How Ernie Reyes Pioneered Martial Arts for Kids in America (and How His Legacy Lives On in Gallatin, TN)

September 27, 1950 – July 24, 2025 A Life of Strength, Leadership, and Service Great Grand Master Tony Thompson was more than a martial artist—he was a pioneer, visionary, and one of the most influential leaders in the modern martial arts world. His passing on July 24th, 2025 , marks the loss of a giant in our community whose legacy will live on for generations. A Founding Father of a Martial Arts Movement Alongside his best friend and lifelong training partner, Great Grand Master Ernie Reyes, Sr. , GGM Tony Thompson co-founded what would eventually become the West Coast World Martial Arts Association (WCWMA) —a movement that began in the 1970s and today includes more than 30 affiliate schools across the United States. Their partnership was born at San Jose State University , where they trained under Grand Master Dan Choi . Together, they began fusing traditional martial arts with modern athleticism and life leadership. Their mission was never just to produce skilled martial artists—it was to build strong leaders, families, and communities . World-Class Competitor and National Champion GGM Tony was a world-class fighter and nationally ranked Sport Karate competitor during the golden era of American martial arts. In 1977 , he achieved two major milestones: He placed second in the U.S. National Taekwondo Championships (Heavyweight Division) , while GGM Ernie Reyes, Sr. won the Lightweight Division. That same year, he won a World Heavyweight Title at the historic Oakland Coliseum —a crowning achievement of his competitive career. In his very next fight, a devastating leg injury brought his time as a fighter to an early end. But that moment became a turning point. From there, he transitioned from world-class competitor to groundbreaking promoter and global martial arts leader . Industry Pioneer and Influential Promoter GGM Tony’s impact stretched far beyond the dojang. He played a pivotal role in shaping martial arts as a professional industry: Founder of Strikeforce – the groundbreaking martial arts entertainment show that later evolved into a major MMA promotion under the leadership of Scott Coker Vice President of the Professional Karate Association (PKA) – instrumental in the early days of televised full-contact karate Co-Founder and U.S. Director of the International Sport Karate Association (ISKA) – which helped unify global standards in Sport Karate and Kickboxing His leadership helped elevate martial arts onto the world stage —giving countless competitors, coaches, and school owners a platform to grow. Master Teacher and Curriculum Architect As a 10th-Degree Black Belt , GGM Tony helped develop one of the most comprehensive martial arts curriculums in America. The WCWMA system draws from: Taekwondo Muay Thai Boxing Wrestling Filipino Escrima Grappling He was not only a master technician , but a builder of systems , ensuring that students received a curriculum grounded in real-world effectiveness, tradition, and life leadership . Performance Innovator and Cultural Ambassador GGM Tony also co-created the West Coast World Action Team , bringing martial arts to the public through electrifying performances that combined choreography, acrobatics, and martial artistry. These performances inspired an entire generation of young martial artists and helped usher in a new era of visibility for the arts. His ability to blend power and showmanship left a lasting imprint—not only on the mats, but in media, schools, and communities . A Life of Service GGM Tony Thompson’s reach extended far beyond martial arts. He received numerous civic and national honors , including: Citizen of the Year Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award Harvard School of Business Leadership Award  These accolades reflect not just his accomplishments —but his character . He was known for his humility, strength , and unwavering belief in the potential of every human being .