sure a Tai Chi/Kung Fu program would fit into the program. Within minutes of meeting Raphael his energy and confidence erased all seeds of doubt. The evidence of success and achievement are etched in his smile and posture. Within days of his first class, young and old were talking about it. Older people who had studied Tai Chi for many years would stop me in the halls and gush about the knowledge and beauty of Raphael. Raphael soon started a Long Fist class for the fighters among his students. And after one visit to my Judo class it was clear Raphael could be any type of athlete he wanted. His chosen field of Kung Fu is completely by desire. A more serious, dedicated and knowledgeable instructor you will never find. And he lives what he teaches. Spending time with Raphael will leave you with hope and give you strength to engage the world.

I was approached by students with tears in their eyes when he left for China to continue his training. "Do you think he will come back," they would ask? We certainly hope so has always been my answer."

LaCandice McCray

LaCandice McCray

B.A., Ethnic Studies, University of California San Diego, 2008
Residential Advisor, UCSD Eleanor Roosevelt College, August 2006-June 2008
Senior Rec Aide, City of Sacramento/American Legion H.S., October 2008-June 2009
Tutor, Sacramento High School, August 2005-September 2005

"It was a joy to work with Raphael at American Legion. He was a walking irony being an African-American male who speaks Chinese, but that's what made him appealing to the students; because like them, he was a bit different. He helped the students understand the importance of personal reflection and inner strength through his weekly Tai Chi lessons. He is a very wise and patient instructor, but brings the energy and laughter necessary when working with youth."

Linda Larsen

Linda Larsen

RN, Cardiac and Cancer Yoga Therapist
Preventive Cardiology Program
UC Davis Medical Center Cardiology

"Raphael Smith voluntarily taught a Tai Chi class for the UC Davis Preventive Cardiology patients. Although the number of patients attending that day was far more then a typical beginning Tai Chi class, Raphael patiently led them not only in the slow gentle movements of beginning Tai Chi steps, but was able to incorporate some deep breathing and meditative elements as well. The patients stated they felt relaxed and energized even with this one session. Many patients wanted to know when he was coming back. Raphael truly has the gift of teaching!"

David Wei

David Wei - 魏资容- Wei Zi Rong

Wayfarer of Vast Capacity

16th Generation Disciple

Wudang Zhang San Feng Pai

"It has been said that learning furthers knowledge, but only through practice and application can one develop wisdom. Raphael Smith has an innate level of wisdom that far surpasses the average instructor; but what sets him apart from others is his capacity to transmit his wisdom and ignite passion in his students - a trait that sets him among the most esteemed masters of our time. Instructor Smith is not only proficient in the physical mechanics of the arts, but has a firm grasp on the principles and theory to support his work as well - truly personifying the ideal of wen wu. As a true wushu revolutionary, Raphael Smith will certainly be remembered in the martial arts tradition for generations to come."

Todd Harman

Todd Harman

General Manager - Aston Workshop, Dalian, China

B.A., Technical Theater, Messiah College

Student of Master Xu Shi Xi, Beijing China

"Raphael is one of the most dedicated and hardworking martial artists that I have ever had the pleasure to meet. His insights into the internal arts are extremely profound. And his commitment to promoting traditional Chinese Wu Shu should be commended. He has voluntarily provided numerous, free martial art classes to kindergarten students in our organization. I'm always impressed with his patience when dealing with such young children, and equally impressed by how much the children enjoy being taught by him."