Sensei RJ Smith

American Okinawan Karate Academy

Flagstaff, Arizona

     Born and raised in Arizona, Sensei RJ Smith began his martial arts training at the age of 12 if an American Kenpo system. After training there for two years, RJ enrolled in the American Okinawan Karate Academy (AOKA), and trained there continuously for the next 9 years. Sensei RJ holds a third degree black belt in the Tai-Shin-Ki-Do Karate system, and is certified through the National Isshin-Ryu Karate Association (NIKA), and the International Black Belt Association (IBBA). Sensei RJ is also an active member in the Bushido society of the Tai-Shin-Ki-Do organization. RJ is certified in CPR and First-Aid. Sensei RJ is also certified to teach the Chanbara sword fighting system from Japan. Sensei RJ has been an assistant instructor in the Hombu dojo of Tai-Shin-Ki-Do in Sierra Vista, AZ, for several years before moving to Flagstaff, AZ, where he attends Northern Arizona University. Sensei RJ is a graduate from Cochise Community College with an Associate's Degree in Physics, Astronomy, and Atmospheric Sciences.