Instructors
Scott Smith
Pedro Sauer Black Belt
At the age of 6 Scott knew he was in love with the martial arts
when he observed his father Roscoe Smith training in Japanese
Karate. Scott immediately knew that was what he wanted to do. He was
not able to start his training until the age of 15 at which he
enrolled into the Louisville Tae Kwon Do School. He then relocated
to the Preston Martial Arts Academy where he received his Black
Belt. Scott's journey did not end there - he has trained in Judo,
Combat Hapkido, Shaolin Do, Wing Tsun, Mauy Thai, Jeet Kune Do,
Filipino Martial Arts, and Gracie Jiu Jitsu, where he currently
holds the rank of Black Belt.
Scott knew as soon as he saw the effectiveness of Gracie Jiu Jitsu
that he would spend his life training and perfecting his technique.
Scott has trained with many greats in GJJ...Pedro Sauer, Royce
Gracie and others. Scott traveled to Brazil in 1999 to train at one
of the oldest academies in Rio - The Kioto Academy which is owned by
one of Helio Gracie's original Black Belts Francisco Mansor.
Scott has a passion for teaching and loves watching people grow and
develop in this wonderful art. Scott wants to stay true to the
teachings of Gracie Jiu Jitsu and its self-defense and has pledged
to do so.
Scott says, "We are all on a journey in life...just stay true to
that journey and don't fall off the path. Everyday you are able to
train is a good day."
Brian Phillips
Assistant Instructor
Pedro Sauer Purple Belt
Brian started training in the martial arts when he was
nine-years-old. His original style, Shaolin Kempo, introduced him to
the many positive lifestyle changes one will experience through
regular practice in the martial arts. He started teaching when he
was 15 and received his black belt at age 17, the same time he began
learning Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Like so many others who start out in the style, Brian was
immediately taken by it's grace and fluidity, in addition to it's
effectiveness and efficiency. He's been a student of instructor
Scott Smith since the beginning and earned his purple belt under
Master Pedro Sauer in May 2008. A student of the game, Brian enjoys
teaching individuals of all ages and physical abilities, and seeing them reap
the benefits of training, both on-and-off the mat.
To those interested in beginning their
journey in the martial arts, Brian encourages them to stop by and
meet the family at Spencer County Martial Arts. You'll learn solid
technique and self-defense, and get in shape and have fun.
Kevin Wheatley
Training Assistant
Pedro Sauer Blue Belt
It’s never too late. Unlike most instructors I do
not have a background in Martial Arts. Gracie Jiu Jitsu is the first
Art I have ever tried. I, like most people, was introduced to this
discipline when a Brazilian named Royce Gracie surprised the world
of Mixed Martial Arts in the mid 1990’s. During the original
Ultimate Fighter Championships he dominated much larger fighters
with techniques that anyone could learn.
A few years later I joined the Unites States Marine Corps and, while
there, I received some of the best combat training in the world.
After serving in the military I joined the Louisville Police
Department and, again, had the opportunity to receive some of the
best combat/self defense training money could buy. Between the two,
I believe that I was trained by some of the finest instructors who
taught proven “battle-tested” techniques used for hundreds of years.
When I started taking Gracie Jiu Jitsu my eyes were opened to what I
now know as one of the most effective disciplines in the world. No
matter your size, age or athletic ability this art will work for
you. Don’t just take my word on it -- the Military and Police
Departments across the nation are now using Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
techniques.
Craig Conard
Training Assistant
Pedro Sauer Blue Belt
It’s funny how life has
its twists and turns. My best friend and neighbor since 1999 kept
asking me if I wanted to train Jiu-Jitsu with him. This went on for
several years, about 6 if I remember correctly. My canned response
was “I just don’t have time.” Some of you may know him, Scott Smith.
Since a little kid I’ve been very athletic. I’ve played all the
traditional sports. Football and weightlifting became an obsession
for me during my teenage years. I had the opportunity to play in the
East/West All-Start game but decided that I would end my Football
career there. In college I took a semester of Aikido which I really
enjoyed. By the age of 28 I had 3 little boys at home to take care
of. With that said my physical fitness routine was non existent. As
they grew older my passion shifted to coaching Baseball and
Football. There weren’t too many gyms in Taylorsville or anywhere to
get a good workout. At that time, I weighed in around 220lbs and
wanted to loose 10-15lbs.
In October 2007 I decided to take up Scott’s offer and go check out
the Jiu-Jitsu class that he started at a local church in
Taylorsville. I really didn’t care much about Martial Arts, I just
figured I could at least get some exercise.
Fast forward two years at the tender age of 40. I don’t remember
getting here but somehow, someway I am hooked on Jiu-Jitsu. Scott
calls us junkies and some of us Gypsy’s. Just in two years I’ve been
able to train with Master Pedro Sauer, Rickson, Relson and Renner
Gracie. I’ve trained around Louisville, KY, Nashville, TN and most
recently the Gracie Academy in Torrance, CA. My next goal is to
train with Renzo Gracie in New York.
For me, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is many things. It is great physical
fitness, fellowship, stress relief, focus, discipline, happiness,
and allows me to teach which, is my true passion.
Scott Deetch
Training Assistant
Pedro Sauer Blue Belt
Scott has been athletic
all of his life spanning a range of activities including distance
running, wrestling and strength training. He began lifting weights
at 16 and was heavily involved in Powerlifting for many years. Over
the years the challenge of strength training waned and the toll that
heavy lifting takes on the body became too much. Having always been
interested in martial arts, Scott began training in Aikido. His son
became interested in practicing Aikido, but there were no classes at
the Dojo for younger students. Both Scott and his son began taking
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as something they could do together. Scott
immediately fell in love with the challenge, complexity and
intensity of BJJ. It has been described as kinetic chess.
Scott has trained under instructor Scott Smith since the beginning
and currently holds a Blue Belt under Master Pedro Sauer. Scott
considers himself a "beginner" in the game and is just enjoying the
journey that is BJJ.