Kevin Thompson (karate)
| Kevin Thompson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1962 |
| Other names | Lil K.A. |
| Style | Karate |
| Teacher(s) | Karriem Abdallah |
Kevin Thompson born 1962,[1] is a former world champion of karate.[2] Thompson was referred to in his early years of fighting as Lil K.A. named after his teacher Karriem Abdallah. At the age of 14, Thompson had an article in Black Belt Magazine.[3] Kevin was inducted into the 1988 Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame as the Co-Competitor of the Year.[4]
Martial Arts competitive career
Since 1972, Thompson had amassed over 100 trophies from martial arts competitions.[3] He fought in the Professional Karate League in the mid 1990's and was known as a forms and sparring star.[5] Under Team Paul Mitchell, he would compete in and win in major tournaments such as the Players Cup[6] and Ocean State Grand Nations.[7] Thompson is the winner of the elusive triple crown, the winner of sparring, forms, and weapons.[1] Thompson entered into mixed martial arts and holds a 3-1 record in professional matches.[8] He also holds an amateur MMA record of 4-1.[8]
Martial Arts teaching
Thompson teaches out of a dojo in New Jersey. He has a team of performers he calls Shakil’s Warriors. He was instructed students on the physical and psychological aspects of competitive fighting.[5] He currently suffers from ALS but continues to teach karate.[9]
Personal life
Thompson is married to Shena and has 6 children.[10] He has served as a spokesman pushing for a cure for ALS.[10]
References
- 1 2 "Black Belt June 1989". google.com.
- ↑ "Hall of Famer Battles ALS". The Huffington Post.
- 1 2 "Black Belt August 1976". google.com.
- ↑ "Black Belt August 1991". google.com.
- 1 2 "Black Belt April 1990". google.com.
- ↑ "Black Belt October 1995". google.com.
- ↑ "Black Belt October 1996". google.com.
- 1 2 "Kevin Thompson". mixedmartialarts.com.
- ↑ "Karate Champ Talsk About His ALS Diagnosis". The ALS Association Greater New York Chapter.
- 1 2 "N.J. karate king faces down biggest foe". NJ.com.