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.

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 Ray’s most influential instructor. But he’s also much more. He’s a friend, mentor and second father 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.

AMERICAN TAE KWON DO MOO DUK KWAN

The modern history of American Tae Kwon Do Moo Duk Kwan can be traced back to 1961. This is the year that Tae Kwon Do and Moo Duk Kwan formed one organization. As far as we are concerned, Master Chun Chae Kyu (instructor of Eugene Perceval Jr.), was the head of that organization.

After returning home from Korea in 1964, Grandmaster Eugene Perceval Jr. founded Tae Kwon Do Moo Duk Kwan U.S.A.  In 1986, Grandmaster Perceval further developed his own style of martial arts, consisting of instruction on how the mind and body biomechanics interact. He remains teaching masters to this day.

In 1974, ties were broken with Eugene Perceval Jr. and Forrest Blair. This led to the Grandmaster Graham’s (then 3rd Dan) founding of American Tae Kwon Do Moo Duk Kwan in 1977. Grandmaster Graham vision was to bring about a renewal of the old philosophy with attitudes for the future. The newly formed organization began to set its course for its ensuing success and growth. It’s also during this time that its most influential black belt instructors and masters began their training. 

On February 19, 1983, Master Thomann received his black belt as one of organization’s first juniors (under 18) to be promoted to this rank.  He also received his Black Belt in the American Order of Combat – BuDoKwan.

American Tae Kwon Do – Moo Duk Kwan, under Grandmaster Graham, was unlike the traditional Korean schools and organizations that became popular in the 1970’s and early 1980’s. Although it maintained many of those early traditions, the organization’s approach instilled American values while striving to develop a true warriors mentality. The strength, focus and direction of this organization was found in the diversity of its black belt membership. This made it very unique, genuine and tenable.

As a style, its influence is found in various Asian martial arts styles, American boxing, military technique, and grappling. The organization also adopted military discipline, a ranking system, and the use of traditional forms, modeled from Japanese Shotokan kata modified by the early Korean martial arts founders.

Under his guidance, the American Moo Duk Kwan Federation was established in 1992. This organization was formulated to provide a strong, unified and credible body of martial artists. The American Tae Kwon Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation is credited with producing many high caliber black belt instructors and masters who continue to uphold and promote its legacy, history and traditions.

AMERICAN ORDER OF COMBAT – BUDOKWAN

The Warriors Dojo’s history and traditions can is traced to the American Order of Combat – BuDoKwan, Incorporated, its founding members and lineage. This organization was first established as a Black Belt Fraternity (club) in 1978. The founding Members, Black Belts and Masters, were also all U.S. Military Veterans, active and retired. This organization and system is what we are giving to our students.

When the original Order was founded, the first Grandmaster was unanimously selected by the membership and installed on July 4th, 1981. Grandmaster Ja’Mes R. Bethel was appointed as the first Grandmaster of the Order. He assumed the 10th Degree position and directed that Citizenship, Education and Community Service would be the themes around which our Order would develop.

Grandmaster Ray Thomann was part of the American Order of Combat from its inception. In 1980, he began his training under Grandmaster Bethel as part of a training partnership with Grandmaster Graham. GM Thomann was one of only a few junior members to begin training in the original Combat Bu Do Kwan system. Training took place at Grandmaster Bethel’s White Tiger Lodge, which was located in the Country Lakes section of Browns Mills, NJ.

In the late 90’s, GM Thomann and Grandmaster Bethel began working together to further the influence and impact of the martial arts and its practices worldwide. At this time, Thomann re-established his relationship with Grandmaster Lewis, his first instructor in Korean Martial Arts, who had partnered with Grandmaster Bethel to establish the American Order of Combat. In 2000, the three came together at the Warriors Dojo in Medford, NJ., to discuss a training relationship between the schools.

Until his death in 2009, Grandmaster Bethel made a “home” at the Warriors Dojo (S. Jersey). He and GM Thomann trained many students in the Martial Arts disciplines, promoting them to the ranks of Black Belt, Sensei and Master. Grandmaster Bethel continued to be active at the Warriors Dojo until his Vietnam War related injuries caused his health to seriously decline. During those years, the Order of Combat recognized GM Thomann’s experience, accomplishments and heart for training; and promoted him to the ranks of 7th Dan and 8th Dan Black Belt within their organization.

FURTHERING THE LEGACY

In 2016, Grandmaster Thomann established the Southeastern Branch of the Warriors Dojo. This branch is now recognized as the official headquarters for the American Order of Combat – BuDoKwan.

His vision and focus remains on furthering the legacy of those masters and founders who have greatly enriched his life, and those of his students, through the study of the martial arts. He has reaffirmed his commitment to promote the ideals, values and training which have greatly impacted so many practitioners.

Grandmaster Thomann is the head of the American Order of Combat – BuDoKwan and the third Grandmaster in its history.