Mike Jones is a 39 year employee for McCoy’s Building supply, the largest family owned Texas based building supply retailer. He has served in several positions over the 39 years and is currently a Loss Prevention Specialist covering the West Texas and Eastern New Mexico region. Mike graduated from Howard Payne University in 1985 with a BBA in Business Management.
Mike began his study in Tang Soo Do in 1977 at the age of 17 in Sonora, Texas under the teaching and training of Grandmaster Tom Balmos and the late Sr. Grandmaster James Cummings Jr. Mike advanced to 1st Gup, Red 2 under the tutelage of Grandmaster Balmos prior to GM Balmos relocating to San Antonio, TX. Mike continued his training in Sonora under Grandmaster Clarence “Daddy-O” Smith, who was the proprietor of The Karate Institute in San Angelo, TZ. Mike tested, and received his 1st Degree Black Belt, Cho Dan in 1981 under GM Smith. While the school in Sonora was growing, Mike was given the opportunity to be Assistant Instructor for GM Smith. With teammates Grandmaster Walter “Putt-Putt” Bryant, Clarence “Juice” Bowman and Jim (JR) Ross, Mike was very active on the Texas state tournament circuit during the late 70’s to the early 90’s. In 1988 while living in San Angelo, Mike advanced to 2nd Degree Black Belt, Ea Dan under Grandmaster Smith. Professionally, his job took him to several locations throughout Texas and Arkansas and his love for the art continued. An unexpected catastrophic illness took Mike away from active participation form an extended period. In 2012, Mike was reconnected with his mentors GM Smith, GM Balmos and GM Thompson. IN 2013, Mike joined the TKA family and considered it an honor as he lit his candle in Respect for the late Senior Grandmaster James Cummings JR. He currently serves on the TKA promotion board.
Mike was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame in July of 2016 at which time he was awarded and promoted to 4th Degree Master Black Belt, Sa Dan. Mike was honored with a second inductions into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2018 receiving the Silver Life Award for his 40+ years in the arts.
Mike was given the opportunity to test in December 2018 for his 5th Dan Master Black Belt and was promoted to the rank of Sr. Master 6th Dan, Yuk Dan.
Mike and his wife Cheryl have been married for 12 years and they have 5 children between them and four grandchildren. Mike is an avid photographer and in his spare time he enjoys music and golf. Mike and Cheryl currently reside in Early, Texas.
On December 3, 2022, Mike tested before the Tang Soo Do Karate Association and advanced to his current rank of Grandmaster, 7th Dan, Chil Dan.