Decompile, edit java, recompile app

Well this is kinda a long shot but eh

What I effectively want to do is take an apk that has root detection (since that gives me something to look for)

Decompile it into java, remove that check, then recompile the app good as new.

Is this even possible? Or do I have to edit the smali file in whatever code it's in? (Smali is a type of assembly language if I'm not mistaken)