I started my martial arts training in January 1984 with Chung Oh’s school of Taekwon Do, which later became Phillip’s School of Taekwon Do. In fact it was my new years resolution that year to attain my black belt which I’ve wanted since I was a young teen. I studied in the arts of Taekwon Do and Hapkido for many years to follow and in less than 4 years I received my first black belt promotion.

In 1988 my instructor asked me to teach and operate my own branch school in Tilbury and 2 years later I also started a branch school in Belle River after passing the Tilbury school on to another instructor. My passion for the arts never diminished and many years later, circumstances and opportunity allowed me to branch out on my own and start my own school in Essex and in 2005, 1 st Defense Martial Arts was born.

With my 34 years of training, teaching and experience, I have owned and operated 1st Defense Martial Arts for the past 12 years in Essex and have devoted my time, skill and knowledge to it’s surrounding community to portray a positive role model for children and adults while they train in self-defense and self-improvement. We are a true black belt school, whom I’ve had the pleasure to produce many outstanding black belt students in the past. We are affiliated with the worldwide ICTF organization ICTF Canada under the leadership of Grand Master Joe Cariati of Woodbridge Taekwon Do in Woodbridge On. www.woodbridgetkd.com

At the age of 4 Thomas began his martial arts training under a karate school, but he could not keep himself involved with it as he did not find himself entirely excited, especially at such a young age and was pulled out of the classes after a few months. After his family moved to a new house, he was introduced to the neighborhood kids and 2 of the boys he was hanging out with were the kids of a Taekwon Do instructor. They told him about how much fun they had there and wanted him to be involved. He convinced his parents to enroll him into the lessons. In 2003 at the age of 6 he joined Taekwon Do; training under Mr. Cammalleri. For the past 16 years he has been studying, training, and competing as his student. In that time, he has been able to obtain his 4th Dan black belt in the art of Taekwon Do.

Starting his martial arts training when he was 15 Years old, he has traveled to Japan and South Korea to train with instructors and clubs there. Having trained for 12+ years he now spends the majority of his time teaching students and focusing on self improvement. With a focus on technique and continual improvement he makes sure each student is pushing themselves to constantly push past their goals!