Muhammed Ali and Floyd Smith Sr. Friends By Early Morning Jogging And Martial Arts
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania. (Philadelphia Front Page News-Magazine) — 77-year-old Floyd Smith Sr. loved Muhammad Ali as a good brother and dear friend.
Many people may not understand that Muhammad Ali experienced Japanese Martial Arts as a fan and an eye witness because there were close friendships between Ali and martial arts Sensei’s such as Floyd Smith Jr., Grand Master, Karate.
No one has to take Floyd Smith Sr. to a boxing museum or show him a piece of memorabilia that features
Muhammed Ali. Smith Sr. knows the story that may go along with these types of things.
Floyd Smith and Muhammed Ali met early hours of the morning as jogging partners when Ali boxed before the George Foreman bout.
Smith Sr. has a few young Ali and young Smith collection of sports and personal friendship memorabilia in his home.
“I have a few pictures, an autograph here and there, and a lot of good Ali and me memories to share,” said Smith.
Floyd Smith Sr. had known Ali since Smith Sr. trained for martial arts competition fights and taught martial arts school students.
Fights from Ali's career after his return in 1970 were just as endearing to Smith Sr. as they were to Ali’s very close family and long list of personal friends.
The Ali fight period from 1971 up until 1974 was a special time in Smith Jr’s life to be an associate with the sports legends who knew the “greatest fighter of all time.”
“When I was in Ali’s company during our early morning running routines I talked with him for hours at a time,” said Smith Sr.
Smith Jr. will tell anyone that they shared some quiet moments. Smith Jr says he shared thoughts and exchanged ideas with Ali, and even attended several meets with the Ali family.
With Ali’s passing it’s very easy for Smith Jr. to say wonderful and endearing things about Ali. He feels that there is always a good time to talk praise about the Ali the man who watched martial arts up and close.
Floyd Smith Sr. is the founder of several self-defense activities and martial arts schooling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Most recently Smith Sr. can be found at the Marian Anderson Recreation Center, 17th and Catherine Street continuing Black Martial Artist education.
If interested in Sensei Floyd Smith’s style of schooling, sponsored by the United Karate Association, contact him calling (267) 770-6635 or inquire at dojo or the recreation office.
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