Biography

Grandmaster Ray Thomann is the third Grandmaster in the history of the American Order of Combat – Bu Do Kwan, following the legacy of founder Grandmaster Emeritus Ja’Mes Bethel and Grandmaster Jeffrey Lewis. He is also the founder of the WARRIORS INSTITUTE (DOJO), a center for martial and combative arts excellence.

With a clear vision to advance the legacy of the Order’s pioneers, Grandmaster Thomann is committed to preserving its traditions, promoting its benefits, and expanding its positive influence. His leadership focuses on building a strong, credible, and cohesive organization where every member plays an active role in its continued growth and success.

Training & Experience

Grandmaster Thomann holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Thomas Edison State University, along with advanced certifications from Rutgers University and Northwestern University.

His extensive training portfolio includes a wide range of law enforcement, emergency management, and leadership programs through federal, state, and private institutions. These include: U.S. Department of Justice – FBI;  U.S. Department of Homeland Security – FEMA; New Jersey State Police – Office of Emergency Management; New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice; New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety; NJ Police Training Commission (PTC); Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office; Northeast Counterdrug Training Center; Simunition FX – Training for the Real World; Monadnock Defensive Tactics; PPCT Management Systems Inc.; Safariland; No Lie Blades; and Avade.

As a recognized subject matter expert, Grandmaster Thomann was appointed to serve on the Defensive Tactics Standards Board for the New Jersey Police Training Commission, helping shape official training protocols for law enforcement academies statewide.

He has led numerous Executive Protection details and developed personal safety programs for high-profile individuals, celebrities, dignitaries, and corporate clients. His training expertise has empowered countless Executive Protection Agents, Law Enforcement Officers, Military Personnel, and Security Teams across various defensive and tactical disciplines.

Honors & Recognition

Grandmaster Thomann has been recognized by state officials, law enforcement agencies, and martial arts institutions for his contributions to public safety and the combative arts. His honors include:

• State of New Jersey Senate Commendation – Senator Diane Allen

• Unit Excellence Award – Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office

• ProCop Award – Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office

• Outstanding Service to Law Enforcement – Burlington County Police Academy

• Unit of the Year (FTO Unit) – Pemberton Township Police Department

• Life Saver Award – Pemberton Township Police Department

• Officer of the Year – Borough of Fieldsboro

• WKU Karate Hall of Fame – Class of 2002 & WKU Master Instructor of the Year – Combat Bu Do Kwan

• Philadelphia Historic Martial Arts Society Hall of Fame – Class of 2017

• American Moo Duk Kwan Federation – Master Instructor

• American Order of Combat – Bu Do Kwan – Grandmaster

• NJ Police Training Commission – Defensive Tactics Standards Board Member

Martial Arts & Wrestling Background

In the martial arts, Thomann has been promoted to the rank of  Grandmaster of the American Order of Combat. Although he was awarded the rank of 10th Dan, he has respectfully chosen not to accept the rank. For him, the 10th Dan represents something greater than personal achievement—it is a distinction he believes should remain reserved for his mentors and pioneering martial artists whose knowledge, sacrifice, and dedication helped shape both his martial arts journey and the traditions he now carries forward. Thomann also holds the rank of 8th Dan from his mentor Grandmaster Charles Graham (American Moo Duk Kwan Federation).

GM Thomann has a background in professional wrestling, having wrestled as “Officer Pain.”  He began his training at the Monster Factory in Paulsboro, NJ under WWF wrestling legend ‘Pretty Boy’ Larry Sharpe (WWF), later training exclusively with WWF icon ‘Iron’ Mike Sharpe. Thomann also trained with Guatemalan wrestler, ‘The American Badboy’ Eric Barada, competing across independent circuits and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) under promoter Dennis Carluzzo. His accomplishments include holding the Iron Man Heavyweight Championship and wrestling on cards alongside stars from WWF, WCW, NWA, and ECW.

This high-level exposure to performance and combat sports has shaped his unique and dynamic approach to real-world fighting arts and defensive tactics instruction.

Media & Public Engagement

Ray Thomann has been featured internationally across terrestrial radio, television, and digital media platforms. His media career includes hosting nationally syndicated AM/FM radio and cable television programming that reached audiences in more than 88 countries.

Beyond martial arts instruction, he is the creator of Iron Paws: Mission-Ready, a mission-based leadership and life-skills program designed to help children develop character, confidence, responsibility, and real-world preparedness through engaging challenges and practical training.

He is also the creator of Officer Ray’s Empowered! – I Will Not Be a Victim, an interactive personal safety and awareness program designed to help women reduce their risk of victimization while developing greater confidence, situational awareness, and practical personal-safety skills.

Ray is also an accomplished musician, songwriter, and TRICKS Drums USA endorsed drummer. He has written, recorded, and released multiple music projects that have received international distribution, further extending his work in media, entertainment, and public outreach.