In Loving Memory of Great Grand Master Tony Thompson

July 29, 2025

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.

Stop Bullying for Good – Free Community Event This Thursday

October 14, 2025
At Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts – Gallatin , we believe every child deserves to feel safe, confident, and respected — both in and out of school. That’s why we’re proud to host our “Stop Bullying for Good” event this Thursday at 6:00 PM , a free community class designed to help kids develop the confidence, awareness, and character to stand up to bullying in positive ways. Empowerment Through Martial Arts This event isn’t about fighting — it’s about empowerment. Children will learn practical skills to handle conflict, build resilience, and project confidence that discourages bullies from targeting them in the first place. Parents are encouraged to attend as well, so they can learn how to reinforce these principles at home. A Longstanding Commitment to Building Stronger Kids Our commitment to bullying prevention and character development runs deep. For more than twenty years, I’ve personally volunteered my time speaking in local public schools about confidence, respect, and the importance of standing up for what’s right. Years ago, I also served as Co-Chairman of the Sumner County School Board’s Committee on Character Education , where I helped develop and implement the Character Education curriculum that became part of the county’s guidance programs. That same message of integrity, courage, and compassion continues to shape every class we teach at our school today. Why This Matters Bullying isn’t just a school issue — it’s a community issue. The more we equip our young people with confidence, empathy, and leadership, the less room there is for bullying to take root. Martial arts, when taught the right way, provides one of the most powerful environments for that kind of growth. If you want your child to gain tools that last a lifetime — self-discipline, confidence, and respect for others — we invite you to join us this Thursday evening. Together, we can help stop bullying for good. Event Details 📅 Event: “Stop Bullying for Good” Free Class 🕕 When: Thursday at 6:00 PM 📍 Where: Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts – Gallatin Call or message us today to reserve your spot. Space is limited, and this free event fills quickly each year! 👉 Learn more or register here

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

September 9, 2025
Today, most people assume martial arts schools naturally offer programs for kids—even preschoolers. But it wasn’t always this way. The reason children’s martial arts became so widespread can be traced back to the vision of one man: Great Grandmaster Ernie Reyes, Sr. Pioneering Martial Arts for Children In the 1960s and 70s, martial arts in the U.S. were taught almost exclusively to adults and teens. Many believed young children were too small or too unfocused to benefit. Ernie Reyes, Sr. saw something different. He recognized that martial arts could be one of the most powerful tools for building confidence, discipline, and respect in children during their formative years. His vision proved right. By 1981, Reyes was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame as Instructor of the Year, after producing seven national champions from a single school—an accomplishment that stunned the martial arts world. Over the years, he went on to train numerous world champions and even an Olympic champion. The Rise of Ernie Reyes Jr. The Reyes family legacy grew even stronger through Ernie Reyes Jr. A martial arts prodigy, he became the youngest competitor ever ranked in the Adult Professional Black Belt Forms Division at just eight years old. By twelve, he was starring in Hollywood films and even landed his own ABC television series. His on-screen performances inspired kids everywhere, showing them someone their own age excelling at martial arts. Some of his career highlights include: The Last Dragon (1985) – Breakout martial arts film role. Red Sonja (1985) – Performed major action sequences. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) – Donatello stunt performer. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991) – Starred as Keno, the Turtles’ secret weapon. Surf Ninjas (1993) – Starred in the martial arts comedy classic. The Rundown (2003) – Memorable fight scene with The Rock. No other young martial artist had ever blended world-class competition with Hollywood stardom in the way Ernie Reyes Jr. did. Li’l Dragons: The Curriculum That Changed Everything To share his methods nationwide, Ernie Reyes Sr. developed the Li’l Dragons program in partnership with Century Martial Arts. Designed for ages 3–7, Li’l Dragons became the gold standard for introducing young children to martial arts. It made training fun, age-appropriate, and centered on life skills like respect and confidence. Even today, most preschool martial arts programs are based—directly or indirectly—on the foundation Reyes built with Li’l Dragons. The Gallatin Connection Here in Gallatin, Tennessee , that same pioneering spirit continues at Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts , led by Senior Master Instructor (Kwan Jang Nim) David Hughes. KJN Hughes began training under Ernie Reyes Sr. and Tony Thompson in the mid-1970s. By the early 1980s, he was an instructor, helping launch and teach the very programs that transformed children’s martial arts. Today, ERWMA Gallatin proudly welcomes students as young as three, carrying forward the Reyes legacy of martial arts as a tool for confidence, discipline, and leadership. Why This History Matters for Parents Today When parents enroll their children in martial arts, they’re joining a system Ernie Reyes Sr. pioneered more than 40 years ago. The benefits go far beyond self-defense: Confidence – Kids learn to believe in themselves. Discipline – Training teaches focus, respect, and accountability. Life Skills – From better listening in school to healthier habits at home. That’s the Reyes legacy—and it lives on right here in Gallatin. At Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts, we’re proud to continue building the next generation of strong, confident kids who live by the motto passed down from Great Grandmaster Reyes himself:  “Yes, I Can!”
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