Janell Smith

Janell Vela Smith has always called Austin, Texas home. Unlike other girls her age, as a child her father would take her to see boxing and wrestling matches which she found fascinating. A bright and energetic athlete throughout her life, Janell's academic years centered on her studies and a host of extra curricular activities. She enjoyed everything from baton twirling, cheerleading and even gymnastics. As a student she took a great interest in art and business as well as geography and world culture. As a result, Janell found herself captivated by the artistic flair and athletic discipline displayed in martial arts films such as Billy Jack and Enter The Dragon. After graduation, Janell studied at Austin Community College and later at St. Edward's University where she majored in business administration and management. In 1996, Janell began training in Taekwondo and eventually earned a 1st degree Black Belt. In 2004, she discovered Tukong Moosul, a form of martial arts developed by Grandmaster Wonik Yi. Fascinated by his expertise and his philosophy about the martial arts, Janell committed to train under him. Over the years, she developed a deep and profound respect for the art and rose within the ranks of students to become a certified World Tukong Federation 5th degree black belt. Overall, Janell has spent the last several years training in the martial arts. With countless awards and degrees of recognition, Janell began to serve as instructor at Grandmaster Yi's academy. In 2005, the academy was selected by directors Robert Rodriquez and Frank Miller as a training ground for their film Sin City. Janell was fascinated with the process of training with actors and was motivated to help establish the Action Film Institute and Fighting Stunts Association. Janell currently is CEO of Iron Dragon Productions and the streaming channel IronDragon TV and most recently runs the Tukong Austin school.