Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Kimberli Smith 13: Combative Sports Future Superstar
Written by The Shiznit Robert Visnick
Ever heard the name Kimberli Smith? How about Killer K or Krossface Killer? If you're a fan of combat sports, give it a few years and I promise you will. Kimberli Smith is a 13 year old girl who is dominating the mat in Florida and Georgia tournaments. In addition to competing in the advanced kids/teen division, she is taking part in the advanced women's division. And what's really scary is: she is winning!
At just 97 pounds, Kimberli is taking on opponents up to 165 pounds. She is currently nationally ranked #1 in Gi and No-Gi. She has won events put on by Grapplers Quest and North American Grappling Association. Kimberli first started training at the age 5, since then she has changed schools but never really left the gym. She has recently found her home at the Armory of Daytona Beach, where she's training under familiar names such as, Rich Crunkilton, a veteran of the UFC/WEC, and Ricardo "Chita" Barros, a 2x BJJ World Champion. She has attended camps with BJJ superstar Robson Moura. She trains BJJ, wrestling, Muay Thai, and boxing.
Kimberli and her father Steve found the Armory in March of 2007. Two weeks later she won her first competition. Every morning before school you won't find her watching cartoons. She is out putting in road work, pounding the pavement with her supportive father Steve close by on his bike. Kimberli trains 5 days a week, conditions 7 and there is rarely a weekend when she isn't competing somewhere. Steve Smith, Kimberli's father, plays the role of single dad and is more than happy to dedicate his time in order for his daughter to pursue her dream. Steve, a tattoo artist, was a semi-pro surfer in his younger days and remembers what it was like not having the support of his parents. He will never let his daughter know what that feeling is like.
You may wonder if all of this training effects Kimberli's grades or her time to be a kid. Well, the answer is no. She is in advanced classes at school and when asked if she would rather be out with her friends or at a competition, Kimberli quickly responds by saying she would much rather be competing. As of now, Kimberli only competes in BJJ and grappling but, her goal and motivation is definitely to compete in MMA once she is old enough. When she becomes a freshman in high school, Kimberli also has been guaranteed a spot on the Boys Varsity Wrestling Team next year. If she continues on her current path, this young woman will explode on the scene in a dominating fashion, which is fitting. One of her favorite fighters is B.J. Penn, who was once a young "Prodigy" himself.
Kimberli will soon be venturing out of the Southeast area to compete in more tournaments thanks to sponsors, such as, Fight Durty and 40 Degrees BJJ Camps. In the mean time, the tattoo shop Steve works for: Subculturez Studio’s, is picking up the tab for her tournament fees.
What's in Kimberli Smith's future? Well, I'm not sure, but my guess is big things. With the support of family and friends, her options in the world of combat sports are endless if she continues with her level of drive and determination.
If you would like to find out more about Kimberli Smith, check out the following:
www.myspace.com/krossfacekiller
www.youtube.com/kimberlismith1
www.fightdurty.com
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