Terry, I just started reading “Think Like a Monk” by Jay Shetty and decided to actually engage in the activities/self-reflections in the book. One of the first is to list some values, their origins, and to evaluate if/how true they are to you. I’m both surprised and not surprised that a lot of my values come from your training when I was a child. I know I was introduced to most of them before, but I strongly remember the lessons as a student of yours. So it’s interesting to me that the actual origins of those values I can’t remember, but I remember learning about them in those Saturday Black Sash classes.

Terry I believe I have already mentioned that meeting you and working with you has been one of the most enriching experiences in my life. Not only was I able to support and maintain my family, but I also received wisdom, advice and tools to apply to my life. Just as meditation when one is new to the practice, learning to be to be my best self, controlling my emotions, being grateful and aware, forgiving and letting go, and consciously set myself free from negativity has been a complex process with ups and downs, but now I know for sure I’m on track to living the life I really want and deserve.

I don’t know if you use testimonials, but you can count me in saying, you really have helped me to improve myself and be a better and healthier version of me, and for that, you will forever hold a space in my heart.

Sifu Terry and I go way back … over thirty years. And over the years from my youth until now he has been very poignant in his delivering of empowering and enlightening principals and character – not only in the martial arts but also in how to face the many challenges in life.

How often do you meet a martial arts master and medical professional in hypnotherapy and Qigong? … probably once in in a lifetime…at most! Because of Sifu Terry’s unique skillset he is able to penetrate the mind in relation to worldly truths and able to best counsel people well beyond martial defense but yet also in wellness defense… what I would call holistic optimization.

Terry Hodgkinson’s motivational inspiration comes from abundant experience in overcoming the odds. His exceptional insights on creating a meaningful life are communicated clearly with love and honesty. Terry’s message is both moving and encouraging. Our time together speaking on stage is priceless. Thanks, Terry, you are the best!

When I met Terry Hodgkinson in the mid 90’s, I knew there was something special about him. At first I couldn’t put my finger on it. I had met superb martial artists before and encountered dozens of talented therapists, but with Terry there was something more. As we became close business associates and friends, I realized what it was; Terry is authentic. In the world of self-help, there seems to be a new guru or an acclaimed breakthrough every week, but most of these fall short in substance and method. In Terry I found the real deal. He had walked the walk. Terry did his time to earn his illumination. He was not seeking fame. Rather, he was seeking what every one of us is seeking—even if we don’t know it—enlightenment.

In recent years, Terry and I spent a lot of time traveling together. Every night he would share story after story and each conversation would end with the same statement from me: “Terry you have to write a book and share these stories with the world.” Terry isn’t the typical martial arts master. He stands well over six feet tall. And if you are ever blessed to attend one of Terry’s seminars, you will feel the confidence that flows from that silent place of power. During my tenure running the world’s largest self-improvement franchise, I would hire Terry three to four times a year to share his experiences with my therapists and owners. I was always pleased with the feedback I received on how Terry could take complex concepts and simplify them into usable pieces of information.

When Terry started writing his book, I felt honored that he chose me to review each chapter as it was completed. Having earned a black belt in Taekwondo, I am no stranger to the martial arts. Although I loved my teachers, and they taught me amazing physical and mental skills, what I have read in “Memoirs of a Wandering Ninja” has illuminated my understanding of the deeper concepts of the martial arts. Although many of Terry’s experiences deal in the realm of martial arts, he has put together a philosophical guide that can be appreciated by neophytes and masters alike.

Terry said it best; “You get into martial arts training for one reason, and you stay for another.” I should know, Terry Hodgkinson and I lived at the instructor’s training residence over 35 years ago, and were trained and taught under the same fist art (combatives) and philosophy masters. Long gone are those days when that tall, gangly kid was struggling to get that technique right. Challenged by his developing adolescent body, he kept at those techniques with an unparalleled tenacity. At other times you could see him practicing his seated meditation, day in and day out at his favourite place at the studio.

What was most impressive about Terry (at that age) was the way in which he taught and conducted his classes with command and full presence. Terry had that intangible quality destined towards excellence. Historically, the ancient martial artists, ninjas, samurai and Shaolin monks, traditionally were also renowned for their diverse talents. Many were sought out for their expertise in the healing sciences of their day. Terry has kept on with this tradition, forged and developed his career from managing and operating a successful chain of martial arts studios right up to the Positive Changes Wellness Coaching, Meditation and Hypnotherapy Centre he owns and has operated for 21 years now.

His attention to detail and quality instruction reveals his mastery. With Terry, you’re getting the real deal. For the past few years I experienced several life challenges that needed attention and insight. Terry has been instrumental in helping me tap into inner resources and assist me at realizing things in greater depth, at times from a different perspective. I am benefiting greatly from his coaching sessions and looking forward to the next level of training in meditation and the internal martial arts.

Terry has successfully merged ancient wisdom with today’s self-help sciences and technology. Be sure to read his book “Memoirs of a Wandering Ninja” if you’re considering training martial arts, or listen to his guided meditation audio sessions. I highly recommend these for anyone who is on the path of personal growth and development.

I do not think I ever got the chance to thank you for that wonderful experience at your school which has helped me thus far, especially in focusing on becoming the best I can be. After that year, I moved to Ottawa, where I finished high school and graduated with High Honours in Architecture at Carleton University in 2010, as well as becoming a top tennis player in Ontario and Canada. At a young age, I also worked extensively in art, and I have been living back home in San José, Costa Rica where I am now dedicating my time to my artistic career. I invite you to see some of my recent paintings on facebook, as well as I am currently ranked one of the top tennis players in my country.

I greatly congratulate you on everything you have done, the books, the traveling and great knowledge you have obtained, you have always been a great mentor and leader for me when I started Kung Fu and I will always appreciate that. (I still have that one photo of us when I broke my first wood board – picture below) I am sure you are still dedicating your time to Martial Arts, and if you would like to add me as a friend on facebook to stay in contact that would be great. Many thanks for your time.

After training for 4 years, I later reunited with Terry at his new company and martial arts school “Beyond Kung Fu Studios” in Mississauga. As a struggling teenager going through the trials of adolescence, Terry’s guidance to me at this time helped me get through many obstacles no matter how big or great. Terry’s knowledge and wisdom from his world travels, meditations and martial arts inspire those around him. Although I had a hard time in school Terry helped me succeed in Kung Fu helping me see that successes and breakthroughs in class could also be used as metaphors for life.

After completing school and entering my 1st career, I went through a very tough and stressful situation where I lost my confidence. At this time I got in touch with Terry who owned and operated Positive Changes Hypnotherapy and Coaching Centre, where he worked with me through several sessions to retrain my perspectives and confidence. After these sessions, I was more focused and aware of the direction I was heading. I then traveled, met my wife and re-launched my career and now have been running a successful business for over seven years. I am also happy to say that I have been training under Sifu Terry (3rd times a charm!) at Chung Fu Martial Arts and Meditation School for the past seven years. Terry’s guidance and support over the many years I have known him are a true testament to the great person and friend he is.

Master Terry Hodgkinson had a profound impact on both my Martial Arts training and my life. His guidance along with teaching methods stressed the importance of having a balanced life, one that combined both physical and spiritual growth. Terry also emphasized how our direct actions influenced our surroundings, and our environment. Coming from a home that was full of perpetual turmoil, Terry provided a positive role model for me. He was someone that practiced restraint, respect, and peace.

My training with Terry Hodgkinson taught me not only about Kung Fu, it provided valuable lessons about myself, and insight into my own life. Through Terry I was able to see the value in mastering something and having faith in myself and in the unknown. Learning to question things that we may or may not understand, and seeing things from other points of view, I learned to trust my senses and intuition. Although it has been a few years since I have trained with Terry, I have continued to value the life lessons I learned from him. I also continue to train in Martial Arts and continue to incorporate many of the spiritual practices learned through our meditation sessions. I am indebted to Terry for all he has taught me.

Terry Hodgkinson has a health centre in Toronto, Canada where he sees clients but he also has clients from all over the world that he coaches from the phone and I am one of them. He is also well traveled and cultured, which I appreciate. Because of Terry’s long time coaching practice as well as being a meditation teacher, hypnotherapist, inspirational speaker and martial arts guru, he is a unique person indeed.

I have been receiving coaching and hypnotherapy from Terry for a while now, every week. In my time with Terry, I have come to know him as an intensely intelligent and self aware individual. Always thought I had this great perception being a coach and a leader but Terry helps me to even see further, which I honestly thought impossible. Working with Terry just reiterates HOW important and valuable having a personal coach is! I’ve talked about everything from physical fitness, relationships, business, sex and past pains with Terry, KNOWING it’s safe! When I bring these things to Terry in our sessions, I know I always leave as a better coach myself, a better tool for my own clients.

Since I started working with Terry, my intuitive capability has been better tuned when working with clients and team members in my business. I would highly recommend Terry; he’s an amazing individual who is very humble and such a pleasure to work with.

I met Sifu Terry Hodgkinson 16 years ago when i started to train kung fu at his school. The lessons I learned have not only been vital to my development in the martial arts but as a person. Terry helped me see my potential and gave me the drive to become a better person. The knowledge he has is amazing! Every time I am around Terry I learn something new that can use in my everyday life. I highly recommend Master Terry, for his guidance as his knowledge is one of a kind and I have nothing but admiration for him.

Terry Hodgkinson came to a high school where I taught, to speak to three classes that were comprised of both model students and dangerously at-risk teens. These students came from some of the most affluent families, and others from some of the most destitute. Sifu Terry spoke to them about choices in life, about consequences of choices, and about right and wrong. He imparted a sage’s wisdom in basic, yet comprehensive terms, leaving no mind untouched. While not everyone present heeded Terry’s message, there were a select few that took his meaning to heart, and I can happily say that their paths changed for the better because of Terry’s authentic, honest message.

Terry’s candid, straightforward insights into the areas of my life that present the biggest challenges have been the biggest factor in my path towards personal progress. No pat answers, clichés or fluff-just concise, articulate and meaningful insights that I can recall when challenging situations arise.

Having been previously diagnosed with both depression and anxiety disorders, summarily prescribed every type of ‘medication’ you can imagine, Terry encouraging me to discover ‘new’ solutions, based on ancient practices for developing a successful management strategy. I now have internal resources to draw on, and it has made all the difference. By combining the best science and technology available with techniques rooted in ancient wisdom, I am enjoying the benefits of lasting change, without the need for drug ‘Therapy”. His audio-visual tools, which I still use regularly, and his excellent book, Memoirs of a Wandering Ninja, have become the primary tools that have enabled me to re-think my own limitations and face my challenges with the confidence that I can choose my outcome.

Thanks T, You are a life-changer!

Later on, he started his Positive Changes centre. In 2001, I found a lump, went for a biopsy and had to wait 5 days for the results. I contacted Terry and asked what I could do to stay positive while waiting for the results. He designed a positive thinking tape for me – healthy mind and body. I was diagnosed with breast cancer and used his tapes to keep me on the positive thinking track. I would listen to the tape while undergoing chemo treatments and remember one time where Terry’s words of positive thoughts “filtering” into my body and “washing” away negativity, was in sync with the chemo treatment coming through my arm – it certainly gave me an added tingling (chemo in, cancer out). That night I experienced a third eye “vision” which could have meant I was in tune with my body. Whether it was throughout my martial arts training, or the positive changes sessions, I found Terry to be a great mentor, an awesome motivational speaker, and simply a most caring individual.

I trained martial arts at Energy Lake Kung Fu Studios over 30 years ago where Sifu Terry was my favourite instructor by far. Even then, it was evident that Terry was as passionate about teaching and getting positive results with his students as he was about being a martial artist. He always seemed to connect better with me than some of the other instructors because of this.

Unfortunately, martial arts took a backseat for me over the past two decades as I focused on pursuing other personal life goals (i.e. university degree, career, and raising a family). However, during this time I always felt something was missing and realized that it was my love for martial arts. Recently, I have begun to train martial arts under Terry again at Chung Fu Martial Arts Martial Arts & Meditation which has had an immediate impact by allowing me to self-actualize in my personal and professional life. I feel energized and youthful again for the first time in a long time. Much of this can be attributed to Terry’s positive approach and ability to break topics down and teach principles in their simplest form. This is a testament to his skill and longevity as a teacher, trainer, and personal coach.

I absolutely loved our stay and training at the Wudang Internal Kung Fu Academy on Wudang Mountain. During the stay I discovered peace through movement (Tai Chi) and meditation which were taught to us from 2 very skilled Chinese teachers who live there.

I have been studying self-actualization philosophy for over 35 years and after reading Terry’s book I was amazed at how extensive his expertise and experience of this field is. All the best of the best of the ageless knowledge and methods for enlightenment, personal growth, empowerment, spirituality and motivational psychology is here in this book. It’s apparent from the first chapter to the last, that Terry is it one heavy-duty wise dude. I am overwhelmingly impressed!

There was an enjoyable flow to the entire trip as all the well-planned activities unfolded, day by day. I personally would call it, “Terry’s Active-Zen Spiritual Adventure Tour”. It truly was outstanding and I had a wonderful time

I saw much that was awesome and of keen interest to me: The Great wall, The Forbidden City, many ancient mystical Tao temples on Wudang Mountain. Also I experienced things that we might have otherwise not been able to in a more conventional tour: such as visiting with a elderly Taoist Monk who lives alone high up in a mountain cave; witness up close a Taoist ceremony deep in the bowels of the ancient Blue temple, something that has happened daily since the 13th century when the temple was completed; visit the art gallery of a prominent contemporary artist and enjoy watching him work, and later being coached in how to do calligraphy by this master.

I was delighted to experience the natural beauty of WUDANG MOUNTAIN area; to spend a nice amount of time there, and then to climb to the very top, all of which made understandable to me why this location has been such a central source of inspiration for artists, meditators and famous philosophers throughout China’s long history.

I really appreciated Terry’s, ‘can do‘ approach to things that made every aspect of our trip such a memorable success. Terry Shifu is very conscientious, inclusive, caring individual, knowledgeable and always ready to do what’s appropriate and needed for us; and to have a good laugh while doing it. So if you are interested in such things and ‘Peak Experiences’, join Terry next time in China, climb to the top of Wudang Mountain. Enjoy the view and the Tao.

Terry’s trip set the bar very high for me. The inner confidence to travel too distant lands by oneself. From the moment I stepped off the plane I was in the company of a representative from Tao journeys, I never felt alone. Trips such as these allow all seekers the ability to search for knowledge. The information I learned from not only Terry and our local Tao Masters but from my fellow group members was so vast. It was great to come home and be able to share so much knowledge with my loved ones, friends and clients.

This journey was truly scenic and beautiful, yet it was also an incredible inner journey, of being able to know oneself, without the interference of westernized culture. It truly was a wonderful way to disconnect from the outside and be able to connect with inside.

The Tao Journeys trip with Terry Hodgkinson is a life-changing event. It’s a rare chance to meet your true inner self and face the unknown. Happiness is a matter of perspective. If you’re questioning yours this immersion trip of Terry’s is a perspective changing experience! I can’t say it any simpler, go do this trip, you will thank me later!

Terry’s agenda allowed us to experience the spiritual, religious and scenic majesty of Wudang Mountain as well as great sight seeing around Beijing.

Terry’s planning made the trip carefree. The walk up Wudang Mountain was a real challenge for me. I was encouraged by my other trip travel companions as well as many strangers on the same journey, and local guys offering to carry me up to the top. I made it up all those stairs with my new walking sticks, which allowed me to push on up to the top much more easily. As a physical and mental challenge, it was something that I was grateful to accomplish and will always take pride in.

I met so many kind and generous people who made the experience unforgettable. Master Li, his patience and sense of humour allowed me to experience Tai Chi as a beginner and add something new with pleasant memories. The cool evenings sipping tea with Master Hu who taught us valuable lessons from Taoism and his students was a delight. We have now found that same green tea with red dates and 5 Goji berries that we drink often back home in Canada. When we do sip the tea, it reminds of our most amazing trip to China with Terry Shifu. 

Terry was incredibly knowledgeable about India’s culture and places of interest we were scheduled to visit.  He ensured our activities were organized, set at a good pace and he was flexible to spontaneous moments or activities, such as, shopping at market places, enjoying chai tea on a mountain top; river rafting on the sacred Ganges River, spending extra time on the beach, and visiting the Elephant Rescue Sanctuary.

Everyday was a different adventure; such as floating candles down the Ganges River in Rishikesh during holy Puja and Aarti ceremony;  group spiritual activities he led, such as meditation;  climbing a mountain to swim in a water fall;  touring and dancing in the Beatles Ashram;  visiting and experiencing the majestic Taj Mahal.

The hotels we stayed in were top notch clean and comfortable, the bus, driver and Tour Guides we travelled with were dependable, friendly and knowledgeable about the areas we travelled to. The people of India were welcoming and friendly. So much to see, hear, smell and feel!  My senses felt a little overwhelmed but in a great way!

I highly recommend joining an upcoming Tao Travel Journey with Terry Shifu, to enlighten your soul in India or China and to enjoy a vacation retreat of a lifetime!!