About Us

Since 1980

The Academy of Martial Arts (TAMA) was founded in Bermuda by Sensei Bob Smith in 1980 and since then has expanded to teach a variety of programs catering to men, women & children of all ages. We not only teach traditional Karate but we also offer classes in Iaido - the way of the Japanese sword, Knife & Axe Throwing and ESP – “Essential Safety and Protection” courses. ESP is an easy to learn personal protection system for the general public as well as security and law enforcement.  

MEET SENSEI

Bob Smith

Sensei Smith began his karate training in New York City in 1967. He studied various martial arts including Tae-kwon do, Kung-Fu, and Jui Jitsu. It was after Meeting Master Rico Guy, a master of Goju-Ryu Karate, Kempo and Iaido (the way of the Japanese Sword) that he decided to pursue Goju-Ryu Karate. 

He has served as President of the Bermuda Karate Do Association, the Bermuda Martial Arts Commission and the Bermuda Martial Arts Federation. 

In 1999 Sensei Smith was appointed Deputy Provost Marshal General & Head Bailiff for the courts of Bermuda.This inspired him to develop a defensive tactics program known as ESP which went on to be taught to various security companies, the Bermuda Regiment Police as well as the general public. He is also a certified knife & axe throwing coach by the World Knife Throwing League (WKTL) & the World Axe Throwing League (WATL). 

Sensei Smith is currently a 8th degree Black Belt and the chief instructor in Bermuda for the International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation (I.O.G.K.F.). The IOGKF is established in 63 countries and is the largest Okinawan Karate organization in the world.

"Little Lions" for 4-6yrs olds 

Our popular "Little Lions" program contain a detailed curriculum focused to improve pre-school aged children's basic listening & motor skills. These skills will help them enter society with a more confident & enthusiastic approach.

Our program will enhance positive development in a fun & motivating way. There are 8 major skills that our instructors focus on when teaching, which are:

1- Focus, 2- Teamwork, 3- Control, 4- Balance, 5- Memory, 6- Discipline, 7- Fitness, 8- Coordination

Saturdays at 10:15am or Wednesdays at 3:45pm

Goju-Ryu Karate for 7-14 yrs old 

This class introduces school aged children to the exciting art of traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do. This training is comprehensive and so much more than learning to punch and kick.  The "Do" in karate-do means "Way" or way of life. Hence this training becomes a lifestyle and this lifestyle is centered around the development of respect, self-discipline, confidence, focus, leadership and fitness. All of this while, at the same time, learning the life saving skill of self-defense! And the kids just love it!

Saturdays at 9:15am (advanced), 11:15am (beginners) or Mondays at 5:30pm