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KICKBOXING & MARTIAL ARTS LEGEND
JEFF SMITH NAMED PRESIDENT OF
SPORTS OPERATIONS FOR PKA WORLDWIDE
World-Renowned Fighter & Instructor Smith Joins Resurgent Kickboxing Organization In Key Role Of Company’s Re-Introduction
ATLANTA, GA. – November 9, 2022 – PKA WORLDWIDE, the legendary pioneers of American-style kickboxing, have added another blockbuster hire to their all-star team, as kickboxing and martial arts legend Jeff Smith has officially joined the company as the President of Sports Operations.
One of the most sought after instructors in the world, Smith’s role will see him in a key position recruiting and developing the striking talent that will compete for the revitalized company led by CEO Joe Corley. With his decades of experience in competition and as an instructor, Smith will be vital in helping in overseeing the operations that will lead directly to non-stop action for fans.
“I’m honored to be at the forefront of PKA WORLDWIDE’s return to their spot on top of the kickboxing world,” said Smith. “We’ve made it loud and clear that we’re searching for the world’s greatest strikers, and with the team we have on board here, I know that we’re in a position to deliver the competition that sports fans are clamoring for.”
“Jeff’s expertise is second to none and we’re thrilled to have someone as widely revered as he is helping to lead our venture back into kickboxing,” said Corley, who is often credited as one of the founding fathers of modern-day MMA. “As we near our first event, Jeff will be critical in putting fighters in the best possible position to deliver memorable bouts again and again. With the moves we’ve made so far, fight fans should be confident in the imminent return of kickboxing’s glory days.”
Before becoming a seven-time PKA World Champion, the Kingsville, Texas-native Smith put together a sensational run in Taekwondo that led to him winning the first ever Bruce Lee Award for Fighter of the Year and eventually induction into the Taekwondo Hall of Fame in 2007. When PKA debuted in 1974, Smith became their first Middleweight champion, defending the title successfully seven times. During his run as champion, he defended his title on the undercard of 1975’s “Thrilla in Manila” trilogy match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, in an event seen by over fifty million viewers.
He finished his full contact kickboxing career with a 21-1 record, including seven knockouts before transitioning into his career as an instructor. His coaching resume includes a 10-year run as the coach of the WAKO World Champion United States Karate Team, winning world titles in all 10 years. He went on to operate a series of martial arts schools in Virginia and was eventually promoted to the rank of Grand Master (10th degree black belt) in 2016. He also serves as the Director of Instruction for Mile High Karate and COO for Martial Arts Wealth Mastery, a nationally recognized martial arts consulting company.
“With my years of experience competing in PKA, combined with decades as an instructor, fighters competing for PKA WORLDWIDE can expect to have all the tools they need to reach their full abilities as competitors,” added Smith. “This is just the start of what I’m confident will be a sustainable system that benefits the kickboxers and kickboxing fans alike for years to come.”
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ABOUT PKA WORLDWIDE
Once a staple of televised combat sports in the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s, and a precursor to today’s modern hybrid styles of fighting, PKA and its’ CEO Joe Corley are often credited as one of the founding fathers of modern-day MMA. Corley first introduced professional kickboxing to the public nearly 50 years ago with an “Americanized” style in which opponents are allowed to hit each other with punches and kicks above the waist. However, elbows, knees, clinch fighting and grappling are all forbidden.
Launched in 1974, the PKA went on to garner huge national audiences on ABC, CBS and NBC, and formed long-time broadcast partnerships with cable giants ESPN and SHOWTIME while producing over 1,000 hours of unforgettable televised action.
Now, PKA WORLDWIDE returns with the search for the sport’s greatest striker as they seek to crown new PKA WORLDWIDE World Champions.
For more information, please visit PKAWorldwide.com, follow on Facebook or social