Mrs. Tara Marie Gabriele Smith, a.k.a ‘T’. T has won numerous awards and titles
relevant to academic teaching as well as martial arts. Her careers have provided her with
management and leadership skills that have taught her how to build teams and strong teacher/student
relationships. Additionally, Ms. Smith has been chosen to mentor beginner teachers in the
educational arena and the martial arts field. She has taught regular and special education K-6 and
special education self-defense classes for all ages. Some of her titles include: Masters Degree
in Teaching, Endorsement in Special Education, 2nd Degree Black Belt/Steve Burns Fighting System,
1st Degree Black Belt Steve Mann Fighting System, 1st Degree Black Belt Clark Walters/Blackhawk
Way of the Hawk. Southwest Champion WKKO 2008, Two-Time U.S. National Champion WKKO
2007/2006, Virginia State Champion WKUSO 2007, Virginia State Champion WAKA 2004,
Mid-Atlantic Champion JLFS (Joe Lewis Fighting System) 2003. Member of the U.S.A. Boxing
Association.
Fighting Record 7/3, 2001-Present.
Expert Instructor Steve “The Warrior” Mann, better known as ‘Warchief’. Sensei Mann started his martial arts journey
on September 22, 1992 on a Monday afternoon, which transformed his life. Since then he has trained with numerous
celebrated martial artists, including Steve Burns, Clark “Thunder” Walters and Joe Lewis.
Sensei Mann eventually created his own kickboxing club where he trained a select few to become Black Belts under
his proven champion style fighting, including WMAC owner Tara Smith and logo designer Ben Winn. Steve Mann
continues to pass on his extensive knowledge and passion for the martial arts through teaching, mentoring and
training competitively. He has proved to be a vital component to WMAC and will continue to do so with all future students. Steve Mann received his 2rd and 3rd Degree from Steve Burns and his 1st degree from David Dice. He also earned a 1st degree Black Belt from Clark Walters/Blackhawk Way of the Hawk and a 1st degree Black Belt, Joe Lewis Fighting System; His fighting debut was March 1st, 1997 where as a Green Belt he took on and beat a 2nd degree Black Belt. The wins
have been coming in ever since. A few of his titles include: Southwest Light Heavy Weight(went up two weight classes)Championship WKKO 2008,
U.S.National Champion WKKO 2007/2006, U.S. Middle Weight National Champion WAKO 2006,Virginia State Champion WKUSO
2007, Virginia State Champion WAKA 2004, Eastcoast Classic Middle Weight Champion WAKA 2006/2005, Middle Weight National Champion WKKO 2005,
National Champion IKF 2004, U.S. Middle Weight Champion WKA 2004, U.S. Middle Weight Champion JLFS 2003,U.S. Middle Weight
Champion WKKO 2002, U.S. Olympic Team Austria 2001, Super Middle Weight U.S. Champion WKKO 2001, Eastcoast
Middle Weight Champion WKKO 2000, Eastcoast Middle Weight Champion ISKA 2000, Fighting Record 34/6 with 10 TKO’s, 1997-Present.
Expert Instructor and Master Technician Steve Burns, a.k.a. ‘Mr. Burns,’ is head coach to Steve Mann, Tara
Smith and other world renowned Black Belt Champions.
Mr. Burns received his 3rd degree Black Belt under the guidance of Allen Miller where he honed his teaching
skills and fighting ability. He has sparred with the likes of Bill “Superfoot” Wallace and has helped
pioneer kickboxing into the 21st Century. Mr. Burns fighting style combines the essentially important mental
aspect of fighting with flawless technique. His teaching style is impeccable and the proof is in the caliber of
champions he has trained and coached.
Frank Romano, Black Belt under Steve Burns, sparring partner to Steve Mann and Tara Smith, and
mentor to competitors. Self-Defense and Fundementals instructor.
Bobby Withrow, (Nickname: Chop Chop Bob) Black Belt, Eastcoast Kickboxing Champion 2005,
Women’s self defense instructor for Henrico County Schools.
