Jump-kicking, age 48...after 37 years of training. Photo by S. Mlika, Oct. 2008Tom Callos is a 6th degree black belt (under Master Teacher Ernie Reyes, Sr), a writer, consultant, and activist working within the international martial arts community. 

He took his first lesson at the age of 9, in judo, and began formal classes in taekwondo in 1971, at age 11. He received his 1st degree black belt in 1979, at the age of 19.

In the late 1970's and throughout the 80's, Tom was a tournament competitor. In 1982 he opened his first school in Reno, Nevada. By 1990 he owned two of the most successful schools in the nation, teaching more than 800 students weekly.

His business success launched a side-line career teaching other martial arts teachers how to operate their schools more efficiently and effectively.

Tom and one of his fans

Working with Educational Funding Company, The National Association of Professional Martial Artists, and The Martial Arts Industry Association, Tom has written and designed curriculum, instructional videos, managerial reports, and philosophical guidelines for the martial arts industry.  His methods and ideas are currently used in thousands of martial arts schools around the world.

 

I've written well over a thousand reports on all of the procedural issues a school owner and/or teacher might require in the day to day operation of his or her business. But what I am most proud of are the ideas and materials that have helped teachers to bring education, practical philosophy, and innovation to their classrooms.

The Acts of Kindness program, The Six Tasks Character Development Program, The Dietary and Environmental Self-Defense Programs, The Peace Education Project, The Diabetes Education Project, The Anger Management Teacher Training Program, The Ultimate Black Belt Test, and The NEW WAY Network represent my best work to date.

My mission is to teach martial arts teachers around the globe --how to do what they do better. It is to use the martial arts industry as a tool to promote peace, environmental education, compassion and empathy for others, and sane and sustainable living.

Every year the UBBT works with Pam Dorr and the Rural Studio to build homes in rural Alabama. Tom get's the team ready before a day of work.Tom was a member of the famous Ernie Reyes West Coast Demo Team -and worked in a number of Ernie Reyes' TV and Film projects.

He is a sought after speaker --and in 2008 co-founded The New Way Network, an association for martial arts school owners and teachers. He is also the designer and team coach for The Ultimate Black Belt Test.

He has written for or been featured in a number of publications, including What is Enlightenment?, Shape, Women's Sports & Fitness, Orion, Black Belt, Inside Kung Fu, Cooking Light, Modern Maturity, Dwell, Lime, Martial Arts Professional, American Public Media, and MASuccess.

 Tom lives in Hilo, Hawaii, where he trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with former student (and now teacher) BJ Penn. Working with Ernie Reyes, Jr. on the ABC TV series SideKicks. Here Tom is the "Cat Burglar" from the 1st episode.