Beyond the Dojo: The Life and Legacy of Sensei Ronald Bruce Smith

Ron Smith stands on the left side, testing a student for black belt promotion.

Ronald Bruce Smith, born on March 1, 1946, is an accomplished American karate instructor, police enforcement officer and author currently pursuing a PhD in public administration at Liberty University. His academic journey began at Bishop Alemany High School, followed by earning an Associate in Arts from Los Angeles Valley College in 1975. Continuing his education, he obtained a Juris Doctorate from the University of La Verne College of Law in 1990. Seeking further knowledge, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies from Regent University in 2015 and a Master of Law in Criminal Justice in 2021.Top of Form

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Kempo instructor Bill Ryusaki introduced Smith to martial arts in 1962. He studied Goju Ryu with Seikichi Toguchi in the military. San Antonio was his next training stop with Gerry Fearr. After returning to Los Angeles, he trained with Bob Martinez in Kempo. He later learned Shorin Ryu, Okinawan Kempo, and combat ki from Soke Rod Sacharnoski. Later, he joined Tadashi Yamashita.

Smith spent nine years at the Burbank Police Department. He switched to Risk Management Claims in 1989. After serving as a Safety Officer from 1993 to 1997, he became the 43rd Assembly District’s District Manager/Chief of Staff. He used his legal talents as a Legal and Administrative Assistant for the Association for Research and Enlightenment from 1998 to 2000.

Smith assumed the roles of Chairman of the Board and CEO at Preparing the Way, Inc. in 2000, showcasing his dedication to charitable endeavors. He currently holds the same positions at the USA National Karate-do Federation of V.A., Inc. Additionally, he leads 24/7 Law Enforcement Services, Inc., a Virginia-based charity established in 2022 to foster collaboration between private security and law enforcement. Apart from that Smith is currently appointed as a Special Conservator of the Peace, a specialized law enforcement appointment by Virginia Circuit Courts, empowering him to enforce laws within private property locations in several circuit court jurisdictions in the Commonwealth

Smith has served as CEO of Paladin Protection Services, LLC since 2014. Notable milestones in his career include successful litigation in discrimination cases against former directors of the USA National Karate Federation and a local nonprofit organization. Smith has contributed to many industries, but his legal disputes have angered martial arts and nonprofit communities. He sued the former directors of the USA National Karate Federation and the Olympic Governing Body to ensure fair sporting competitions. He settled his lawsuit against a local nonprofit for discriminating against Christian employees after much debate.

Smith wrote A Christian Guide to Oneness, A Christian Guide to Meditation, The Essence of Pilates (with Katharine Seyster), and Martial Arts: A Way of Life. He won the UNCF Scholarship in 1963, the Military Service Award in 1965, the Sy Miller Scholarship Award in 1975, the World Martial Arts Union Hall of Fame: Master of the Year Award in 2000, the Black Belt of the Year Award in 2002, the Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame: Exemplary Dedication to the Martial Arts in 2008, and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. He obtained the Hanshi-9th Degree Black Belt from Yamashita Shorin Ryu in 2020 and the 10th Degree Black Belt from Juko Kai Int’l Shorin Ryu in 2009.

Smith resides in Virginia Beach with his wife, daughter, and four grandchildren. Sensei Ron Smith, who heads Beikoku Ryu Budo/Bugei Renmei in Virginia Beach, VA, and other California dojos, has trained with many famous martial artists over the past 40 years. He loves training adults and kids in martial arts. His purpose is to teach his students martial arts fundamentals and deep philosophy and history. Smith teaches realistic self-defense. He stresses academic accomplishment, requiring students to have good grades and produce report cards for belt promotions. Academically gifted students are invited to join the “Cookie Club,” which organizes fun activities to honor their success.

Smith helps his adult students become martial arts instructors by encouraging them to be confident in their talents. His trainees must attend seminars and contests to improve their martial arts skills and qualify for the U.S. Olympics. Smith, the Chairman of the Board for the USA National Karate-do Federation of Virginia, Inc., a nonprofit that trains traditional karate athletes, is committed to the sport. Smith owns and heads Great Neck Martial Arts Center and has spent a lifetime in martial arts, law, and community service, as well as coaching, entrepreneurship, event management, team building, and public speaking.

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