SENSEI

"Sensei" is a contemporary story of a determined and exceptional Black Man, a Martial Artist, who must navigate his way from Florence, South Carolina through the underworld of New Orleans, Louisiana to fulfill a dream.

Sensei Tariq is an African-American whose livelihood is that of a Karate Discipline Martial Arts Instructor, holistically committing and obligating himself to the youth of his community. After wading through the babble, blather and rigmarole of federal, state and city agencies to obtain piecemeal grants to operate his youth programs, Tariq conceives a plan and pledges to a goal that will usher in a self-reliant entity, enabling him to build the bedrock foundation for the youth community. Tariq's journeys to the fighting nether world of New Orleans, far from the eyes and ears of fan-loving tourist, where violence, bloodshed and death reigns, where the rules are no rules and weapons, not allowed, this is where he puts his life on the line for a cause greater than himself. Upon Tariq's quest, he will encounter a covey of characters. Quick, an acute and savvy street-hustler, who'll become Tariq's maker; Junebug, a satirical street-hustler and cut-man; together forming a triad to battle the forces toward enrichment; Fernando, the underground street-fighting champion of New Orleans; who possesses a signature unescapable move, "The Guillotine;" Chip Meyers, a young white egotistical rich entrepreneur, who is well respected in both worlds and Fernando's maker; Suzuki, the arrogant and narcissistic Japanese street-fighter and champion; Marie, a cormely enchanting black beauty, who side-kicks Tariq with a blow of love, giving his life a new and greater meaning. "SENSEI" IS A 21ST CENTURY JUGGERNAUT, AN ENGAGING STORY OF A CONSCIOUS-RASING YOUNG MAN WHO PURSUES A DREAM, LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR TODAY'S YOUTH EMERGING AS TOMMORROW'S LEADERS, A TASK OF A "SENSEI."

Kevin W. Smith is the author and writer of the book novel and screenplay, "SENSEI," a 7th degree black belt. He is the creator of his own martial arts system called, Hodari Jua Karate-Do System. Born and raised from the City of New Orleans, Louisiana and moved to Florence, South Carolina, after Hurricane Katrina, along with his family where he continues to teach martial arts – self-defense to the youth and adult students, dividing his time between the two states. He is currently working on a chapter 2 of a series of the book, "SENSEI." He is the proud husband of wife Natasha Nelson-Smith and his three daughters; Aziza, Nisa and Khadijah.