Instructors



Will Willis
Mr. Will is the Founder and Senior Master of Street Smart Martial Arts LLC, and brings a lifetime of discipline, leadership, and real-world perspective to every class. A 9th Dan Black Belt in Korean Karate and 1st Dan Black Belt in Traditional Hapkido, Mr. Will has dedicated years to the study, teaching, and refinement of Martial Arts, adapting its principles for modern self-defense and personal development.
His instruction emphasizes more than physical technique. At Street Smart Martial Arts LLC, students are trained to develop confidence, awareness, self-control, and resilience--skills that extend far beyond the dojang. Mr. Will believes martial arts should prepare students not only to defend themselves, but to navigate life with integrity, discipline, and respect.
In addition to his martial arts credentials, Mr. Will holds a Master's Degree of Music in Vocal Performance, a background that deeply influences his teaching style. His understanding of breath control, focus, posture and performance under pressure enhances his ability to coach students of all ages to remain calm, centered, and mentally strong--especially in stressful situations.
Mr. Will has worked with children, teens, and adults from all walks of life, tailoring instruction to meet each student where they are while holding them to high standards of effort and character. His approach blends traditional martial arts values with practical street-smart self-defense, making training both meaningful and relevant in today's world.
Through Street Smart Martial Arts LLC, Mr. Will is committed to building a strong, disciplined community where students grow safer, stronger, and more confident--on and off the mat.
Jessee Taylor
Mr. Jessee brings 28 years of Martial Arts training and teaching experience to our dojang. He holds a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Korean Karate as well as Taekwondo, reflecting deep study across both traditional striking systems and their shared roots in discipline, precision, and dynamic movement. Over nearly three decades of practice, he has developed a strong foundation in forms, sparring, kicking mechanics, and practical application. Mr. Jessee focuses on helping students build solid fundamentals, improve body control, and develop confidence through consistent, structured training.
Cody Walton
Mr. Cody is a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Fighter. With competitive training and cage experience, he brings practical, pressure tested skills to every class he teaches. His background includes training across multiple combat disciplines, blending striking, grappling, and clinch work into a complete and adaptable fighting system. As both a competitor and coach, Mr. Cody emphasizes fundamentals, conditioning, and situational awareness--helping students understand not just how to execute techniques, but when and why to use them. He is a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Korean Karate and is working on his 3rd Dan.
Brandon Taylor
Mr. Brandon is Co-Founder Emeritus of Street Smart Martial Arts LLC and remains a valued instructor who teaches periodically at the dojang. From the beginning, he played an important role in helping shape the foundation, culture, and early curriculum of the program. With a strong background in traditional martial arts, Mr. Brandon is known for his thoughtful teaching style and his instruction reflects a deep respect for the core values of martial arts--discipline, humility, and continuous self-improvement. Currently, Mr. Brandon is actively studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, expanding his skill set and deepening his understanding of grappling, ground control, and positional strategy. His ongoing training allows him to bring fresh perspectives into the dojang. Though not involved in daily operations, Mr. Brandon continues to contribute to the Street Smart Martial Arts LLC community through occasional classes, mentorship, and his enduring commitment to the school's mission.
