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Ricky and Randy Smith, featured in Karate
Illustrated magazine in 1977 as the "Gold
Dust Twins", achieved remarkable
success in the sport of kickboxing. They began by instructing
side by side in their karate school for 12 years while competing
throughout the United States, gaining national ratings on the amateur
karate circuit. After turning professional, Ricky was known as
"Flash" for his lightning-fast hand and feet
combinations, while "Bullet" was the nickname Randy
earned for his powerful right hand. Hard work and dedication
brought Ricky the ranking of 10th in the world and 3rd in the
U.S. The highlight of their careers came in 1978 when the twins
won the Tag Team Championship of the World. Ricky and Randy
currently hold 6th degree black belts.
Despite their success, the twins' karate skills resulted in trouble as
they began fighting outside the ring. During their college
years, while acquiring degrees in Business and Economics, the Smith
Brothers also acquired a bad reputation for street
fighting. This lifestyle led to many arrests and court
appearances, ultimately facing a possible 14-year jail sentence for
assaulting police officers. Ironically, they were sentenced to
teach the police department 100 hours of free karate instead.
Thinking they had left
trouble behind, the twins established a successful chain of Rent-To-Own
Stores in the Charlotte area. Their success soon degenerated
into a life of partying, which led to a head-on collision involving the
company van. Their corporation was sued; Randy again faced a
severe jail sentence. There had to be something better!
Turning to God the only
way he knew how, Randy returned to his Methodist roots. Realizing
that there was more than religion, he sought and found the only
power that could change his life - Jesus Christ! Not long after
this transformation, Randy began sharing his life-changing experience
with his twin brother, who was also miraculously delivered from a
lifestyle of pain and heartache.
Circumstances began to change in
Ricky and Randy's lives as they experienced God's miracle working
power. With many requests to share their testimony in lay witness
missions, the twins stepped out in faith and sold their business.
Doors began to open in prisons, schools and churches for them to preach
the good news of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
As they remained
faithful to the call, more ministry opportunities developed. Randy
became a youth pastor of Faith Assembly of God in Tallahassee, Florida,
while Ricky began traveling with Evangelist Eastman Curtis from
Lakeland, Florida. After training and ministering separately, the
"Gold Dust Twins" have now joined forces to form Double Impact
Ministries - tag teaming...using a double anointing of the Holy Ghost to
defeat the powers of darkness!
Zeal and excitement
about the things God characterize this dynamic ministry. A strong
vision to see God's people overcome and live in victory motivates the
Tag Team Champions to preach throughout the United States.
The Smith twins have
added their kinetic blend of style and ability, with fight scenes in
several movies, including: "The
Quest!" - starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and Roger Moore
(James Bond), and "Bloodsport
II: The Next Kumite" - starring Daniel Bernhardt and Pat
Morita (Mr. Miyagi from
"The Karate Kid"). Recently, the twins
co-starred in a Christian family film called "Angel With a Kick",
with the first black man to enter the Black Belt Hall of Fame - the
legendary Thomas LaPuppet.
The Smith's were
inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 1994 as Instructors
of the Year. On the same day, Ricky competed against 1,100 black
belts to win the World Martial Arts hall of Fame Kata
Championship. They are the owners of the SideKick Karate franchise
located in China Grove, Lexington, Albemarle, Concord, and Salisbury and
are the creators of the nationally marketed "Get Started in Karate"
instructional video series. They are also active in the Chuck
Norris "Say No to Drugs" campaign in the North Carolina school
system. They have now been active in the martial arts for over 28
years.
With the rising popularity of the martial
arts, the use of flashy karate demonstrations as an evangelical tool is a unique way to
bring those who normally do not attend church into the Harvest. Experience the
Resurrection Power that is "alive and kicking" with Double Impact Ministries!
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