Instructor

Head Instructor Daniel Smith started training in martial arts in 1979 with Okinawan Isshin-Ryu karate until 1983 when he started training in Okinawan Sanchin-Ryu karate until around 1986. Mr. Smith then started training in Aikido and American karate for a short time until 1989 when he began training in Jun Fan / Jeet Kune Do. It was then that Mr. Smith started researching and training in many different styles of martial arts. Mr. Smith has spent the last 20 years studying the true science and philosophy of fighting and physical fitness. Mr. Smith in the last 30 + years has obtained the following ranks and instructorships;

Guro / Sifu Dan Inosanto

Associate Instructor - Jun Fan Gung Fu

Associate Instructor - Filipino Martial Arts

Guro Level One - Maphilindo Silat & the Madjapahit Martial Arts

Sifu Larry Hartsell

President of the Jun Fan / Jeet Kune do Grappling Association

Associate Instructor

Ajarn Chai Sirisute

President of the Thai Boxing Association of the U.S.A.

Full Instructor

Professor Salem Assli

President of the California Association of Boxe Francaise~Savate

Yellow Glove / Initiator

Sifu Paul Vunak

President of the Progressive Fighting Systems

Phase One Instructor

Professor Remy Presas - Founder of Modern Arnis

1st Degree Black Belt

Julian Loredo

2nd Degree Black Belt in Jeet Kune Do Concepts

Okinawan Karate

1st Degree Black Belt

RCJ Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brown Belt

(18 years of experience)

Marc Fennell

Certified Mixed Martial Arts Referee & Judge

Mr. Smith is also licensed with the USA Boxing as a Coach, and Certified under the United States Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation as a Referee.

Daniel Smith

Owner / Head Instructor

"Simo" Becky Smith

Muay Thai Instructor Level One

Simo Becky Smith has been with American Martial Arts and Fitness since 2002. She is Currently the highest ranked Muay Thai student under Khun Kru Smith. She is a member of the Thai Boxing Association of the USA and puts in numerous hours of trainng with Master Chai to continue her knowledge of the art. Simo Smith has also trained with World Thai boxing Champion and founder of the hit reality series "Xtreme Warrior", Omar Akl. Simo Smith helps regularly during class time in assisting Khun Kru Smith in teaching classes and works one-on-one with our fighters and female students that are just starting out in Muay Thai Kickboxing.

Eric Kimmel

Assistant Instructor

Eric Kimmel has been a member of American Martial Arts and Fitness Academy since March 2004 and is a partner of the business. He holds the following rank under Head Instructor Daniel Smith.

Muay Thai Kickboxing Student Level Five

Kali / Eskrima / Arnis Student Level Six

Jun Fan - Jeet Kune Do Student Level Five

Mr. Kimmel assist in teaching the Kali / Eskrima and the Jeet Kune Do classes here at the academy.

Kevin Van Orman

Assistant Instructor

Kevin Van Orman has been a member of American Martial Arts Academy since 2009 and is a partner of the business. He holds the following rank under Head Instructor Daniel Smith: Student Level Six in Muay Thai Kickboxing and Blue Belt second stripe in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Kevin is also the owner of Tigerpaw7 here at the academy and teaches our fitness classes and personal training. Mr. Van Orman assist in teaching the Muay Thai Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as well.

Daniel Hornback

Assistant Instructor

Dan Hornback has been a member of American Martial Arts Academy since 2010. Mr. Hornback holds the following rank under Head Instructor Daniel Smith: Student Level Six in Muay Thai Kickboxing, Blue Belt third stripe in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Mr. Hornback is also the head instructor of our Northside Wrestling Club and assist in teaching the Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes.

Concatta Rivera

Mighty Dragon's Kids Program

Black Belt Assistant Instructor