Meet your Instructor

Chief Instructor

Sensei Anthony Smetak, Nidan, is the owner and Instructor at the Institute for Martial Arts (IMA), New Canaan. Earning an MBA in Finance and formerly working in the financial sector for over a decade, he currently pursues his Martial Arts studies and teaching in Fairfield County.  The New Canaan Dojo’s inception began in 2012.

His Martial Arts background includes experience with Okinawan Karate (Isshin-Ryu); moreover, he has completed a training regimen in Koh Samui, Thailand with professional Muay Thai boxers (check out the cool pic, bottom right). Sensei Smetak is nationally ranked at 2nd Degree Black Belt in Shaolin Ch'uan Fa.

On the Yang side, Sensei Smetak has completed a course in Yoga training for children ages 2 - 12 from Next Generation Yoga and offers a complimentary, softer side to Kempo instruction, which maintains much needed balance and harmony.

He was awarded by the United Way for his volunteer work with children in the Special Needs program at the NC YMCA.

Additionally, Sensei Smetak has worked with the New Canaan Police Department and members of its Finest to provide instruction in self-defense techniques & application to residents of our local communities.