The World's Martial Arts Information Center

Do you know Tom Callos?

He's a longtime friend of mine, a martial art teacher, a student of Ernie Reyes, Sr., and - I believe - one of the most interesting people in the martial arts world. This morning Tom sent me two sample ads for a "project" he's working on (Tom is always working on projects); it's for his new martial arts association called The New Way Network.

The pieces are so unique, so "Tom," that I had to pass them along to you - and add my two-cents.

Tom thinks it's time for the martial arts industry to embrace a more worldly view of self-defense. When he talks about his vision of the martial arts industry of the future, he uses phrases like "martial arts education," "global consciousness," "environmental self-defense," and "authentic leadership training." Well, I know a LOT of martial arts instructors; few of them ever use these kinds of words in conjunction with the arts - and even fewer tackle the kind of work Tom seems to always be involved in.

Thank you Tom.

Thanks for The Random Acts of Kindness Program; your work has, literally, generated millions of acts of kindness, respect, and consideration in the world. Thanks for The Six Tasks Character Development Program, which has taught a generation of instructors how to take their martial arts "out of the dojo and into the world." Oh, and thanks for that phrase too.

Thank you for The Ultimate Black Belt Test - a program that has, without a doubt, changed martial arts testing forever.

Thank you for thinking so far out of the box. Thanks for, as you would say, "being a part of the village" that raises our standards, makes us think, and gives us tools to do better work. You're an inspiration.

Your friend, Fariborz Azhakh

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Comments

I have been fortunate to be a member of UBBT Team 4, and now Team 6. I can"t tell you how profoundly Tom has changed the way that I view martial arts, and the teaching of the arts. He is truly a visionary, and we are so proud to have him as our Coach. Running a business is always challenging, but he has brought a new sense of purpose and contribution to teaching the arts that we love. Thank you Tom!

Jennifer Dye

I have considered Tom my mentor for the past ten years and I am lucky to be a member of his UBBT Team 6. The innovative and interesting ideas he continues to come up with never cease to inspire and motivate me. While it is not Thanksgiving in Canada, I am truly grateful for everything Tom has brought into my life. Thanks Tom.

Jeff Brinker

Well, Happy Thanksgiving to you all too! Thank you Master Fariborz for the glowing kindness, thank you to Jen and Jeff for your enthusiasm. Thank you too to every school owner/teacher/and student who has taken the Ultimate Black Belt Test --or taken ideas from it. Thank you for, what...now 38 years of fun?! Thank you!

Tom Callos

Great site, As a shotokan teacher you dedication and passion is an inspiration to all.

David Rigby

Tom: keep me informed on your movement. I have always had my students be active in making the community better. (Body/spirit/community). Too many schools are mind and technique only....and thus the students are not totally prepared for the street, and do not give back to their towns. Any way I can help...let me know.

Ron Rysavy

I teach Karate at an after school program in New York, and one of the goals is to help the children to build a habit of doing better everyday by doing their best daily. By remembering how they did the day before would help them to improve what all of them do daily.
I would like to hear more from all of you,thank you all.
My best regards to Mr.Tom and Mr. Fariborz.

Gilvan

Gilvan DosSantos Gentil

Genius and madness aren"t so far apart, and Master Callos walks the line between the two with grace. If you can execute 5% of the ideas that Tom generates, you"ll be on your way to becoming a leader in your community. Thanks, coach!

Jason Gould