Grandmaster Lowell Lyle started his journey as Grandmaster Johnny Thompson’s first student at Thompson’s Karate Academy in Kirby, Texas in 1980 at 8 years old. He was promoted to 1st degree black belt (Chodan) in 1984 at 12 years old. Grandmaster Lowell Lyle continued to stay active, teaching classes at Ed White Middle School and surrounding dojangs in the San Antonio area. At age 19, Grandmaster Lyle moved to Omaha, Nebraska where he started his 20 year career with Walmart, Inc. This path would return Lowell back to San Antonio, Texas where he tested for his 3rd Dan (Sam Dan) in 1995 with Grandmaster James Cummings sitting on the promotion board as a part of his test. A promotion with his career required a relocation in 1998.
Today, Grandmaster Lyle is one of the owners of M&M Apparel in College Station, Texas that focuses on screenprinting, embroidery and local high school retail goods for sale. His career allowed him to actively rejoin the Tang Soo Do Karate Association in 2014. Grandmaster Lyle was promoted to Master level 4th Dan (Sa Dan) in December of 2015. In July 2016, he was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame. In July 2018, Grandmaster Lyle was recognized as Master of the Year by the United States Marital Arts Hall of Fame. In December of 2018, Grandmaster Lyle tested for his 5th Dan (Oh Dan) and was given a double promotion to Senior Master 6th Dan (Yuk Dan). He would be recognized for contributing more than 40+ years of studying with a Silver Life Award by the USMAHOF in 2020. Grandmaster Lowell Lyle was promoted to his Grandmaster 7th Dan (Chil Dan) on December 3, 2022 after testing before the Tang Soo Do Karate Association board.
Lowell and his wife Dee Anna have been married for 26 years and have 1 child, Abigale. In his spare time, Grandmaster Lyle enjoys spending time with his family, music and playing golf. He travels and teaches at other dojangs to continue to spread the knowledge and lessons of Tang Soo Do that have been a cornerstone in his life.