Ron Thom - Our Senior

"I consider myself extremely lucky. I received instruction directly from Ohshima Sensei and from some of his strongest members including Caylor Adkins, Henry Wilkerson and Don Depree. These people have had a major influence on my practice and my life."
-Ron Thom

Ron Thom began training with Shotokan Karate of America in 1968 at Long Beach City College under Caylor Adkins, and attained his black belt in 1969. Throughout his years in Southern California, Ron was profoundly influenced by the instruction of Mr. Tsutomu Ohshima who visited Long Beach weekly and led Sunday practice for black belts. Inaddition, Ron attended memorable special trainings at Arrowhead Lake, Ojai, and Long Beach. Along with four other SKA members, Ron was selected to represent the United States in the first World Karate-Do Championships held in Tokyo in 1970. He also founded the club at CSU Dominguez Hills, and instructed at the Pacific Coast Club and the YMCA before returning to Long Beach where he practiced with Don Depree and Henry Wilkerson.

Shortly after arriving in Seattle in 1975 to pursue graduate studies at the University of Washington, he was contacted by Kate Joyce. Together, they founded the Bainbridge Island Dojo. In the last 20 years, Ron has made a tremendous contribution to the karate community in the Northwest. He has led exchange practices, special trainings, and has been available to those who ask his help with their practice. Ron leads by example and lets his students find their own way. To understand Ron's teaching is to understand that he is concerned with the development of his students not just as karate practitioners, but as whole individuals.

Ron received his Ph.D. from the University of Washington in 1978, and now lives in Sequim Washington with his wife, Sue, and two sons, Andrew and Jonathan. In addition to conducting research in restoration ecology at Batelle Marine Biological Labs, Ron isan affiliate faculty member with School of Fisheries at the University of Washington. He now serves as president of SKA.

"...you have been a wonderful teacher, always knowing just how much and when to push me, helping me to progress."
--Marcia Baker