The samurai were often as skilled in wielding the pen or brush as they were in wielding the sword…
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The only way to describe this man’s abilities to draw is “he is a Red Belt in the art”
-Renzo Gracie,
Brazilian Jiujitsu/MMA legend
I started drawing and painting at an early age and continued all the way through college. I received my Associates Degree in Studio Art from Reinhardt College (now Reinhardt University) and my Bachelor’s of Fine Arts with a concentration in Drawing and Painting from the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!!).
It is an honor to be represented in such an artistic way. Your hand captures the true essence of Martial Artists. To be among them I am very appreciative!
-Dave Camarillo
Creator of Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu, American Kickboxing Academy
Throughout my ministry career I have been able to use my art training in various ways–everything from designing friends tattoos, to drawing children’s curriculum, to designing lobby murals for churches, to painting live onstage during sermons and worship services.
The way he drew me was very nice and really real! JM, God gave you a such great talent man. Thank you so much and you can draw me anytime man. The best thing is: You gave Your talent to the One who gave the talent to you–”The Creator.” Awesome!
Andre Galvao
ADCC World Champion 2011 absolute and -88kg
As a lifelong martial artist, fighters are definitely my favorite subject for portraits. I try to bring out the personality and humanity of the fighters I draw, rather than just the “tough-guy-making-a-fist” approach that people expect of anything related to MMA. For more on my approach, check out this great article based on an interview I did over at IronForgesIron.com about my work.
I’m honored to been drawn by JM. I feel like his art captures more than a typical portrait-it shows the spirit of the fighter as well!
-Julie Kedzie,
Fighter, Jackson/Winklejohn MMA
The picture is amazing and really captured my fighter spirit. The best part is JM poured his heart and soul into the portrait. Thank you for taking time to include in into your passion.
-Michelle Waterson
Fighter, Jackson/Winklejohn MMA
NOTE: Ten percent of each print sold, and up to 50% of sales of original pieces, goes to support International Justice Mission, an organization that works to fight human trafficking and the global sex-slave trade. As much as I love combat sports and martial arts, I would argue that IJM are the REAL fighters!!
Also, I very much want to get my work to the fighters whom I depict, but who I’m unable to contact. So if you are a fighter I’ve drawn and would like free prints of my portrait of you, PLEASE contact me via the contact form on the right-hand side of this page and I’ll be thrilled to send you some!
All great human achievement is born from passion. Among the greatest sources of passion across all cultures, and through the ages, is faith. Another is art. Yet another is martial arts. James-Michael Smith is lofted by a unique love for all three.
Where an ordinary fight fan sees the surface – and fighting offers a mighty surface – JM sees deeper, and brings it to light. From founders like Jigoro Kano and Carlos Gracie, to legends like Renzo Gracie and Muhammad Ali, to stars like Jon Jones and Marloes Coenen, Smith captures an essence.
As a proud owner of his work, I could not recommend his work higher.
Kirik Jenness
Owner, MixedMartialArts.com (aka. “The Underground”)
Here is a sample of some of my work (click on the image for more information)…
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- Genesis One2
Art of the Dojo’s portraits really capture the essence of the martial artists, their passion for the art and their intensity. I have a signed portrait of my teacher, Renzo Gracie, and it hangs in a prominent spot in my school.
Karel Parvec (aka. Silver Fox),
Renzo Gracie Black Belt; Silver Fox Brazilian Jiujitsu
ORDERING PRINTS:
8.5″x11″ color copy prints of my MMA portraits are as follows (plus $5 shipping):
Any 1 MMA print – $5
Any 5 MMA prints – $20 (save $5!)
Any 10 MMA prints – $35 (save $15!!)
Any 25 MMA prints – $75 (save $50!!!)
Print orders can be mixed and matched (i.e. 2 of one fighter, 1 of another, 2 of another = 5 prints = $40, etc.)
Be sure to specify which prints you are ordering and how many of each so I’ll know which ones to ship! For instance, if you ordered 5 prints and want 3 of them to be Bas prints, 1 Randy Couture and 1 Jon Jones, just write “3 El Guapo, 1 Natural, 1 Bones” when you checkout. If you have any questions or problems, email me via the contact form on the right hand side of the page.
9×12 = $25
11×14 = $35
16×20 = $65
24×30 = $125
Larger sizes available upon request via the contact form on the right hand side of the page
Allow 1-2 weeks for delivery. (Overnight ordering is available for an extra $30 – to arrange for overnight, international, or other specialized delivery contact jm@jmsmith.org before ordering)
ORIGINALS:
If you’d like to purchase any of the above original pieces that are for sale, it’s incredibly easy!
Simply shoot me a quick email (jm@jmsmith.org) letting me know which piece you want and the address where you want it shipped (so I can let you know if it’s available and how much shipping will be). We will work out payment options to be whatever is most convenient and, viola!, original Dojo art is now yours!
COMMISSIONS:
I also do private commission pieces in order to help fund Disciple Dojo. If you are interested in commissioning a piece, don’t hesitate to contact me via the contact page. Pricing varies depending on size, media, detail, composition and complexity. But since I absolutely detest pretentiousness among artists (which didn’t make me very popular in art school! Haha!) I can assure you that what I charge is quite reasonable compared to original custom artwork.
More Disciple Dojo and Art of the Dojo products!
create & buy custom products at Zazzle
Also, be sure to”Like” my Facebook page and tell others about my work to help keep Disciple Dojo running!
Thanks for your support!
-JM
Legal stuff…
Disciple Dojo is organized as a low-profit limited liability company (L3C) recognized by the State of North Carolina. In contrast to a traditional LLC small business, an L3C is a private business set up so that:
1. It significantly furthers the accomplishment of charitable or educational purpose and
would not have been formed except to further these purposes;
2. Income production or property appreciation is not a significant purpose; and
3. It does not seek to accomplish political or legislative purpose.
As a religious and artistic ministry organization, Disciple Dojo fulfills these requirements. However, unlike with a traditional 501(c)3 charity (which we are too small to qualify as or afford), donations to Disciple Dojo are not tax-deductible under current IRS regulations.
Nevertheless, any profits from the sale of resources, artwork and donations go to support JM in his calling to the ministry of Christian Discipleship and are greatly appreciated!
Those interested in supporting Discple Dojo through donations can send checks to:
Disciple Dojo L3C
13623 Christian Tyler Ct.
Charlotte, NC 28278
Checks should be made out to “Disciple Dojo” and include “Donation” in the subject line.
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