Senior Master Karen Criswell Smith

Senior Master Karen Criswell Smith

7th DAN

Hometown: Pensacola Florida

Don’t ever mistake my kindness for weakness….my calmness for acceptance…  or my silence for ignorance.

I started my Martial Arts training in 1999 under the late Grandmaster Elton Trower learning various techniques/disciplines in Shorin-Ryu and CHI and Dim Mak.

My daughter Sensei Sydney Smith first started in the martial arts and that inspired me, even at a later age to join.  I never like being in front of a crowd or trying new things out of my comfort zone.   I would see these students in the paper all the time and was in awe of everything they did.   I started learning new disciplines and techniques which helped me gain more confidence.  I started competing in forms, weapons, kumite, self defense and breaking at local events and eventually branching out to near by states.  The traveling and events helped me to experience the old school discipline as well as the evolving new school ideas and meeting lots of other marital artists.  I eventually earned by Blackbelt under Grandmaster Trower and was the head instructor for the adults and children. 

Martial Arts has given me a more Holistic approach to living and hope to inspire others. It is a wonderful feeling when someone comes up to me and tells me that I have inspired or motivated them in some way.   I have the opportunity to help train and teach others and strive for a positive outcome in a student’s life.  

As a Martial Artist, I realize each day the dedication, focus, training and discipline that goes into the martial arts lifestyle.  

Martial Arts is a way of life and I strive to “Change Lives Daily”

I am honored to be part of the Martial Arts Community and I continue to support and teach martial arts in hoping that I can inspire and motivate others with my passion for the Art.

I have found a passion in Breaking and have thrived within that discipline of the martial arts , not only with major achievements and status but to gather with other martial artists that I have grown with Holistically. The USBA/WBA has been a tremendous part of this.  I also have support from the IBF and ABCTF. 

Since the death of GM Trower,  I have founded Magnolia Martial Arts, LLC  (Blackbelt Club) and continue to keep his legacy alive.  

I suffered a major neck and spinal cord injury a few years ago and i always remember what GM Trower would say and point to a sign in our Dojo ……. Don’t Alibi—Qualify……..

I have had the honor to train under also under Grandmaster Raphael L Velez (Tang Soo Do) and currently with Grandmaster John A Finney Jr of the BKKIF (Beibukai Karate Kobudo Iaido Federation).

I have 25 years of experience combined with Shorin Ryu, Tang Soo Do and Shotokan styles.  

I have acquired College Degrees in Law Enforcement and Nursing and currently employed as an RN.

Proud U.S Army Veteran with an Honorable Discharge.

Multiple Hall of Fame/Honors recipient.

Who’s Who in Martial Arts

Inducted into AMAA  Martial Arts Women’s Hall of Honors

2x  Women’s World Breaking Champion ISKA/US Open.

Multiple IIMAA/MACHO Women’s champion for Fastest/Hardest kick / punch and power breaking.

Multiple USBA/WBA breaking awards

Involved with the Kung Fu / Masters of Martial Arts Hall of Fame Comic Book—The Martialist and also The Martialist Movie Part 1 by Sifu Cliff Kupper

USBA/WBA Director for Virginia

BKKIF  Director of Breaking/ Board Member  

USEKA Board Member