American Order of Combat
The American Order of Combat (AOC), also known as the Order of Combat USA, was founded in 1978 in the State of New Jersey. It was originally conceived as a Black Belt fraternal organization consisting of practitioners from various styles. AOC’s founding members, Black Belts and Masters, consisted of U.S. Military Veterans – both active and retired.
The AOC is dedicated to promoting, preserving, and advancing the martial arts by bringing together qualified practitioners from a variety of disciplines under a common standard of excellence. The Order serves as a credible governing body for rank promotions, instructor qualifications, certifications, and system recognition, operating under established bylaws and training standards. Through its Board of Black Belts and system divisions, the AOC works to maintain the integrity of martial arts credentials while encouraging leadership, tradition, continued education, and community service.
Discover more on the history of the American Order of Combat, the Combat Bu Do Kwan system and becoming a member. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding our organization.
AOC FOUNDERS & EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
RAYMOND THOMANN Grandmaster of the BuDoKwan
Grandmaster Ray Thomann is the current Grandmaster of the Order and the third in its history. Click below for his bio.
GRANDMASTER J. BETHEL Founder of the Order
In memory of our friend, mentor and founder of the American Order of Combat. Grandmaster leaves behind a powerful legacy.
GRANDMASTER LEWIS Grandmaster Emeritus
Grandmaster Jeffrey Lewis is a founding member of the Order and AOC’s second Grandmaster. Access his bio below.
THE BOARD OF MASTERS American Order of Combat
The following is information for the members of the American Order of Combat Board of Masters and Certifying Body.
HISTORY OF THE ORDER
Founding of the Order
The American Order of Combat – Bu Do Kwan, Incorporated (also known as Order of Combat – U.S.A.) was founded by Grandmaster Ja-Mes R. Bethel. Originally established in 1978 as a Black Belt fraternity in Pemberton Township, New Jersey—just outside Fort Dix and McGuire Air Force Base—the founding members were comprised of active-duty and retired U.S. military veterans. Among them was Grandmaster Jeffrey Lewis, who is recognized as an original and instrumental founding member.
On July 4th, 1981, the Order formally selected and appointed its first Grandmaster. Out of deep respect and admiration, senior Black Belts, including those of higher dan rank, unanimously appointed Ja-Mes R. Bethel as Grandmaster of the American Order of Combat – Bu Do Kwan. His leadership was seen as a unifying force and guiding vision for the organization.
Upon accepting the title of 10th Degree Grandmaster, Bethel directed that Citizenship, Education, and Community Service would serve as the core values of the Order—a legacy that continues to be honored and upheld by its members. The Order quickly became known for its commitment to public service and community outreach
In 1981, Ray Thomann began his martial arts journey under Grandmaster Bethel, as part of a training partnership with Grandmaster Graham of the American Moo Duk Kwan Federation. Thomann was among a small number of junior members to be trained in the original Combat Bu Do Kwan system. Training took place at Grandmaster Bethel’s White Tiger Lodge, located in the Country Lakes section of Pemberton Township.
By 1985, the organization—referred to collectively as Bu Do Kwan by its Black Belt members—formalized its structure and became a non-profit corporation, officially recognized by the State of New Jersey. The incorporation gave the Order legal authority to confer rank and establish standards in support of its members. The American Order of Combat – Bu Do Kwan is regarded as one of the earliest fraternal martial arts organizations founded in the United States.
Growth and Legacy: 1990s–2000s
In the late 1990s, Grandmaster Thomann and Grandmaster Bethel began working closely to expand the reach and influence of the Order. Together, they established several locations of the Warriors Institute, including dojos in Medford, Eastampton, and Browns Mills, New Jersey. During this period, Thomann also rekindled his connection with Grandmaster Jeffrey Lewis, his first martial arts instructor from 1976 under Grandmaster Jae C. Shin.
In 2000, the three Grandmasters convened at the Warriors Lodge in Medford to chart the path of the Order into the 21st century. Their shared goal was to unify all affiliated lodges under a common mission and lay the groundwork for future success.
In 2004, Grandmaster Bethel formally retired from his leadership position and was honored with the title of Grandmaster Emeritus. He appointed Grandmaster Jeffrey Lewis as his official successor. Despite retiring, Grandmaster Bethel continued teaching at the Warriors Institute and promoted numerous students to Black Belt, Sensei, and Master ranks. He remained active until his declining health, due to Vietnam War-related injuries, limited his involvement. Grandmaster Bethel passed away on March 13, 2009, leaving behind a powerful legacy.
Following his passing, Grandmaster Lewis promoted Grandmaster Thomann to 9th Dan Black Belt (Master of Sorrow)—a symbolic rank within the Order recognizing both mastery and the weight of leadership during a time of mourning.
A New Era: Carrying the Legacy Forward
The year 2017 marked the beginning of a “new era” for the American Order of Combat. Grandmaster Ray Thomann was given the task of leading the Order in the next chapter of its history. In July of that year, he traveled to the South Jersey & Philadelphia area to take part in Grandmaster Graham’s 50th Anniversary in the Martial Arts Celebration. During that time, he met with American Martial Arts pioneers and organizational heads from various disciplines to cultivate relationships and re-affirm AOC’s influence in American Combative Arts. In recognition of his dedication to promoting the benefits of martial arts training, Grandmaster Ray was honored by Grandmaster Graham and the American Moo Duk Kwan Federation, and inducted him into the Philadelphia Historic Martial Arts Society Hall of Fame.
In 2020, Grandmaster Lewis retired and Ray Thomann was officially promoted to the position of Grandmaster of the American Order of Combat making him the third Grandmaster in the organization’s history. Grandmaster Lewis was given the title of Grandmaster Emeritus.