Warriors Institute
In 1992, the original Warriors Institute was founded in New Jersey by Ray Thomann. Today, the lodge operates in NE Florida and serves as the Official Headquarters of the American Order of Combat. It's our vision to further the legacy of the pioneers of American Martial Arts.
About the Lodge
Early History
Welcome to the Warriors Institute, an Official Lodge of the American Order of Combat – BuDoKwan. The Warriors Institute was originally founded in 1992 by New Jersey native Grandmaster Ray Thomann. It’s name comes from GM Lewis’ original school name in which GM Thomann was a member. Warriors Institute is committed to empowering students, of all ages, through the many benefits of martial arts training – discipline, confidence, self-control, warriors spirit, and character building.
The Warriors Institute embraces the traditional aspects of the martial arts, while providing a proven and effective self-defense system. In addition, we teach the student effective survival techniques and instill life skills that’s essential for success.
Grandmaster Thomann’s goal is to pass on the traditions, training and systems he received, from his mentors, to the devoted students of the martial arts. His focus is in establishing a lodge (dojo) that provides students with quality programs and an environment that greatly enhances their ability to learn and succeed. He’s also dedicated to developing the necessary traits that the student needs to be effective leaders and positive role models. It’s the Warriors Institute’s pledge to continually challenge students to train harder, remain committed, never give up, and to be people of moral character.
Our martial arts program focuses on the following areas:
COMBAT BU DO KWAN & MMA – Combat Bu Do Kwan was founded by Grandmaster Ja’Mes Bethel. The system is based upon U.S. Military discipline, hand to hand combat training, grappling / ground fighting, American boxing, and techniques from major combative arts systems. The system also utilizes training regimes from MMA, kickboxing and Muay Thai. Combat Bu Do Kwan also incorporates edged weapons, impact weapons and handgun/rifle training.
TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS – Our students are also afforded the opportunity to train in the martial art of American Tae Kwon Do – Moo Duk Kwan. This was passed down to us by Grandmaster Charles Graham (American Moo Duk Kwan Federation).
PRO-TACT TRAINING SYSTEM – Grandmaster Thomann’s extensive training and work experience has provided the foundation for our proactive, tactical and realistic self-defense program / conditioning system. This program will: (a) increase one’s overall situational awareness, (b) develop a personal safety strategy, (c) combat the effects of SNS system activation on the body, (d) provide a proven self-defense system that develops a mindset and skill-set to deal with all types of threats, and (e) instill the “I will not be a victim” mindset.
DEVELOPING WARRIORS (LEADERS) – Our programs instills the traits associated with a true warrior and leader: humility, honor, courage, strength, faithfulness, justice, and truth. Such individuals are role models to others, as they serve God, their fellow man and communities with honor, respect and great care.
The following provides information of the organizations, systems and instructors that have provided the foundation for the Warriors Institute.
Grandmaster Ray Thomann began his training in the martial arts in 1976. He first studied the Korean “Karate” system and art of Tang Soo Do within Grandmaster Jae C. Shin’s organization – United States Tang Soo Do Federation. Grandmaster Jeffrey Lewis of the Warriors Institute, who was (at this time) Grandmaster Shin’s Chief Black Belt Instructor, became his first instructor and mentor. GM Thomann remained with Grandmaster Lewis until his school unexpectedly ceased operations in the Pemberton Township area.
AMERICAN TAE KWON DO MOO DUK KWAN
After the closing of the Grandmaster Lewis’ school, GM Thomann began searching for a school to continue his training. He quickly discovered that a new program was being offered at his local elementary school (Oakview Public School) under the direction of then 3rd Dan Sensei Grandmaster Charles “Chuck” Graham. Immediately, he connected with Grandmaster Graham and was invited to become part of the American Tae Kwon Do – Moo Duk Kwan Academy.
At that time, classes were held in the basement of “Chuck’s” home on Phillips Avenue in Browns Mills. Those were the good ole’ basement days that he fondly refers too. Grandmaster Graham is one of Ray’s most influential instructor. But he’s also much more. He’s a friend, mentor and teacher who greatly impacted Ray’s life.
The basement days saw the foundation being established for what is now known as the American Moo Duk Kwan Federation. It was also a time in which our organization and system were in their initial stages of growth. The most influential instructors were being raised and mentored as leaders of this new organization. It wasn’t uncommon to have multiple black belts instructors and masters such as Grandmaster Ja’Mes Bethel, Johnnie Q. Wade, Roy Wade, Jeffrey Whitehead, Herman Davis, Stanley Heath, Roy Donald, and many others be in attendance during class. It was a great time to train, as much wisdom and knowledge was shared by the pioneers of the system.
On February 19, 1983, Grandmaster Thomann received his black belt as one of organization’s first juniors (under 18) to be promoted to this rank and is currently a 7th Dan in the organization.
AMERICAN ORDER OF COMBAT – BUDOKWAN
The Warriors Institutes’ history and traditions can be traced to the American Order of Combat – BuDoKwan, Incorporated, its founding members and lineage. Grandmaster Thomann began his training in with Grandmaster Bethel in 1981, at his White Tiger Lodge in Country Lakes. Their first introduction came after a training partnership with Grandmaster Charles Graham.
Grandmaster Bethel quickly became an essential figure in Thomann’s life. He became a second father figure, as he would spend his evenings and summers training at the lodge. GM Thomann was present during those early years of the Order and one of the first juniors to receive their black belts under Grandmaster Bethel.
In the 1990’s, GM Thomann established his Warriors Institute. Grandmaster Bethel was there from the very beginning and helped to establish three schools in the south Jersey area. Up until his death, Grandmaster Bethel was a central figure at the Medford school.
In 2017, Grandmaster Thomann was appointed as the Grandmaster of all Budokwan by Grandmaster Jeffrey Lewis.
