Charles Smith began his Soo Bahk Do training in February 1990 in Royal Oak, Michigan under Master Wilton Bennett. Exactly one year later he moved to Vancouver, WA and had the good fortune of being able to immediately continue his training with Master Robert M. Shipley III who had opened his Camas Karate studio only a few months earlier. Mr. Smith was not through moving after his first arrival to Vancouver. Again, he was fortunate to find a Federation studio in Seattle from 1993 to 1995 and trained with Kyo Sa Jason Coleman while making occasional visits "home" to Camas. Mr. Smith has been back in Vancouver ever since then.

The consistency of standardized basic instruction emphasized in the United States Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation has been a valuable benefit for Mr. Smith. In January 2005, he successfully completed his 4th Dan evaluation at the 2005 Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa in Ramona, California. He is currently a Sa Bom (certified master instructor by the U.S. Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation).

Master Smith volunteers his talents as an assistant instructor which includes teaching classes, assisting Master Oulashin with administrative tasks, and coordinating demonstration teams. Master Smith has been a member of the Region X Dan sparring and forms teams, representing the region at the 1996 National tournament.  He is the past President of the Region 10 Dan Association, editor of the Region 10 Newsletter and Secretary of the Region 10 Dan Association.  He is also the local chairperson for the President's Vision  Tour Committee. He currently represents Region 10 as a Board of Director member and served as the National BOD chairperson from 2008-2010. In March 2011, he was promoted to O Dan after successful completion of the 2010 Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa in Ramona, California.

Master Smith is employed at the Early Childhood Training Center at Portland State University as a social services and management consultant for Head Start programs.  He often visits other Federation studios while traveling in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. 

During his “free” time Master Smith enjoys spending time with his new bride - Sheila - and playing with his children - Robbie, Sarah & Raymond, listening to jazz and blues, and writing songs about vegetables (and other moving topics).

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