Phillip Andrew Smith

Phillip Smith is the owner and head instructor of Smith Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in McDonough, Georgia, where he holds a 4th degree black belt. He holds a Ph.D. and is certified by the IBJJF; the academy is an official IBJJF school member. Smith began training jiu-jitsu in 1996 and, according to the academy, quickly established himself as a technical student and an active competitor before being promoted to black belt in December 2007. His lineage runs from Mitsuyo Maeda through Carlos Gracie, Helio Gracie, Rolls Gracie, Romero Cavalcanti, and Roberto Traven. At Smith BJJ he leads a staff that includes black belts David Howard and Jessica Kidd, and the academy's stated mission is to use jiu-jitsu to make a difference for students, their families, and the wider community.