Welcome to the Warriors Institute

An Official Lodge of the American Order of Combat – BuDoKwan

Founded in 1992 by Grandmaster Ray Thomann, the Warriors Dojo Institute stands as a proud continuation of a legacy rooted in discipline, leadership, and honor. Its name pays homage to Grandmaster Jeffrey Lewis’ original school, where GM Thomann began his martial arts journey. Since its founding, the Warriors Institute has remained committed to empowering students of all ages through the life-shaping benefits of martial arts—discipline, confidence, self-control, warrior spirit, and character development.

Rooted in tradition and guided by practical application, the Warriors Institute blends classical martial arts values with proven modern self-defense systems. Our curriculum includes survival training, situational awareness, and essential life skills to prepare students not just for self-defense, but for life.

Grandmaster Thomann’s mission is to faithfully pass on the knowledge, traditions, and systems taught to him by his mentors to a new generation of devoted martial artists. His vision is to create a lodge—a true dojo—where students can thrive through quality instruction, mentorship, and a culture of discipline and perseverance. At the heart of the Institute is a pledge: to challenge students to train harder, stay committed, and become leaders of moral character.

CORE TRAINING AREAS

American Combat Bu Do Kwan / MMA & Boxing

Founded by Grandmaster Ja’Mes Bethel, Combat Bu Do Kwan draws from U.S. military discipline, close-quarters combat, grappling, American boxing, and major combative systems. Training also includes MMA, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and practical weapons instruction—edged, impact, and firearm-based.

Traditional Martial Arts

Students have the opportunity to study American Tae Kwon Do – Moo Duk Kwan, passed down through Grandmaster Charles Graham of the American Moo Duk Kwan Federation. This system emphasizes strong foundational technique, respect, and personal growth.

PRO-TACT Training System

Developed by GM Thomann, this proactive and realistic self-defense program is built on his extensive experience in security, law enforcement, and martial arts. Students gain:

• Heightened situational awareness

• Personal safety strategies

• Training to manage the body’s natural stress response

• A proven system to respond to diverse threats

• A resolute mindset: “I will not be a victim.”

Developing Warriors – Leadership In Action

Our training goes beyond the mat. We instill timeless warrior values—humility, honor, courage, strength, faithfulness, justice, and truth—preparing students to serve God, their families, and their communities as leaders and role models.

The Legacy of Warriors Institute

Grandmaster Ray Thomann’s Journey

GM Thomann began his martial arts training in 1976 in Tang Soo Do, under the United States Tang Soo Do Federation, led by Grandmaster Jae C. Shin. His first instructor and mentor was Grandmaster Jeffrey Lewis—then Chief Black Belt Instructor—who laid the foundation of GM Thomann’s lifelong path in the martial arts. When GM Lewis’ school closed in Pemberton Township, Thomann’s pursuit of excellence led him to another great influence.

American Tae Kwon Do – Moo Duk Kwan

GM Thomann soon found a new home under then-3rd Dan Grandmaster Charles “Chuck” Graham. Training began in the basement of Grandmaster Graham’s home on Phillips Avenue in Browns Mills—what GM Thomann fondly recalls as the “good ole’ basement days.”

Those early years saw the birth of what would become the American Moo Duk Kwan Federation, with pioneers like Grandmasters Ja’Mes Bethel, Johnnie Q. Wade, Roy Wade, Jeffrey Whitehead, and others regularly attending. It was a crucible of mentorship, community, and tradition.

In 1983, GM Thomann became one of the Federation’s first junior black belts.

A Legacy Within the Order

The Warriors Dojo’s roots run deep within the American Order of Combat – BuDoKwan, an organization built on discipline, service, and resilience. Grandmaster Thomann began training with Grandmaster Ja’Mes Bethel in 1981 at the White Tiger Lodge in Country Lakes, New Jersey, following an introduction through Grandmaster Graham.

GM Bethel became both mentor and father figure to Thomann, with many summers and evenings spent training at the lodge. GM Thomann is a first generation student of the Order and among the first juniors to earn a black belt under GM Bethel’s leadership. When GM Thomann founded the Warriors Dojo in the 1990s, GM Bethel helped establish three schools across South Jersey and remained a central figure until his passing.

In 2017, Grandmaster Jeffrey Lewis appointed GM Thomann as the Grandmaster of All BuDoKwan, entrusting him to carry forward the Order’s values, training systems, and mission for generations to come.