Thai Boxing Association of the U.S.A.
Articles
Interview with Dick Harrell
by Dave Rogers
Re-print of a 1997 interview with Dick Harrell conducted by Dave Rogers. This article first appeared in the TBA Newsletter.
Here’s what Ajarn Chai has to say about him: "... When I met Dick Harrell at the Smokey Mountain Camp in 1984, he had already earned the honor of becoming Guro Dan Inosanto’s first Apprentice Instructor on the East Coast.
Dick told me how much he wanted to learn Thai Boxing. I saw in his eyes the discipline and desire necessary so I told him, he must put his heart into it. After five years as my student, and with me as his pad holder, he passed his instructor test.
I tell my students to do exactly as I do, to copy me, and Dick has accomplished that. He is an excellent instructor. He moves as I move. Dick is a Thai Boxer, not only with perfect form, but also gifted with the ability to teach, a rare combination.
Some say it is best to learn Thai Boxing from Thai fighters. But I feel it is best to learn Thai Boxing from someone who has not only the skill, but also has the ability to convey those skills to others. Dick has the discipline, the skill and the ability, but also the passion it takes to teach the art of Thai Boxing to those who have the dedication and desire to learn. He is the perfect instructor..."
Dave Rogers: When did you start your Muay Thai training?
Dick Harrell: I started my Muay Thai training in 1984 when I met Ajarn Chai at Vic Payne’s Great Smokey Mountains Martial Arts Camp. Prior to that, Guro Dan Inosanto had introduced me to Muay Thai Training in 1983 and suggested I further my training with Ajarn Chai. While I maintain my skills in the Filipino Martial Arts and Jun Fan/JKD concepts, the thrust of my training for the last ten years has been Thai boxing.
DR: We’ll then let’s go back, specifically when did your Marital Arts training begin?
DH: I started in Shotokan Karate back in 1971 and around 1974 I started training with Larry Hartsell who at that time was teaching at a Kung Fu school and the rule was that you had to be a member of the school for a year before you could train with him. So I was the first outsider, he waived that rule. Along the way I had three kickboxing bouts just to get the experience. I won 2 and had one draw. And then around 1980, Larry and I opened the first JKD school authorized by Dan Inosanto outside the West coast.
DR: When did you meet Sifu Inosanto?
DH: Meeting Sifu Dan was certainly the beginning of an incredible journey in my Martial Arts training. He was also instrumental in introducing me to Ajarn Chai.
DR: We’ll then, back to 1984 when you met Ajarn Chai?
DH: What most impressed me about Muay Thai Training was that it fulfilled every aspect of Martial Arts training for me; namely, the transition from the ring to self-defense, the cardiovascular and strength benefits, etc. If you trained under Ajarn Chai in those days, he drove you until you had nothing left. I loved that!
DR: Did you know then that Thai Boxing was going to become an important part of your life?
DH: Yes. The more time that I spent with Ajarn Chai getting to know him, the art, and the philosophy of Thai Boxing, the more I knew I would be devoted to helping him promote Thai Boxing in the U.S.A.
DR: Do you have a school at the present time?
DH: No, I’ve just relocated to Charleston S.C. and haven’t had the opportunity to do that. But I want to get back to teaching on a regular basis and I teach seminars when the occasion arises. My heart is there and I want to help Ajarn with promoting the art in anyway I can. So along with my students Rob Kelly and his students, like Dan King , we cover North and South Carolina.
DR: Finally, is there any thing else that you devote your time to? Hobbies etc.?
DH: Most of my spare quality time centers around my three sons, Kyle 14, Derek 13, and Brett 7 years old. All three are involved in sports and fitness, the oldest and youngest being the most interested in Martial Arts. They are a "dream come true" for any father who ever wanted boys who love the sporting life. Kyle is a fitness buff, while Derek is a "classic-level" soccer player. Brett just wants to do it all!
DR: Would you like to say anything else?
DH: I would just like to thank Guro Dan and Ajarn Chai for their patience and trust as well as the time they have invested in training and supporting me over the last twenty years To these great men, I am forever indebted.