RONIN TACTICS IS ON A MISSION

TU LAM SHARES HIS INNER WARRIOR WITH HIS STUDENTS.

- MICHAEL D'ANGONA

Tu Lam is the epitome of many things—a loyal military member and a highly trained martial artist, weapons expert, firearm tactician, teacher and, finally, a soft-spoken and caring individual.

However, words are just that: words. To truly understand Tu’s mindset, physical abilities and prowess, as well as why his training company, Ronin Tactics, is so well-regarded, American Survival Guide caught up with this ever-active retired Special Forces operator and explored what made him what he is today, including the arduous, sometimes dangerous, but truly fulfilling, path he took to get here.

American Survival Guide: What was your childhood like as you were growing up, and was your life then instrumental in creating the man you are today?

Tu Lam: Unfortunately, growing up the in 1980s as an Asian American (South Vietnamese) during the post-Vietnam War years near the biggest Army base in the United States (Fort Bragg, North Carolina) was not so easy. I was called more racist names than I care to recall. I was bullied and beaten daily for looking different. Usually, these racist child acts were supported by their racist adult parents.

My family didn’t come from money, and we didn’t have much. My stepfather raised us with a very strict military upbringing. Higher education was a requirement, and we dedicated many hours to our academics. In public school, we had a dress code—enforced by my stepfather.

My stepfather had a welding business that was started by my step-grandfather after he returned home from the Korean War. My stepfather engineered and manufactured Special Operations assault ladders, along with many other requirements from the military’s more specialized units.