Sensei Jennifer Smith

Jennifer has had a passion for teaching all of her life. After graduating from SUNY Geneseo with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Reading Education, she taught various elementary grade levels K-5 for over 20 years. She is very proud of her amazing husband, two beautiful teenagers and three dogs.
About 14 years ago, Jennifer’s life took a very unexpected turn. Holding her 4 year old daughter’s hand, she hesitantly walked into the karate dojo where she signed her daughter up for classes. It wasn’t long before Jennifer felt the deeply resonant urge to try the martial arts for herself. After years spent in the public school classroom, she was starting all over again as a student, following a path that would lead to a different type of teaching. Today, Jennifer has a 3rd Degree Black Belt in the Traditional Martial Arts, a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Tatsu Do Karate and a 1st Degree Black Belt in Iaijutsu and Kenjutsu. She also was extremely fortunate to study 5 years of Tatsu Do Aiki Jutsu and Tatsu Do Iai Jutsu prior to the passing of her Sensei, Soke William Cavalier Jr.
Jennifer’s dedication, hard work, and passion for the martial arts inspired her to open her own martial art studio 3 years ago in Geneseo, NY. The decision to open Empower Martial Arts has been life changing! She has been able to live her dream! Not only does this new path allow her to continue her learning in the martial arts, but it also allows her to continue writing curriculum and share her love of teaching! She is the founder of Rikidou Karate which translates to “The Way of Strength.” This style promotes the continued efforts in building one’s emotional, mental, and physical strengths. Jennifer is also the founder of Tonbodou Iaijutsu and Kenjutsu. This translates to “The Way of the Dragonfly” where the focus is on qualities such as acceptance, patience, courage, and perseverance through inspiring individuals to embrace change and transformation.
Currently, Jennifer continues her martial art studies under the tutelage of Master Ronald Strain in Karate, Kobudo, Iaijutsu, Kenjutsu and Self Defense. Jennifer’s newest adventure is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Sensei John Farrar from BEDROC MMA. Sensei Jennifer Smith plans to share her enthusiasm for the martial arts for years to come.