"Master Smith's presence commands respect, yet his kind demeanor can be as disarming as the best defense techniques. His dedication is inspiring.  His instruction is both humbling and empowering. He has helped me become strong."

- Justin Pixler

"If someone were to ask me to name one of the persons that had a great influence on my character, Master Smith's name would invariably come up. Master Smith's dedication to his students and his motivational teaching style made my experience under his tutelage very memorable. I had a fun, yet character-building time. His leadership through example instilled in me the five tenets of taekwondo: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. And to this day, these qualities are what governed my person whether in pursuing a B.S. in chemical engineering at Cal, competing as a Cal Taekwondo team member, or currently, doing research at a biotech company. Master Smith was a positive influence to me as a kid, and continues to be a mentor to me now. He's made me a fan."

- Weiluo Lee

"Master Smith is the reason that I began taking Taekwondo, the reason I have stayed with Taekwondo, and the reason I am wearing a black belt today. His teaching style combines great depth of experience, knowledge, and discipline in the martial arts with relaxation and humor. Because Master Smith not only gives directions to his students, but also sees how the student responds to these instructions, he is able to adapt his teaching to a great range of people, from very young children to older adults such as myself, from men to women, from the beginner trying class for the first time to very advanced students of martial arts. Master Smith understands and respects the differing abilities of the many different individuals he teaches, so that each one of us is able to find our best level in the martial arts, and each one of us is given the opportunity to develop the belief that we can improve ourselves, try harder, and learn more  
than we ever suspected. Studying Taekwondo has not only provided great cardiovascular conditioning, but also improved flexibility, agility and overall muscular strength. I did not start classes feeling like a very athletic person, but I have a great deal more confidence now, because I know that I can run, I can jump, I can fall, and I can learn new things. The very supportive environment that Master Smith provides allowed me the space to learn from the ground up, with detailed instruction that took my personal strengths and weaknesses into account. I am incredibly impressed with the knowledge and devotion to his art that he displays, and feel fortunate to have found him for my teacher."

- Marty Kuki

"Master Matt Smith from Encinitas Taekwondo has been teaching my son and me for the last 2 years and the results have been tremendous. I'm in better condition than I was in my 20's, and my son loves the classes. Master Smith has a unique teaching gift. He is able to bring out the best in everyone, whether they are five years old or 50. I am particularly impressed with his focus on safety. He is one of the best instructors I've ever seen -- in any subject."

- Mark Leaser

“Our daughter has been studying with Master Smith since she was 4 years old. Today, she's almost 10. We love the Montessori approach that Master Smith takes to teaching Tae Kwon Do to younger children. He requires older students who have advanced in their belt level to work with the younger students for part of each class. This increases the self-esteem of the kids, and it's great to see. We love that there are older female role models for our daughter who demonstrate what hard work and perseverance can achieve. There's also a camaraderie in the studio between parents and students alike. We're all genuinely happy to have our kids taught by Master Smith. There is a trust factor that is huge to all of us. It really feels like a family. Master Smith is incredibly hard working, disciplined and respected by both students and families. We wouldn't want our daughter to learn from anyone else.”

- Maura Leonard and Bruno Vaucher