We have recently implemented BJJ into our school. It is with great pride that we have partnered with Smith BJJ to provide the best Jiu-jitsu instruction around! Instructors Joey Harnist, Pete Spahn, Michael Brewster, and the founder himself, Phillip Smith, will teach any classes in a personalized setting.

Classes are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and your first class is free to try! We teach both Gi and no-gi techniques during the class so it's the best of both worlds.

Call 994-0160 or contact us using the handy form at http://www.okinawan-karateschool.com/contact_us

to set up your first free visit!

also visit www.smithbjj.com for more info!

Phillip Smith

Phillip Smith (on right) with Roberto Traven  

Phillip Smith began training jiu-jitsu in 1996 at Warner Robins Air Force base, Warner Robins GA. In 1997 Romero "Jacare" Calvalcanti opened his academy in Atlanta, GA and Smith began to train with Jacare exclusively. Smith while as a high school student would commute 100 miles to Atlanta 4 to 5 times a week for the next year and eventually move to Atlanta to train Brazilian jiu-jitsu with Jacare.

Smith quickly excelled at the sport and propagated himself in the academy as one of Jacare's most technical students. Smith participated in extensive competitions, the Pan-American Championships (1999, 2000 and 2001) and the Mundials (Worlds 1999). While training in Brazil for the Mundials Smith would meet his future jiu-jitsu instructor Roberto Traven. Smith holds an impressive submission grappling record of 76-16. Jacare promoted Smith to the following belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu: Blue, Purple. Smith decided to leave the Brazilian jiu-jitsu world to pursue a college education and spend time with his family. During this brief absence Smith would travel back and forth to Brazil and train jiu-jitsu with his friend Felipe Neto and Ricardo Goes.

Smith received a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Kennesaw State University in 2004. Intrigued with the field of international relations Smith would go on and complete his master's degree at Norwich University in International relations. Smith eventually came back to the sport and started training with his long time friend Byron Stone, AT Gold's Gym in McDonough GA. Stone had asked Smith to teach Brazilian jiu-jitsu once a week. Smith started training extensively with Stone and upon training in Brazil with Ricardo Goes and Carlos Henrique, Smith was awarded the Brown belt in 2004. (Dec.2004,2005)

Smith continued training and teaching with Byron Stone (who was affiliated with Roberto Traven). In Dec. 2007 after many years of training, Roberto Traven promoted Byron Stone and Phillip Smith to the coveted Black belt rank in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Smith is currently a Special Education teacher in Henry County. Smith started the Smith Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Club in March 2008 and has started teaching Brazilian Jiu-jitsu on his own.

The following is a list of Smith's achievements:

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Political Science-Kennesaw State University
Master of Arts in Diplomacy/International Relations-Norwich University
Doctor of Philosophy in Conflict Resolution-Peace Studies-Nova Southeastern University (in progress)

Mixed Martial Arts
1998 Griffin Submission Open Finalist
1999 Griffin Submission Open Champion (Middle weight)
1999 Calhoun Submission Open Champion (Middle weight)

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu/Submission Wrestling
1998-Auburn University Brazilian Jiu-jitsu championship:
2nd place - Middleweight advanced division.

1998-Pan American Brazilian jiu-jitsu Championship:
Quarter finalist - Blue belt division

1999-Auburn University Brazilian Jiu-jitsu championship:
1st place - Middleweight advanced division

1999-Huntsville Alabama Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Championship:
1st place - Middle-, Light-Heavy-, and Open-weight Advanced division.

2000-Pan American Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Championship:
Quarterfinalist - Purple Belt division

2000-Smokey Mountain Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Championship:
1st place Advanced Division (No-Gi) - Light heavyweight.

2000-Smokey Mountain Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Championship:
1st place Advanced Division (Gi) - Light heavyweight.

2001-North American Pro-Am of Grappling Championships - Purple belt:
Heavyweight Division Gold medalist.

2001-North American Pro-Am of Grappling Championships - Celebrity No-Gi:
Quarterfinalist. Lost to Saulo Ribeiro, Dean Lister.

2001-Pan American Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Championships - Adult Purple Belt:
Bronze Medal - Heavyweight and Open division categories.

2008-Casca Grossa - Absolute Division:
3rd Place.

2008-Super Slam Augusta - Advanced Division:
1st Place.

Joey Harnist

• Judo Black Belt
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt
• Wrestling experience
• Amateur Boxing experience
• 10 years Law Enforcement experience
  • Special Weapons and Tactics Commander
  • Field Training Officer
  • Hostage Negotiator

Joey Harnist

FEBRAURY SPECIAL

2 Train for the Price of One!
Expires 2/28/12

New members only.

Call 405-1528 to schedule your 1st class.