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 Lodge, 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 Lodge 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 Begins
The year 2017 marked a new chapter for the American Order of Combat. Grandmaster Lewis entrusted Grandmaster Ray Thomann with the responsibility of leading the Order into the future. That July, Thomann traveled to the South Jersey and Philadelphia region to participate in Grandmaster Graham’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. During the event, he met with key figures and pioneers in American martial arts to strengthen alliances and reaffirm the Order’s influence in the field of American combative arts.
In recognition of his ongoing efforts to promote martial arts education and personal development, Grandmaster Thomann was honored by Grandmaster Graham and was inducted into the Philadelphia Historic Martial Arts Society Hall of Fame.
In 2020, Grandmaster Lewis officially appointed Grandmaster Ray Thomann as the new Grandmaster of the American Order of Combat, while assuming the title of Grandmaster Emeritus. Grandmaster Lewis remains active within the organization and continues to contribute to its mission and growth.