About Our Academy

The Red Oak Academy of Martial Arts seeks to train students in order to defend themselves when no other options are available and only do what is necessary to stop the current threat they may be facing.

Instructors will develop each student’s ability to grow in wisdom, common sense, integrity, physical strength, and a warrior’s mentality to overcome any adversity.

Physical violence should always be the last resort to resolve any situation but, when necessary, our students will have the tools and abilities to overcome the challenges as they arise.

Our goal is to have achievable standards that challenge each student to better themselves mentally and physically. As students continue to grow, they will be developing a sense of honor and pride as a valuable member of their family, work, and society as a whole.

About Our Training

The Red Oak Academy of Martial Arts’ prominent training style is based on the foundation of Ed Parker’s Kenpo Karate.

Other Styles and influences include Aikido, Ju-Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Boxing, Kickboxing, and Escrima stick fighting.

As students continue, they will be introduced to various empty hand defense techniques against other weapons such as sticks, knives, and handguns.

Students will have the opportunity to learn how to fight with the following weapon systems: Escrima sticks, Jo staff (walking stick), Bo staff, Knives (including karambits) and other street fighting techniques.

About Instructor Ryan Smola

From the age of 12 to 17 I studied American Freestyle karate at Sidekicks Martial Arts in Carrollton, Texas. There was a heavy focus on Tae Kwon Do, Grappling, Judo, and Aikido. I competed in numerous tournaments both in sparring and kata demonstration.

I graduated the University of North Texas with a degree in Military History.

I was a member of the U.S. Army National Guard from 2004 – 2007.

I joined the Dallas Police Department in 2005 and am an instructor in the following areas: 

Ballistic Shield 
Incident response to terrorist bombings 
40 mm launcher 
Bola Wrap 
PepperBall launcher
Critical Incident Response for Supervisors
Taser
Sabre OC Spray 
Load Bearing Vests 
ASP baton, handcuffing, light defense 
Exterior response to active shooters
Emergency vehicle instructor
Reality Based Training 

In my 17 years on the department, I have worked patrol, warrant services, robberies task force, violent crime reduction task force, riot control teams, and on critical incident response teams. I am currently assigned to the Reality Based Training Unit at the Academy. I have experienced pretty much every type of situation you can think of from active shooters, riots, mass causality events, vehicle pursuits, and have been in more stressful fight situations with suspects than I can count. 

I studied Kenpo Karate at Ellis County Martial arts starting in 2018 to the present under Mr. Richard Ray achieving a 2nd Degree Black Belt and am a recognized member of the International Kenpo Karate Academies.

I initially joined to spend more time with my son and was honored to test and achieve our 1st degree Black Belts together. I look forward to this opportunity to continue to teach and spend time with him.

Most importantly I am a member and have attended First Baptist Church of Red Oak since 2011. Jesus is my savior and I have dedicated my life to following the mission He has set before us which is to honor God in all we do and spread the gospel to the ends of the Earth. I currently teach The Search for Significance, Experiencing God, and Respectable Sins courses at the church. I am blessed to call this my home for the love and support is overwhelming.

I have been honored to have had the opportunity to teach, lead, and learn through all these experiences to become a Godly man who wants to continue to bless others as I have been blessed. My goal is to treat each student and family with respect and dignity so that they may reach their full potential as well. I look forward to working with each and every one of you!

                                                                                                                         – Ryan Smola

ROAMA’s Staff

Ryan Smola

Head Instructor

David Smola

Assistant Instructor

Evan Rosay

Assistant Instructor