Congratulations
Grand Master
Jeff Smith
To all my fellow Martial Artists,
Grand Master Jeff Smith: A True Martial Arts Icon
Grand Master Jeff Smith has been a defining force in the martial arts world for decades. Renowned for his explosive fighting style and lightning-fast kicks, he rose to prominence as a multiple-time World Champion. Beyond the trophies and titles, Jeff’s real legacy lies in his unwavering dedication to teaching, inspiring, and shaping the next generation of martial artists. Through his seminars, tournaments, and coaching programs, he has positively influenced countless students worldwide—many of whom have gone on to become champions in their own right.
In addition to his competitive achievements, Grand Master Smith is respected for his leadership and tireless efforts to advance martial arts as both a sport and a lifelong practice. From hosting high-profile tournaments to guiding aspiring instructors, Jeff’s passion for excellence shines through in everything he does. As a mentor, role model, and pioneer, he embodies the true spirit of the martial arts—discipline, respect, and continuous self-improvement—making him a living legend within the industry
Tracy Lee Thomas
8th Degree
Go2 Karate Recognition Board Member
Founder | Go2 Karate
It is with great admiration and appreciation that I want to congratulation and celebrate you on receiving the Lifetime Recognition Award,an honor truly befitting your incredible impact on the martial arts world.
Your dedication over the past 40+ years has shaped not only champions in competition but also champions in life. Through your leadership, teaching, and unwavering commitment, you've empowered students of all ages, from children to professionals, to grow in both skill and character. Your influence extends far beyond the walls of your dojhang, reaching communities across the globe, inspiring the next generation, and setting the gold standard for martial arts excellence.
From performing on the White House lawn to coaching world-class athletes, guiding school owners to elevating the entire industry, you have exemplified what it means to lead with passion and purpose. Your work in promoting discipline, fitness, and a drug-free lifestyle has left a lasting impact, and your contributions continue to shape the future of martial arts education.
On behalf of all those whose lives you've touched, we thank you for your dedication, leadership, and lifelong pursuit of excellence.
With respect ,
Denise Morin
5th Degree
Go2 Karate Recognition Board Member
Go2 Karate Editor
As we kick off the new year, it’s with immense joy and pride that I shine the spotlight on a great friend, esteemed colleague, and true legend in the martial arts: Grandmaster Jeff Smith, also known as “The DC Bomber.”
Grandmaster Smith’s martial arts journey began at the youthful age of 14 in Kingsville, Texas. Under the esteemed guidance of Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee, he earned his first-degree black belt in 1969. His passion, skill and hard work led him to win the Professional Karate Association (PKA) World Light Heavyweight Karate Championship not once, but seven times!
One of his most memorable fights was his title defense against Don King’s heavyweight contender, Kareem Allah. This electrifying match was broadcast to over fifty million viewers as a prelude to the legendary “Thrilla in Manila” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. Still a record for most watched martial arts bout.
Beyond the ring, Grandmaster Smith has been a guiding force in the industry as the coach for both the World Champion United States Karate Team and the Junior National Team, leading them to numerous victories. His unwavering dedication earned him the honor of being the first recipient of the Bruce Lee Award for “Fighter of the Year,” personally selected by Mrs. Bruce Lee and Karate Magazine. In 2016, the Professional Karate Commission elevated him to the esteemed rank of Grandmaster, awarding him a 10th-degree black belt.
On a personal note, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Grandmaster Smith for many years. His mentorship, friendship, and unparalleled expertise have been invaluable. His commitment to excellence and his infectious attitude is an inspiration!
I invite our martial arts community to come together in writing a congratulatory message, honoring Grandmaster Jeff Smith for his lifetime of achievements and unwavering dedication to the martial arts. Let’s celebrate his remarkable journey and the mark he’s made on all of us.
Respectfully,
Greg Moody
8th Degree
Go2 Karate Recognition Board Member
An Interview With Grand Master Jeff Smith - Go2 Karate Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
Conducted by Dr. Greg Moody, Chief Master, Go2 Karate Magazine
Interview Highlights:
Dr. Greg Moody, Chief Master, Go2 Karate Magazine:
"I'm here with Grandmaster Jeff Smith, who is a Mile High Karate, Martial Arts Wealth Mastery, and a seven-time world light heavyweight kickboxing champion. Did I get all that right, sir?"
Jeff Smith:
"Good job."
Dr. Greg Moody, Chief Master, Go2 Karate Magazine:
"We're here in Dallas, Texas and we're at the Martial Arts Wealth Mastery event, and I'm really excited about interviewing Grandmaster Smith."
Jeff Smith:
"Thank you."
Dr. Greg Moody, Chief Master, Go2 Karate Magazine:
"I've known you for many years and you've had such an incredible career in martial arts. Can you tell us about when you started and how you got into it and where it went from there?"
Jeff Smith:
"Well, I started in Texas back in 1964 with Jhoon Rhee, who started in Texas, and one of his black belts had a program at the university in my hometown, Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas. I started as a white belt there under him and was able to not just get my white belt from him, but stay with him all the way till he promoted me to ninth degree black belt, which is the highest rank in Taekwondo that you can receive while you're still on this earth. And that was just a few years before he passed."
Dr. Greg Moody, Chief Master, Go2 Karate Magazine:
"Well, that's exciting. I mean, you must have learned a lot under him. What kind of lessons were important that you feel like he taught?"
Jeff Smith:
"Well, he graduated from the University of Texas as an engineer."
Dr. Greg Moody, Chief Master, Go2 Karate Magazine:
"I didn't know that."
Jeff Smith:
"So, he was very technical and with everything that he taught, he taught the mechanics of the movements. So, it was the laws of physics, so not just kick this way, punch this way, but how the angle was to generate more power, and he used a lot of his physics formulas to get this whole system of his. So, he was very detailed in the martial arts training, and then he was one of the first pioneers also in the martial arts business. We had 12 schools there in Washington DC when I graduated from the University of Texas A&I in 1970, I went to Washington DC and taught for him for 25 years and ran his schools and grew him from four schools then I hired the staff and got the staff from his different Jhoon Rhee schools around the country. We ended up with 12 schools over the next three years."
Dr. Greg Moody, Chief Master, Go2 Karate Magazine:
"Wow, I remember when I was in DC, it was all about Jhoon Rhee everywhere."
Jeff Smith:
"He's everywhere. There was nobody in Washington, DC that didn't know who Jhoon Rhee was. And our telephone number, we ran these commercials on TV all the time, and his kids were on there, and his slogan was, "Nobody bothers me." His kids would say that at the end. Everybody got a big kick out of that. And then, "Call USA-1000 for more information." And so, there wasn't anybody who didn't know the number. So, every time we'd go somewhere, and I was with Jhoon Rhee, they'd go, "Oh, look. It's USA-1000.""
Dr. Greg Moody, Chief Master, Go2 Karate Magazine:
"That's pretty amazing. Well, so he actually started martial arts. He was a martial artist, of course, but very, very good at business and very, very good with you as part of his team there."
Jeff Smith:
"Yeah. And he had four schools already when I came in 1970. But he moved to Washington DC after he graduated in 1960 and started his schools. And he didn't move to Washington to start schools. Even starting a Taekwondo program at the university. He was training out on the lawn, and some of the students saw him and wanted him to teach them. So, they did a big demonstration at the Student Union Ballroom, and he had a hundred people that wanted to train. And so, he started training all these people, and like Allen Steen and Pat Mercer are, some of his first black belts were students at the University of Texas. And then when he went to Washington DC in 1960 when he graduated, he was going to get an engineering job. That's why he went to Washington."
