Robert W Smith

Robert W. Smith (1926-2011) was an American writer and martial artist renowned for his extensive contributions to the popularization of Asian martial arts in the United States. Born in Iowa and experiencing early hardship, he developed interests in boxing and wrestling before serving in the Marines and pursuing higher education. His career included a significant period as an intelligence officer with the CIA, during which he was stationed in Taiwan from 1959 to 1962. This posting proved pivotal, as he immersed himself in the study of various Chinese martial arts, most notably Tai Chi under the tutelage of Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing, becoming one of his first non-Chinese students.

Upon returning to the U.S., Smith dedicated himself to teaching and writing about martial arts, particularly Tai Chi, Baguazhang, and Xingyiquan. He taught for decades, influencing many students, and became one of the earliest Western authors to extensively document and introduce these practices. His writings covered techniques, history, and philosophy, often infused with personal anecdotes and humor. Smith's work played a crucial role in paving the way for Asian martial arts masters to establish themselves in America and is recognized for its significant impact on the spread of internal Chinese martial arts in the West.

Robert W. Smith was a foundational figure in bringing Asian martial arts, especially the internal Chinese styles, to a Western audience. His prolific writing career, beginning in the 1950s, filled a significant gap in Western understanding and appreciation of these disciplines. Smith's articles and books introduced concepts and practices that were previously little known, including judo, baguazhang, xingyiquan, and tai chi. His ability to convey complex martial arts principles with clarity, coupled with his engaging writing style that incorporated history, personal experiences, and even humor, made these arts accessible to a broad readership. This groundwork was instrumental in fostering interest and creating a receptive environment for Asian martial arts masters who subsequently came to teach in the United States.

Smith's deep engagement with Chinese martial arts was profoundly shaped by his time in Taiwan, where he studied under numerous masters. His most significant teacher was Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing, a master renowned for his skills in calligraphy, poetry, painting, medicine, and Tai Chi. Smith's dedication to studying under Cheng, reportedly requiring persistent effort to be accepted as a student, highlights the depth of his commitment. Their collaboration resulted in one of the earliest English-language books on Tai Chi. Through his direct study and subsequent writings, Smith was a key proponent of Baguazhang and Xingyiquan, presenting these internal arts to Westerners for the first time in English-language publications. His teaching in America, which spanned over 26 years at a local YMCA, also emphasized these internal practices, influencing generations of students.

Beyond his direct instruction, Robert W. Smith's legacy is cemented by his extensive literary output. He authored, co-authored, and translated numerous books and articles, totaling fourteen books and over twenty articles focused on martial arts, particularly the internal styles of China. His writings were characterized by a unique blend of technical instruction, historical context, personal anecdotes, and a sharp sense of humor, as exemplified in his memoir 'Martial Musings.' Smith also explored different writing personas, including the pseudonym John F. Gilbey, under which he published works that sometimes blurred the lines between fiction and non-fiction, often parodying martial arts lore. His contributions extended to editing the first English book on Shaolin Temple boxing, further solidifying his role as a pioneer in Western martial arts literature.

“PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE ....”

“Tai Chi is like swimming in air.”

“This is the Marine Corps school of T'ai Chi.”

“You may hate me now, but you’ll thank me later.”

“It takes at least five years of practicing T'ai Chi to realize you know nothing.”