Staff Reports
The Tonawanda News
CITY OF TONAWANDA —
City of Tonawanda resident and local martial artist Chris “Solid Steel” Smeal recently submitted his own martial arts style to the Board of Directors at the International Kenpo Karate Alliance, where it was approved by the committee on July 10, he said.
“This is truly and honor and a lifelong goal, and to have it passed by the masters means a lot,” Smeal said.
The former Niagara Falls resident recently received permission from IKKA grandmaster Larry Tatum to pursue the creation of his own style.
Now, Smeal, 28, said he has accomplished both of his lifelong goals.
First, the former Niagara Falls resident set out to become a master in the martial arts, where he currently holds the ranks of fifth degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate, fourth degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate weapons, as well as second degree black belt in Aikido.
The second goal was to become a karate and kickboxing champion, and to create his own martial arts style, too.
Smeal, who serves as a state rep for the IKKA, said he is hoping to hold an exposition, where he will showcase the arts he has learned in American Kenpo Karate, Aikido, as well unveiling his new system dubbed, “Solid Steel Martial Arts.”
Smeal said he is still waiting on the date and location in which he will hold the karate expo.
