Robert Smith
Master Smith was elected to the High Dan Board in 1997.
Robert Smith was born September 28, 1958 in Heidelberg, Germany (an Army Brat), and began his martial arts training in 1974 at age 16. He was promoted to first-degree Black Belt in 1982 by the American Karate Association. His first style is Taekwondo Chung Do Kwan. Master Smith, also, holds a 6th Dan Grade Ranking in Taekwondo Moo Duk Kwan. He taught at the local American Karate Association school from 1982-1988, when he opened his school, Tiger's Den Martial Arts in Bryan/College Station, Texas.
Master Smith is employed in Bryan/College Station, Texas as a police officer, and serves as Minister of his church. He is, also, very active in his community with the training, welfare, and assistance for needy juveniles.
He has studied Tae Kwon Do under numerous instructors, including: Terry Lee Bryan, 5th Dan of the American Karate Association and Phillip Plumber, 5th Dan of the American Modified Karate Association. He received his his 5th dan from AKBBA-CSHK High Dan Board Members Richard Jenkins and Charles Bouton and later earned his 6th and 7th Dan Grades from the AKBBA-CSHK.
He, also, has studied Pressure Point Defense Tactics at the Texas State Department of Public Safety Academy and teaches, is a State Certified Instructor in several areas of Police Officer Defensive Tactics, and Law Officer Street Survival. He is highly proficient in gun, knife, club, grappling, and Tonfa self-defense tactics, and is an AKBBA-CSHK Certified Master Teacher.
Retired from competition since 1992, his tournament carrier was distinguished with numerous 1st, 2nd and 3rd place wins, as well as, Grand Champion honours. Master Smith's competition awards were earned in the Black Belt Heavyweight Fighting Division including: Houston's Karate Olympics, Austin's Capitol City Martial Arts Open Karate Championships, Houston's Open Tae Kwon Do Championship, Houston's Southwest Texas Karate Championships, Texas Karate Showdown, etc.
Robert Smith has promoted many fine and talented Black Belts. His students are highly dedicated, strong, and capable in their proficiency. Their fighting and forms are, equally, proficient at all ages and genders. But, the most outstanding and evident attribute his students possess (other than their ability) are their shining respectful attitudes, dedication, and spirit. A true reflection of the Master Teacher's touch.
His school, Tiger Den Martial Arts, located in Bryan/College Station, Texas, offers a wide range of instruction in Tae Kwon Do and self defense tactics. He brings to the High Dan Board and the AKBBA Members many years of experience as a teacher, practitioner, competitor, and promoter, as well as, his unique background experience in law enforcement.
Master Smith carries a large portion of the future of traditionally strong martial arts and that of the AKBBA-CSHK firmly upon his shoulders. The mantle shall be aptly passed to this young and strong man. His service is welcomed and has been executed with a maturity and dedication deserving of his stature on The Board.
