SCOTT Thomas

General
KATA AND KUMITE
He takes part in both kata and kumite and says his kumite is closer to kata than it is to fighting. "I do both, kata and kumite, at nationals. I am better at kumite but it is still important to try. In my kumite, I am always thinking about where every part of my body should be, much like a kata - stance, feet, twist, strong, etc. I don't think just about hitting the other person. That is a basic way of thinking. My kumite is closer to kata than it is to fighting. I feel like other athletes are really worked up, or hardcore or ready to go, and I am always trying to keep focused that way. I am one of the few kumite athletes, maybe the only one, that competes in kata, because some day the fighting will end and then it will be kata. I am ready and I am excited for that." (karate-k.com, 14 Jun 2018; wkf.net, 06 Jun 2017)

OCCUPATION
He coaches Wado Ryu katate at the Academy of Classical Karate in Plano, TX, United States of America. "Wado is great for practicality. If you wish to study karate and also learn good self defence then Wado is good. My life is designed around [the academy] and I just love it too much. I am full-time at the karate school, I teach classes, I do the marketing, I manage the school and then I get to train at will. I have free reign over that. As long as that's the case I'm going to enjoy that. I love my classes and my students are the best." (karate-k.com, 14 Jun 2018; wkf.net, 16 Jul 2021)

FURTHER EDUCATION
After completing a bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Texas Christian University in 2012, he completed a master's degree in innovation and entrepreneurship at University of Texas at Dallas in 2014. (tomscottkarate.com, 01 Jun 2016; LinkedIn profile, 01 Jan 2018)

FINDING THE LOVE
He says that missing a year of competition due to the Covid-19 pandemic helped his karate. "[It] helped me re-find my sport and my love for the game. After a losing streak a year ago, I was hating the world. Just training for fun helped me get back in it." (wkf.net, 16 Jul 2021)

KARATE IN LA
He says he would like to play a part in getting karate back into the Olympic Games for the 2028 edition in Los Angeles. "[Athletes] need to take it upon ourselves to show a great time, that it's a fantastic sport and try to get us into LA 2028, especially us Americans. For me, to have that and then for the opportunity to be in LA, I feel the weight of that but I embrace it and I love it. I feel I can take that role on. I would love to be at the centre of that campaign. If that happens, I'll be competing, I'll be there for that." (wkf.net, 16 Jul 2021)