Ghalib Carmichael is not only one of Fort Lauderdale’s homicide detectives; he’s also a dedicated sensei.

The 49-year-old Carmichael is founder and teacher of the Onikusu Judo Club, which has been meeting three times a week at the city’s Riverland Park for about two years now.

Carmichael’s mother first got him interested in the martial arts when he was 12, he said, as a way of staying out of trouble. As an adult, he looked for a way to pass on the benefits of martial arts training to young people. Marsha Ellison, president of the Fort Lauderdale branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, met Carmichael about three years ago when the organization was seeking new programs.

“He had the skills, and the desire to give back to the community,” Ellison said.

Carmichael then jumped at the chance to start a martial arts club, which he named Onikusu, and began sessions at Carter Park. After Hurricane Wilma, the club regrouped at Riverland Park.

Last month, city commissioners approved a $30,000 donation to the club via the Law Enforcement Trust Fund. The money will go to help purchase uniforms, practices mats, administrative fees, and fees for competitions.

Interested in joining the Onikusu Judo Club? Visit www.judofortlauderdale.com.