Scott Smith has trained in martial arts more than 28 years. During this time he discovered Wing Chun Kung Fu and has been training in this martial art of choice since 1998. Having also trained regularly in Hong Kong with the late Grandmaster Chu Shong Tin (a rare privilege for anyone), and other top Masters, he has learnt skills directly from the worlds leading sources of Wing Chun first hand.

Along side martial arts, Scott has also trained in mind/body related skills such as Chi Kung (qigong) and meditation. He incorporates these aspects into his teaching to provide a complete mind/body approach to the martial arts.

Open minded towards all martial arts, Scott is passionate about them and wishes to spread his knowledge to anyone willing to learn.

Q&A with Scott Smith

How does Wing Chun integrate with your daily life? Do you ever notice principles or movements of Wing Chun permeating your everyday?

As I run my school full-time (teaching morning till night, six days a week) it is basically my whole life already! But the times I need to work on the computer I find that opening my spine and releasing my shoulders really helps make the extended sitting session much more bearable.

How has training changed for you over the last 2 years?

I had been travelling to Hong Kong to train twice a year for many years. Since Covid-19 I haven’t been able to so I have had to focus more on my individual training, and enhancing that. Just looking forward to being able to go to Hong Kong again!

Any tips for training alone, or any favourite solo exercises?

I have many fantastic training exercises I share with my students, and a number that are my favourites. But I would say the most beneficial is one where I do my stance and work on connecting my mind to my entire body. I have a process I follow to build awareness to each point/muscle in my body. After this it is much easier to do the internal side and produce some amazing results.

What is one thing a martial arts teacher or fellow student has said that you’ve never forgotten?

It’s something I have heard from a number of Hong Kong Sifu’s (including Sigung). It is basically, “don’t be empty, fill your joints/body with your mind.” Of course you have to do this while still remaining completely relaxed. This is what creates good structure.

If you had to recommend a book, an album, or a movie for everyone to check out, what would it be? (Doesn’t have to be martial arts related)

Of course I would say Sigung’s book haha, but I know that is pretty obvious. So going on a completely different tangent, and for those that like a bit of Sci Fi, I would say a book called Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force Book #1) by Craig Alanson.

Thanks for your thoughts and tips, Scott! We look forward to your workshops at this year’s AWCF Conference.