31st Annual TKA World Karate Seminar, Banquet, Conference & Testing
After Action Report – 2025 (GM Thompson)
Honoring Our Fallen Warriors
This year’s banquet included a deeply moving tribute to our fallen warriors, Grandmaster Marvin Royce (Retired U.S. Army) and Master Arnold “Zip” White (Retired U.S. Air Force). Their legacy, service, and lifelong dedication to the martial arts were honored with the utmost respect.
An honorable Missing Man Table was set in their memory, symbolizing their enduring presence within our TKA family. The ceremony was elevated by Sifu Oscar Olivarez, who performed TAPS on his beautiful horn, filling the room with a solemn and heartfelt remembrance.
In a moment of profound respect, our Honor Guard presented a folded American flag to Master Steven Royce, son of Grandmaster Marvin Royce. Honor Guard members Ed Ganz, Joyce Austin, Jose Ramirez II, and Rob Larwood and myself carried out this duty with precision and dignity. Our sincere thanks to each of them.
Acknowledgments of Service and Support
• Silvia Volkmann
For organizing the raffle and silent auction, managing behind‑the‑scenes logistics, and capturing photos throughout the weekend. Ordering food, drinks and snacks for all during the conference
• Miss Pat
For assisting at the seminar, banquet, and testing day with reliability and professionalism.
• Ms. Tiana
For securing our banquet hall each year and ensuring flawless logistical coordination.
• Eric Jones
For creating our banners and assisting with setup and breakdown on Saturday.
• Jose Ramirez
For designing this year’s TKA logo, coordinating pre‑testing at CTL, assisting candidates, and managing musical equipment for The TKA Buskers.
Appreciation for Event Photography
A heartfelt thank‑you to GrandMaster Mike Jones for his outstanding photography throughout the weekend. His dedication ensures our history is preserved with clarity, pride, and professionalism.
Recognition for Membership ID Card Support
Our sincere thanks to Master Steven Royce and family for creating the new TKA plastic ID cards for all active members. We look forward to next year’s upgraded version featuring photos and QR codes.
Recognition of Guest Instructor – GrandMaster Varun Jettly
Sincere respect goes out to GrandMaster Varun Jettly, who traveled from Canada to serve as our premier instructor for Thursday night’s seminar at CTL/TKA Headquarters. His wisdom, leadership, and inspiration set a powerful tone for the weekend.
Tokens of Appreciation
Attendees received a variety of meaningful tokens, including:
- Custom event poker chip featuring GM Royce and the Florida‑themed orange color
- Conference medals with orange ribbons
- TKA Forever rock and an additional rock engraved with Confidence, Discipline, or Respect
- TKA writing pen
- New challenge coin
- Updated TKA ID cards
- Specialty blazer patches for master’s and above, custom‑made in Pakistan with diamonds matching rank, designed by Master J. Ramirez
All items were presented in person to those in attendance.
Appreciation for GrandMaster Lowell Lyle
Special thanks to GrandMaster Lowell Lyle, who generously treated attendees to a specialty drink during the banquet. He also assisted with reading GrandMaster Brooks’ bio and participated in the solemn reading of our fallen warriors. Osu.
Welcome to Our Newest Member – GrandMaster Jason Brooks
A huge welcome to GrandMaster Jason Brooks (Retired U.S. Marine) from Las Vegas, our newest TKA member. His lineage under the late SGM John Natividad brings honor and prestige to our organization. Nothing but respect.
Recognition of The TKA Buskers
Our heartfelt thanks to Coach Logan Ramirez, Master Jose Ramirez, GM Sandy Larwood, GM Matt Emery, and the legendary Sifu Oscar Olivarez for leading our makeshift band, The TKA Buskers. Their music continues to be a highlight of every event.
Recognition of Long‑Distance Attendees
Trophies were presented to those who traveled long distances to support our three testees. A special acknowledgment goes to Arno and Anna Rohleder, who traveled all the way from Germany. Your dedication is deeply appreciated.
Special Presentation Posters
Special presentation posters were distributed to the logistical team and to those inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame 2025, held in its 26th year in San Antonio, Texas. Thank you all for your continued support.
Special Recognition – Sr. Master Ed Ganz
Special recognition was given to Sr. Master Ed Ganz (Retired Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army) for his tireless service throughout the year. He was awarded the prestigious 2025 James Cummings Jr. Spirit Award. Congratulations, Sir.
Special Gifts and Awards of Appreciation
Special gifts were presented to Sifu Oscar Olivarez and Sensei Raul Marin for their dedication and support.
Beautiful acrylic awards were presented to:
- GM Jesse Rodriguez
- GM Rodney Kauffman
- GM Roger Rayburn
- GM Varun Jettly
Their longevity, leadership, and unwavering support continue to elevate our martial arts community.
Special awards were also given to GM Sandy Larwood and Master Jose Ramirez for preparing our three candidates for this year’s testing panel and ensuring their successful performance.
Special Field Promotions
Three distinguished field promotions were administered during banquet night:
- GM Gabriel Green promoted to 9th Dan in American Tang Soo Do
- GM Michael Hornsby promoted to 9th Dan in Taekwondo under SGM Rodney Kauffman
- GM Gregory Robinson promoted to 8th Dan, Hanshi Ranking by GM Hornsby
A prestigious night honoring decades of mastery and dedication.
Congratulations to Our Newly Promoted Black Belts
- Sr. Master Eric Jones – 6th Dan
- Sensei Adrian Marquis – 3rd Dan
- Sensei Hanna Perez – 3rd Dan
Outstanding work. Reset, refocus, and continue the journey.
Implementation of the TKA Code of Ethics and Conduct
A comprehensive Code of Ethics and Conduct was introduced for all instructors and senior leadership. All instructors present signed and submitted their forms to the President of the Associations for official record. This initiative strengthens accountability, professionalism, and organizational protection. All schools should present a form such as this to all their asst and head instructors to preclude anything for documentation’s sake to protect your businesses.
Closing Remarks
In closing, I shared the words of the late, great Charlie Kirk:
- What is something I can do for someone today?
- What is something I can do to add value to the world today?
- How can I honor God today?
Congratulations to everyone on another successful event. Our achievements are made possible by the many hands working behind the scenes. It is good to have people who help bake the cake, not just those who want to eat it. This one was hard for me and very painstaking to ensure everyone have a great experience.
As I begin to slow down in life and prepare to step back in the years ahead, know this:
I appreciate and love each of you more than you know.
GrandMaster Johnny K. Thompson, President of “The Karate Association International” and the Tang Soo Do Karate Association since 1988