Instructor – Master A. Keith Smith, Ku-Dan (9th Dan)
Master A. Keith Smith, founder of the Midwest School of Isshinryu, is a 9th-degree black belt (Ku-Dan) in Isshin-Ryu Karate and has dedicated over five decades to the study, practice, and teaching of martial arts.
Born in Aurora, Illinois, in October 1954, Master Smith began his Isshin-Ryu training in 1972 under Sensei Patrick Buckley, a student of the late James Chapman. He earned his Sho-Dan and Ni-Dan rankings under Sensei Buckley. After Buckley’s school closed, Master Smith sought guidance and ultimately aligned with Grand Master Steve Armstrong and the American Okinawan Karate Association (A.O.K.A.), following his instructor’s recommendation.
In 1975, Master Smith established his dojo under the name Eastwood Karate Club, which later became known as the Midwest School of Isshinryu. Since its inception, Master Smith has served as a volunteer instructor, offering consistent mentorship and training to generations of students.
In the late 1970s, Master Smith made early efforts to unify local Isshin-Ryu schools by advocating for the use of Grand Master Tatsuo Shimabuku’s kata films as a standard reference—a forward-thinking approach that was initially met with resistance. Throughout that time, he maintained close correspondence with Grand Master Armstrong, whose insights and encouragement were instrumental in guiding his martial arts journey.
Master Smith was introduced to his current instructor, Grand Master Stephen Young, through a co-worker who was also an Isshin-Ryu student. After repeatedly returning for help with kata instruction, the co-worker's accurate performance of kata—closely aligned with the Shimabuku films, prompted Master Smith to meet and ultimately begin training under Master Young. He has been a dedicated student of Grand Master Young ever since.
Over the years, Master Smith has continued his development by training with and attending seminars led by many renowned martial artists, including:
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Grand Master Steve Armstrong
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Grand Master Louis Lizotte
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Master Ron Boucher
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Master Sherman Harrell
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Master Nick Adler
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Master Angi Uezu
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Master Kichiro Shimabuku
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Grand Master Willie Adams
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Master A.J. Advincula
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Grand Master Peter Carbone Kobujutsu weaponry
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Grand Master Stephen Young
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Grand Master Nakamoto, Kiichi
In November 2013, Master Smith was awarded his 9th Dan in Isshin-Ryu Karate, and in November 2011, he received the prestigious “Kyoshi” teaching title from Grand Master Young. He has served on the A.O.K.A. Awards Committee, the Promotion Board, and the Advisory Board, playing a significant role in upholding the standards and traditions of Isshin-Ryu Karate.
Master Smith’s dedication has earned him both local and national recognition. He was inducted into the Isshinryu Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Illinois Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2024.
In addition to his martial arts accomplishments, Master Smith proudly retired from a 32-year career with the Kane County Sheriff’s Department, where he served in a variety of assignments, including:
His distinguished law enforcement background continues to influence the school's core values of discipline, integrity, service, and community responsibility.
