Black Belt Candidate: Tim Thomas

2015, after a 5-hour pistol course, having a beer with a few of the guys, the term Krav Maga came up. I went home that night and googled it. I bought the book and started reading. Fast forward to Memorial weekend 2016 and a bad event happened in my life. Tuesday morning, I woke up and resolved to start training. Wednesday, I went to one gym in Shelby and then to KMD. As soon as I walked into KMD I felt that this was the place. I signed up but didn’t want to start until the first of October due to my golf league. Oct 2, 2016 was my first class. I was in so much pain, but I really was hooked. My old school mentality was “I will never let that instructor see me quit”.

I muscled and worked my way through my yellow and orange belt tests. Then came covid. I started training at home, in the parking lot at KMD, doing PT with John (soul crusher) Carra, and becoming closer with my new family (KMD).

January 1st, 2021, I was sitting in my garage watching TV and was searching the GORUCK site. That was the first day of a new program they started, called the “tribe”. I signed up. A few people heard that I signed up (because this little bird made sure they knew, and they thank me every time we have a workout haha). They joined with me. The first challenge that month was to ruck 1 mile every day for 30 days, and so my rucking streak was born that night on New year’s day 2021. June of that year (I believe) one of the requirements for that month was to set a goal that you had a 50% chance of achieving. While rucking one night with the guys, I shared mine with the group. It was to achieve my black belt!

Through all of the pain and sleepless nights, and through the guidance of Pawel, Lisa, Mallory, Vince, Subash, Kayla, Ari and all the instructors, I slowly grew through the ranks (never ever dreaming I would get this far). With the help of all my training partners and my test partner and brother, Subash, I find myself so humbled and honored to have this amazing opportunity to highlight what all these amazing and talented people have taught me. Not only on the mats but in life. How discipline is the greatest teacher. How honesty and integrity are our foundations. Through hard work we can do anything. KMD and Krav Maga is more than just self-defense. It’s a way of life, and it is life changing.

I am truly honored to be here. I am humbled by this opportunity and truly blessed to call each and every one of you my family. Thank all of you for your support. I hope I can make you proud.

This is for you mom and dad!! I hope I make you proud. Dad, I know you will be watching from above.

Tim Thomas