About the author

Sensei Kevin W. Smith is the author and writer of the book novel and screenplay, “SENSEI,” a 7th degree black belt.  He is the creator of his own martial arts system called, Hodari Jua Karate-Do System.  Born and raised from the City of New Orleans, Louisiana and moved to Florence, South Carolina, after Hurricane Katrina, along with his family where he continues to teach martial arts – self-defense to the youth and adult students, dividing his time between the two states.  He is currently working on a chapter 2 of a series of the book, “SENSEI.”  He is the proud husband of wife Natasha Nelson-Smith and his three daughters; Aziza, Nisa and Khadijah.   

Sensei Kevin is also the Founder and Director of the New Orleans Fearless Tigers Cultural Arts Center, a non-profit 501(c3) grassroots organization; that also operates its programs from the City of Florence, South Carolina. The Fearless Tigers believe in using the art as a tool,  to teach life skills to the youth by saving one child at a time.  

 Sensei Kevin, is the Owner / CEO of Gumbo Films Production, Take - 2. He was also the Associate Producer on the Children's Feature Film called " SHO'NUFF, A Nu'Awlins Jazz Story " Best Narrative, Kids First Film and Video Festival, Santé Fe, NM,2005. Official Selection ( 2000 ) : Chicago International Children's Film Festival, Black Filmmaker Magazine Film Festival, Raindance Kids Film Festival, London, England, respectfully; and, the Africa Diaspora Film Festival, New York, NY. In the state of Louisiana, he won for the St. Marks Community Center, "Best Public Service Announcement Video" on anti-smoking which he wrote and directed. 

He is a five time karate champion belt-holder.  In 2007, he was inducted into the New Orleans Black Belt Hall of Fame by the New Orleans Black Belt Coalition.  In 2008 he was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame by the World Martial Arts Magazine, for his creative innovation as a martial artist.  Kevin W. Smith was a silver medalist in the 1988 Tae Kwon-Do Olympic Trials held in Chicago, Illinois.  The National World Karate Magazine also recognized Kevin Smith as an outstanding fighter in world competition.  

Sensei Kevin served as personal security for two world Heavyweight Boxing Champions, Michael Spinks and Riddick (Big Daddy) Bowe.  He worked with the late boxing promotor Butch Lewis, of Butch Lewis Productions and served as personal aide to boxing promotor Rock Newman.