My name is Kam Smith, and my life has been defined by martial arts for as long as I can remember. My journey began when I was just four years old, thanks to my father, Ron Smith. He owned and ran CFT Martial Arts, and one of the greatest decisions he ever made for me was introducing me to that world. At the time, I couldn’t have understood how much it would shape my life—but looking back now, it set the foundation for everything I’ve become.
From that moment on, I never stopped training. CFT wasn’t just a place I went after school—it was home. I grew up on the mats, surrounded by discipline, respect, and a constant drive to improve. I’ve always trained under our school and within our organization, Jukido-Kai, which helped mold not just my skillset but my mindset. Now at 23 years old, I’m approaching my 20-year mark in martial arts—a milestone that represents not just time spent, but a lifetime of dedication.
Over the years, I’ve earned a 5th Degree Black Belt in KarateJutsu, as well as a brown belt in Japanese Jujutsu and Iaido. I also hold a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and I’ve expanded my training into other arts like Judo and Aikido. Each discipline has added something different to my game, sharpening my understanding of movement, control, and adaptability.
Teaching has become a huge part of my journey as well. I spent many years as an assistant instructor, learning not just how to perform techniques, but how to pass them on. Recently, I reached my second full year of teaching my own Karate and Jujutsu classes. There’s something powerful about helping others grow—watching students develop confidence, discipline, and skill reminds me of where I started.
Growing up, I was always smaller than most kids my age. But martial arts gave me something they didn’t have—it taught me how to use my body in ways that created advantages. It built my strength, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Martial arts helped shape my mind, body, and spirit. It gave me confidence, resilience, and a sense of identity.
Even with all that, I always had a deeper desire—to truly test myself. I didn’t just want to train; I wanted to prove my skills, not only to others, but to myself. I wanted to see how far I could really take this. That desire led me to take a major step forward at the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023, when I made my amateur MMA debut.
Stepping into the cage changed everything. It pushed me in ways I had never experienced before. Every fight came with its own challenges—highs and lows, victories and setbacks—but each one made me better. The experience of competing in the octagon elevated my martial arts to a whole new level. It forced me to adapt, to grow, and to dig deeper than ever before.
Now, as I sit and reflect, I’m 11 fights into my amateur career and just one win away from a title shot. That moment is something I’ve worked toward for years. My goal is simple: win a couple of titles, then take the next step and go professional. From the very beginning, I knew this wasn’t going to be easy. It was going to take blood, sweat, tears, setbacks, perseverance, belief in myself, and continuous faith in God. So I’ve embraced that process, because I know it’s what will get me where I want to be.
I’ve always believed in my ability to achieve my goals. And once I reach them, I won’t stop—I’ll set new ones and chase those just as hard. That’s what martial arts has taught me: there is always another level, always another challenge to overcome.
Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful. Grateful for my father—not just for introducing me to martial arts, but for building a place where I could grow up immersed in it. Growing up in a dojo is something I wouldn’t trade for anything. It gave me purpose, direction, and a lifelong passion.
Martial arts didn’t just become part of my life—it became my life. And it continues to shape who I am every single day.