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Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame |
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Barry L. Smith
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In 1966, Barry L. Smith
began his martial arts career at the age of 21 under the instruction of
Sensei Tom Lewis in Salisbury, MD. During this time, he met and trained
side by side with a young gentleman named Toby Cooling. The two became
good friends and Smith became a student of Sensei Cooling’s. Sensei
Cooling went on to form the Order of Isshin Ryu (OI), one of the premier
Isshin Ryu organizations in the world today. Sensei Smith continues
to train with Master Cooling and support him as one of the original
members of the OI organization. Sensei Smith opened his first dojo as a brown belt in Cambridge, MD in the early 70’s. At the time, other than the Hombu Dojo (home dojo), it was the only other dojo in the Order of Isshin Ryu. |
He later received his sho-dan (1st degree blackbelt) under Cooling becoming one of Cooling’s first blackbelts. Sensei Smith actively ran his dojo up until 1998 when he was stricken with throat cancer. After a fierce battle, Smith was victorious and was able to make a full recovery crediting his martial arts experience for giving him the courage and will to overcome “the beast”.
In 1970, he also began a career in law enforcement affording him the opportunity to train with such names as Joe Hess – noted martial arts instructor and author, Ron Adams – co-author of the widely-know text Street Survival, and Mike Nakamura – Defensive Tactics Instructor for the FBI, as well as establish his name as a Police Defensive Tactics Instructor. Smith was implemental in helping to develop an Officer Survival Program for the Maryland State Police (MSP) and allied agencies. Additionally, Mr. Smith was assigned to the MSP Headquarters as their Defensive Tactics Instructor. From this point on, he trained SWAT units for the MSP as well as other agencies including the MD Governor’s Executive Protective Unit. In 1982, he became a Police Instructor for the Maryland Police & Correctional Training Commission and continues to serve as an instructor on a regular basis. In 1984, Smith was invited to enter the Police Olympic Trials competing in the fighting division. As a result, he won three gold medals and 1 bronze and was the only Maryland participant to qualify for the International Police Olympics to be held in Sydney, Australia.
In 1995, Barry Smith was promoted to the rank of roku-dan (6th degree blackbelt).
Sensei Smith was inducted into the Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame in 1996 having previously been recognized with Instructor of the Year and Dojo of the Year awards.
After 40 years in the martial arts, Master Smith remains as active today as ever. His knowledge, experience, and training are sought out by law enforcement personnel, correctional officers, martial artists, and private citizens. He obliges these requests by donating his time to all who ask - his only concern being the betterment of the individual.
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Contact Information
Send E-mail to
tmcghee@ihof.us with
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