COLORADO PHOENIX PROJECT

Thom has always been involved in health and fitness since he was 15 years old and has continued to pursue interests up to this day. He began his studies in martial arts when he was 30 because he wanted to make better use of his free time and get his head back on his shoulders, to move on a clearer journey.  Thom started martial arts over 25 years ago on the Outer Banks of North Carolina with Bushin Kan Dojo which taught a very classical Japanese-based style of martial arts. 

From there he moved into American style karate K.I.K.S. which he found to be more to his liking because it was more of a striking and punching style similar to boxing. Thom was fortunate to find a similar style when he moved to Colorado and after spending seven years as a student the opportunity presented itself to purchase the school. 

The CPP platform is about building self-confidence and self-awareness. But back when he took the studio over the first and foremost focus was on bully awareness and suicide prevention and still, today is the message.

We do not teach “fighting “ which some people think karate is all about. Karate, itself, is an Asian system of unarmed combat using the hands and feet to deliver and block blows. 

Kenpo Karate, which when translated, means “Law of the Fist and Empty Hand” Thom received his 4th-degree black belt in March 2017 in Sugarland, Texas and continues to learn every day about himself and martial arts thru the variety of people that come into the studio.

So, why does Thom refer to his structure as a studio? 

His structure, location in Woodland Park, CO is a place where visitors are allowed to create, much like where an artist, photographer, sculptor, etc. works. Thom wants visitors to know that no matter their past, his studio is where they can paint and create their masterpiece.