Islanders Karate :: Modern Arnis, Modern Arnis De Mano, Martial Arts, Knife fighting, stick fighting, knife defense, stick defense, self defense, self-defense, Jujitsu, Karate, Kung Fu, Kempo, isshinryu karate, Ryukyu Kempo, Kenpo, martial arts, BJJ, Brazilian Jujitsu, Wushu, Tai Chi, Tai Chi Chuan, Kick Boxing, Kickboxing, Kali, Arnis, JKD, Jeet Kune Do, Bruce Lee, Hwa Rang Do, Ninjutsu, Ninja, Ken Smith, Master Smith, Master Ken Smith, Grandmaster Remy A. Presas, Remy Presas, Professor Presas, frazer, dillman, grandmaster, master, Zan-shin Ryu, Kyusho Jitsu, Kiai Jitsu, Ryukyu Kempo Tomari-te Karate, Modern Arnis, Wei Kuen Do Gung Fu, Tae Kyon, Small Circle Jujitsu, Zan-shin Ryu Jujutsu, Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Aikido, George Dillman, Ken Smith, Modern Arnis, Orland Park, IL, Illinois, combat martail arts, Tinley park, Mokena, Palos Park, Palos hills, Lockport"

Master of Tapi -Tapi, Ken Smith

It is one thing to be a talented martial artist, but having the ability to pass on that knowledge is truly a gift. Ken Smith, head instructor and owner of Islander's Karate, is such and individual. While Sensei Ken is an extremely skilled and knowledgeable martial artist, he separates himself from other instructors by his ability to teach and help his students understand both basic and complicated techniques. He and his wife, Sensei Tammy opened Islander’s Karate in 1996. Since that time the school has grown from 50 students to approximately 200. Sensei Ken’s passionate love for the marital arts is an inspiration to his students.

Sensei Ken began his study of Karate when hew as 18 years old in a small Indiana town. Later moving to Orland Park where he studied Isshinryu Karate under Jesse Gallegoes, a 9th degree black belt. It was in this style that Sensei Ken earned a 6th degree black belt.

He continued to grow as a martial artists, studying Modern Arnis and pressure points with George Mazek, a 4th degree black belt in Modern Arnis, however, it as his introduction and training with Grandmaster Remy A. Presas, founder and creator of Modern Arnis, that impacted Sensei Ken’s training immensely. Grandmaster Presas, know as ‘Professor’, promoted Ken Smith to the level of Master of Tapi-Tapi, the highest level of achievement in Modern Arnis. He continues to pass on Professor’s art, traveling all over the United States, France, England, Germany and Canada. Master Ken Smith is an active member of the steering committee of the International Modern Arnis Federation (IMAF, Inc.), as well as being on the Board of Directors.

With Professor’s death, Ken Smith persisted to grow in his martial arts training. Through his friendship with Dustin Seale, Grandmaster in Ryukyu Kempo as well as one of Grandmaster George Dillman’s top students, Master Smith was introduced to Grandmaster Dillman. As Professor always said, “if you want to learn the knock out, you must go see George Dillman.” So, Ken went to see George Dillman and has become a student and a good friend. In September of 2006, Ken smith was promoted to 7th degree by Grandmaster George Dillman and is now an active member of Dillman Karate International (DKI).

In addition, Master Smith is a member of Jodoryu International, founded by Professor T.A. Frazer. His grappling knowledge continues to develop as he is a mentored by Professor Frazer.

Web Design: MBuilt.com