Master Kevin Smith is highly skilled in literally dozens of fighting systems, but I believe that it is his ability to seamlessly translate the concepts from all these systems into practical, real world applications that makes him such a sought after teacher. A brilliant tactician, Master Smith not only teaches his students to fight; he teaches them to be situational problem solvers that can find leverage in any combative situation. During 26+ years of dedication to his craft, Master has amassed a tremendous amount of wisdom and experience that he freely shares with his students. I am proud to call him friend and Master.
- Pete Tamisin - Atlanta, Georgia

I began studying Tae-Kwon-Do when I was 14. After about 2 years of studying I had the opportunity to apply what I had learned in a real self-defense situation. All of my hard training had not prepared me in the least for the reality of a street fight. While I was not injured in the altercation it made me realize that my self-defense skills were lacking. After trying for many years to find something that would better prepare me for the real world, I found MMAI and Master Kevin Smith. After just 4 months of training I fell that I will be better able to handle things if another situation should arise. The skills taught by Master Kevin are the most effective I have seen. They are not difficult to learn and can be learned by anyone. If you are looking for a place to learn real, useful self-defense, MMAI is it.
- David Allen- Pelham, Alabama

For the past few years I've searched for a martial arts school that had something remotely interesting to train in. I researched various type arts in my area and couldn't find anything remotely close to what I was looking for. One day I happened to see a sign outside of the Modern Martial Arts Institute and decided to drop in just to see what went down in there. I walked in and had a quick conversation with Master Kevin Smith just asking him about what exactly he did. I was hard pressed to keep my jaw from dropping at the mention of all these arts and the way he integrated them into his system. I started class that night, it was phenomenal to say the least. It was everything I had been looking for, and things I didn't even know I was able to look for. It still dumbfounds me to think I've been lucky enough to train under this amazing instructor. I am constantly astounded with the mental and physical growth I've undergone in these past few months. I look forward to every single day and I'm constantly startled at the massive amounts of information this amazing intructor and friend, Master Kevin Smith, continues to present me with. The definition of testimonial is a written affirmation of another's character or worth. If you ever want to find out what it means to learn true self defense, look up Master Kevin Smith. This is my testimonial and thanks to a truly awe inspiring teacher and friend Master Kevin Smith.
- Drake Hancock - Pelham, Alabama

I started my search for a martial art that fit me ten years ago. During that journey, I have tried Tae Kwon Do, Jeet Kune Do and Aikido only to find that they all lacked something I was looking for. Tae Kwon Do was my first endeavor in martial arts. I am not small nor do I have the build that lends its self to kicking high in the air. It in my opinion lacked the flexibility to adapt to my abilities and it was impractical for what I was looking for. The others also had things I couldn’t find as useable. Then I found Kevin Smith and the BRSDS System. It had every thing I was looking for in a martial art. It has weapons, hand to hand, and grappling all taught. He also explains why you do something, not just how. I have known many instructors who gave me the impression that they were there for the paycheck. Master Kevin is there to spread his vast knowledge learned from over twenty-five years experience in the arts. I count it an honor to call him Master and friend. If you are looking for an art to be involved with that will give you the skills to defend your self and an instructor who prides himself in your success then you would do your self a disservice to pass by and not stop to consider the BRSDS System as a possibility.
- Wesley Harrelson - Helena, Alabama

After trying out several other martial art systems, just a few shorts months of training with Master Kevin Smith and the BRSDS System, I feel I have accomplished more than I ever thought possible. Master Kevin’s extensive knowledge of the martial arts shines greatly as he breaks techniques down to simple steps that anyone can follow. Not only do I need feel confident in my abilities to defend myself successfully on the street but as an additional benefit, I am in much better shape than ever due to the physical workout and not to mention the confidence booster and self discipline that comes from his instruction. Master Kevin Smith is an excellent instructor and personality as well. I highly recommend his instruction to anyone looking for a truly effective form or self defense.
- Kevin Knight - McCalla, Alabama

In April of 2005 I joined the Modern Martial Arts Institute. Since then I have found a new sense of confidence, more focus and I feel more in shape than I have since high school. I would recommend this class for anyone wanting to train in the martial arts. Master Kevin Smith teaches everything from weapons to ground fighting stand up free movement to teaching how to overcome mental barriers along with overcoming the physical barriers. This is supposed to be a testimonial but I’m sending a thank you to my Master for the advice in and out class that he has given me. Thank You Master I look forward to many years of training at the Modern Martial Arts Institute.
- Nick Kivette - Montevallo, Alabama

My name is Larry Warbington and I am a local businessman from Birmingham. Over the years I have worked out in your traditional gyms to stay in shape as well as trained in boxing clubs. I worked out in a Japanese dojo for three years and at that time I felt like I was in great shape and capable of taking care of most situations that occurred on the streets. However, times have change and the streets are much more violent now and I felt like a different type of training was needed to prepare me to take care of myself and my family. I new that I needed to learn more about the different fighting zones than just the one normally taught in karate. I needed to see how the trapping and grappling zone came into play when fighting. Modern martial Arts Institute is the only place I have found that teaches all three fighting zones and Master Kevin Smith is a very capable teacher. I would recommend to anyone that wants to learn first hand what techniques could possibly save their life to come by and sign up.
- Larry Warbington - Hoover, Alabama

I've always had a great experience when I've had a chance to visit Master Kevin Smith's school. Master Kevin is a very insightful teacher, and his students are very welcoming. It has always been worth the trip from Atlanta to come and train.
- Alex McGuinness - Atlanta, Georgia

For year's I've been waiting, and praying to be granted the opportunity to train under someone like Master Kevin Smith. I've been with him since September 2004, and hope to be a student of his for many years. I'm very great full for this learning experience, and I will always honor Master Kevin Smith.
- Lawrence Gene Wilder Jr - Hoover, Alabama

If you're considering taking the best training available for self defense, Kevin Smith is your man. First of all, Kevin's character is impeccable. Kevin isn't a good instructor. He's a great instructor!! Kevin is patient and very knowledgeable beyond his years. His training is practical, geared around real life situations. His credentials are the highest. If you have the opportunity to train with Kevin, you should take it. You WILL NOT be disappointed.
- Gary McClaran - Alabama