News & Announcements

Smith’s Martial Arts, a family-friendly martial arts and fitness studio located at 1931 Barry Street, celebrated its 15^th anniversary on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

The special event was coordinated by the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce.                     

Owned and operated by master instructors Paula and Chad Smith, they opened a club in 2010, which led to the beginning of Smith’s Martial Arts in 2011. The business was expanded to a second location in Oxford in 2015. The Heflin location closed in 2021, and the Oxford location has now expanded to serve more than 240 students.

Paula, who is an Oxford High School graduate, said the anniversary was “a big deal for us.”

 “We couldn’t do this without these guys,” Chad said in praising the studio’s staff. “They pour their hearts into it. Martial Arts is wonderful. For me, it’s about making better citizens. We need more leaders, and we have a great young leadership staff here.”

Chris presented Mayor Alton Craft with an honorary black belt “for everything you are doing for our community.”

“I used to do this, but I never got quite this far,” Craft said as he accepted the honor. “Martial Arts is a great discipline that does teach you character and so much more.”

Paula announced there will be a “big celebration” at the studio on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. with free classes, games, and prizes.

Smith’s Martial Arts provides classes for three levels: Ages 4-12, Ages 12-15, and Ages 16 and up.”

The hours are Mondays 11 a.m. until 8:30 p.m., Tuesdays 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.; Wednesdays 11 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays 11 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.; Fridays 11 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.; and Saturdays 8:30 a.m. until noon. The studio is closed on Sundays.

For more information, call 256-926-2151 or visit their website at www.smithsmartialarts.com.