BRIAN C. SMITH

A veteran law enforcement professional, firearms instructor, and martial arts practitioner with over five decades of experience in policing, tactical training, defensive tactics, and firearms instruction. Throughout his career, he has been committed to advancing officer safety, public protection, and professional training for both law enforcement personnel and civilians. He is the founder of the Chicago Heights Ju-Jitsu Academy and the Metropolitan Police Self-Defense Institute, both established in 1981, and has spent decades developing training programs focused on practical defensive skills, responsible firearms use, and real-world law enforcement applications.

Education & Professional Training

  • Associate Degree in Law Enforcement, Thornton Community College

  • Chicago Police Academy – Police Basic Training, Class 78-13

  • University of Virginia (Quantico) – Criminal Justice Certificate

  • Graduate of the 184th Session, FBI National Academy

  • completed four SWAT schools

    • Tactical Team Operations, Midwest Tactical Training Institute

    • S.W.A.T. , Calumet City PD

    • High Risk Entry, Trigger Time Inc.

    • Raid Tactics, U.S. Dept. Of H.U.D. - Operations Safe Home

Martial Arts Background

  • 10th Degree Black Belt – Juko Ryu Aiki Inyo Goshin Jutsu

  • 3rd Degree Black Belt – Hakko Ryu Ju-Jitsu

  • 1st Degree Black Belt – U.S. Judo Association

  • Inducted into the Illinois Martial Arts Hall of Fame (2007)

  • Over 52 years of martial arts experience

Firearms Instructor Certifications

  • NRA Law Enforcement Activities Division Instructor – Handgun, Shotgun, Select Fire

  • NRA Civilian Education & Training Instructor – Handgun, Shotgun, Rifle, Personal Protection Inside the Home, Personal Protection Outside the Home, Home Firearms Safety, Advanced Pistol

  • NRA Firearms Training Counselor & Chief Range Safety Officer (Appointed March 2013)

  • Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board Instructor – Handgun, Shotgun, Patrol Rifle

  • Illinois Department of Professional & Financial Regulations – Firearms License Instructor

  • USCCA Certified Instructor – Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals

Professional Associations

  • FBI National Academy Associates – Lifetime Member

  • National Senior Vice President – National Association of Chiefs of Police & U.S. Law Enforcement Foundation

  • National Rifle Association

  • National Tactical Officers Association

  • Juko Kai International

  • President, The Compound Range Association – Crete, Illinois

  • President, Holbrook Fire Protection District – Chicago Heights, Illinois

Other related instructor certifications

  • Force-on-Force Simulation Safety Instructor – Massachusetts Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor Armorer’s Association

  • Use of Force Instructor – Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board

  • Safariland Training Group Use of Force Instructor

  • Active Shooter Instructor – Illinois Tactical Officers’ Association

  • Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events Instructor – Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training

  • Certified Law Enforcement Trainer – American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers

  • National Certified Instructor – International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training

  • Certified Youth Instructor – IADLEST

  • Stop the Bleed Certified – American College of Surgeons

  • Defense Technologies Instructor – Less Lethal Impact Munitions, Chemical Munitions, O.C. Spray, Distraction Devices

Awards & Recognitions

  • Outstanding Instructor / Dojo of the Year – Juko Kai International (2023 & 2024)

  • Trainer of the Year – International Law Enforcement Educators Trainers Association (2016)

  • Law Enforcement Trainer of the Year – Juko Kai International (2015)

  • Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor of the Year – NRA Law Enforcement Activities Division (2014)

  • Public Service Award – National Rifle Association (2012 & 2013)

  • Recognition Award for Service & Dedication – South Suburban Emergency Response Team (2011 & 2009)

  • Outstanding Trainer of the Year – Midwest Tactical Training Institute (1993)

  • Silver Star for Bravery – American Police Hall of Fame (1993)

Law Enforcement & Professional Experience

  • Retired Captain, Chicago Heights Police Department – 30 years

  • Former Police Chief, Glenwood Police Department – 3 years

  • Retired Patrolman, Prairie State College Police Department – 8 years

  • Active Patrolman, Steger Police Department – 16 years

  • Created the first police department for the Chicago Heights Park District

  • Commanded the Special Operations Unit, Chicago Heights PD (1995–2008)

  • Adjunct Pistol Craft Instructor for the South Suburban Emergency Response Team (1998–2021)

Defensive Tactics Certifications

  • PCB Expandable Baton Instructor

  • ASP Tactical Baton Instructor

  • Senior Master Instructor – Defensive Tactics, U.S. Specialized Law Enforcement Training Commission

  • Handgun Retention Instructor – ARMA Training LLC

  • Weapon Retention & Disarm Instructor – Tactical Training Associates

  • O.C. Defense Systems Instructor – Armament Systems & Procedures