About Sifu Thomas

Sifu Rick Thomas' ambition is to be a positive part of a rapidly changing world. As a teacher, community advocate, and ambassador for self-improvement through Chinese martial arts, Sifu Thomas stands as an example to his students. At Thomas Academy of Tai Chi and Kung Fu, Sifu Thomas teaches a wide variety of forms of interest to students of any age and skill level. Some of these styles include:

• Shaolin and Wushu Kung Fu (empty hand and weapon forms from both Northern and Southern Styles of Kung Fu)
• Group classes, private classes, workshops and seminars
• Self Defense
• Wu Hao and Hunyuan Chen Tai Chi (empty hand and weapon forms)
• Hunyuan Chen Tai Chi Ruler and Qigong
• Hong Chen Tai Chi empty hand form
• Yang Wind & Fire Wheels
• Push Hands

Sifu Thomas has competed in national and international martial arts tournaments and has won numerous championships and awards, as have many of his students. His involvement and expertise in Chinese martial arts stretches far beyond Tulsa, and even the United States. During his most recent trip to China, Sifu Thomas was honored to be selected as the 7th generation disciple of Grand Master Chen Shu Dao, a 6th generation Wu Hao Tai Chi practitioner and the son of Great Grand Master Chen Gu An, the only Wu Hao grand master officially recognized by the Chinese government.

Sifu Thomas has also held many important positions in national and international martial arts associations. He is currently the overseas vice-president of the China-America Tai Chi Federation, the purpose of which is to serve as a vehicle for cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world, to spread the art of T'ai Chi, and to promote health and friendship. During his August 2004 China trip, Sifu Thomas was appointed the Director of the American branch of the China Xing Tai Wushu Tai Chi Research Association. Sifu Thomas also regularly judges local, national, and international martial arts tournaments. In August 2004, he was one of two non-Chinese judges in the 2nd Qingchunbao cup 2004 Zhejiang International Wushu Tournament, held in Hangzhou, China.

In addition to his activities as a cultural ambassador between China and America, Sifu Thomas spends a large amount of his time advocating physical fitness and self-improvement in his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sifu Thomas is currently producing his first television series, "A Gift from China”, which will air in the summer of 2005 on Tulsa’s RSU-TV and focus on Wu Hao T'ai Chi. Sifu Thomas graduated magna cum laude and holds degrees in both psychology and social work, which he puts to good use building a happier, healthier, and more harmonious community. He has been involved in many community service activities in addition to his martial arts teaching, including:

• Certified Instructor of HOMELAND SECURITY CITIZENS EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
• Active member of the USA National Association for Search & Rescue
• President of the Lakeview Heights Housing Association
• Crisis Intervention Counseling
• Working with adolescents and juvenile delinquents
• Drug Alcohol and Family Counseling
• Eye Clinic Coordinator for Neighbor For Neighbor ( a non profit facility that provides services for low income client)
• Neighborhood Leader - Alert Citizens On Patrol
• Counseling of the aged
• Graduated Magna Cum Laude
• Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges

Thomas Academy's program is continuing to expand. Sifu Thomas understands that it is his responsibility to train hard and continue learning. Sifu Thomas trains diligently and exercises personal teachability, so that he may provide many