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 Mr. Thompson started his Martial Arts training in March, 1974 at
the age of 18. Since his beginning, he has studied many different fighting arts. He is ranked as a
2nd degree Black Belt in Kamishin-Ryu Karate and Shorin-Ji Torakendo Kempo, 4th degree Black Belt in
American Karate, and 7th degree Black Belt in Tetsu Shin Ryu Kempo Karate. He is also a
5th degree Black Belt in Tetsu Shin Jujitsu and has earned his Black Belt in Kyudo
(Japanese Archery) and holds a 5th degree in Kobudo (weapons) and a 5th degree Black Belt in Kickboxing.
Mr. Thompson’s competition career has spanned many years and many championships including
winning the first and only "Toughest Man in South Carolina" contest in 1980. He has fought in
full contact (kickboxing) matches, and was a member of the U.S. Kickboxing Team which
competed in France in 1988. While in France, Ray was known as the "Master of Disaster" by the
French public.
Mr. Thompson was also the Trainer and Manager of Gary "The Reap" Landreth
and Rebecca "The Pitbull" Preacher, who held the title of "North American Kickboxing Champion", before their retirement.
He now trains his oldest son Stephen Thompson, who holds amateur National and World Titles.
Mr. Thompson has trained more than ten National, North American and World
Kickboxing Champions. He is also manager to some of the top professional
kickboxers in the country. His guidance is helping to lead athletes toward successful
careers in the field of full contact kickboxing.
raythompson@upstatekarate.com
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