Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Smith.
Hi Kevin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started Training in Okinawa Karate and Weapons shortly before my 14 birthday. 1992? I am not sure of the date due to all my belongings being lost in a house fire (in my early 20s) after Hurricane Bertha. We had lost everything. I never stopped training however; and was promoted to nidan (second degree Black Belt) in 2006. It was in 2012 we opened Smith Family Dojo in Hope Mills and have been here, ever since. I am now a seventh degree black belt and get to teach and learn every day.
I am thankful to God and his Son Jesus for every day and opportunity to share!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life is never smooth; we are shaped by the events that take place in our lives. Our trials build patience and we all have our own to bear. One event that marked a change in my life was being struck by a moving vehicle doing over 60 mph, while I was on foot. Yes, you read that correctly. August 12, 2003.
He hit me full on, and they pulled hair from my head off of his dashboard. I flew through the air about 90 or so feet. Both legs shattered with multiple fractures in each. My pelvis was cracked. My left arm, nearly severed, hung by the bone as the muscle had been torn away from around the bicep area. Both of my lungs were punctured, my ribs nearly all broken or cracked and my spleen had also been ruptured. Did I mention that my neck was also cracked?
I woke up in the hospital. 9 weeks later I was able to come home. I was depressed and very weak. My injuries kept me in bed or on the couch for months. It was a struggle, but I believed the Lord would give me strength. I began again to train. Slowly, I built up my strength. I had to re-learn how to walk, do Kata, and spar, with my injuries. I had to learn to use my left arm again. There were many obstacles.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a martial artist. I specialize in Okinawa karate and weaponry. I am the Co-Owner, with my wife Laura, of Smith Family Dojo in Hope Mills, NC. We have an awesome school with great fellowship and learning. Our after school program is second to none. We focus on responsibility, training, building confidence and making better individuals through education and physical wellness. Our evening classes focus on life protection techniques and philosophies that are simple and practical for today’s world. Please look us up!
We are on Google, YouTube and Facebook. Instagram is coming soon!
Any big plans?
Future plans involve expansion and building up of our after school program within our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.smithfamilydojo.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmithFamilyDojo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmithFamilyDojoHopeMills
