Todd Jensen

Owner / Chief Instructor

Like every fan of combat sports at the time I was infatuated with the UFC which launched in 1993. Starting in 1995 I began to train with my friend who was a Gracie Jiujitsu blue belt. My eyes were instantly opened and my interest immediately focused on training in Jiujitsu. But at that time there were not many schools around. So, what did we do? Watch VHS tapes and practice in our dormitory lounge at Southern Connecticut State University. We did this for a few years and then parted ways due to our graduation in 2000. Like most “20 somethings” I squandered my time and didn’t get back to training till I was 28. This time I was amazed and intrigued by this little known martial art called Kali.

Guro Rich Smith of Risu MAA changed my life forever. I never knew the ferocity and beauty of the bladed art. I trained with Guro Rich Smith for 6 years and received my black belt. Along the way I met Sifu Chris Smith who was a BJJ specialist. Guro Rich brought Chris in to teach us ground fighting. I have to be honest, it was not my favorite class at first. Classes were long, strenuous and out of my comfort zone. But I stuck with it, I knew Jiujitsu was where I needed to be to round out my training as a martial artist.

“If you want something you never had, then you must be willing to do something you have never done” – Thomas Jefferson