Sr. Grandmaster Tom Balmos, age 78, is a distinguished martial artist whose career spans more than five decades of continuous training, teaching, leadership, and competitive excellence. His journey began in 1969, when he entered the martial arts with a deep sense of discipline, humility, and personal responsibility—qualities that would define his lifelong commitment to the arts. His early foundation in Tae Kwon Do, combined with the challenges of frequent relocations, exposed him to a wide range of instructors and training environments. These experiences shaped him into a versatile and resilient martial artist whose adaptability and perseverance became hallmarks of his character.
In 1976, Sr. Grandmaster Balmos began training under Grandmaster James Cummings Jr., a direct student of Tang Soo Do founder Hwang Kee. From that point forward, his martial arts identity became firmly rooted in American Tang Soo Do (ATSD). This lineage not only shaped his technical development but also deepened his commitment to preserving the traditions, values, and historical integrity of the art. His loyalty to his teacher and to the ATSD lineage has remained a defining hallmark of his career.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Sr. Grandmaster Balmos distinguished himself on the National Karate Circuit, where he consistently ranked among the top four competitors in the region. Alongside his partner, Grandmaster Johnny Thompson, he helped pioneer and popularize the Two‑Man Specialty concept, a synchronized performance format that showcased advanced timing, creativity, and martial artistry. Their innovative approach elevated the standard for performance‑based competition and left a lasting impact on the evolution of martial arts demonstrations across the country.
Over the course of his career, Sr. Grandmaster Balmos rose to the rank of 9th Dan in American Tang Soo Do (ATSD), a distinction awarded by the International Martial Arts Council of America in 2016. He is also a former alumnus of the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame, reflecting his longstanding contributions and respected standing within the martial arts community. In addition to his teaching and mentorship, he serves annually on the International Martial Arts Council of America, offering his wisdom, experience, and leadership to support the organization’s mission of promoting excellence, ethics, and unity within the martial arts.
Sr. Grandmaster Balmos also serves as the Vice President of the Tang Soo Do Karate Association, an organization founded in 1988. In this role, he plays a vital part in upholding the association’s traditions, technical standards, and commitment to preserving the integrity of American Tang Soo Do. His leadership has strengthened the organization’s foundation and ensured that its values continue to guide future generations of practitioners.
Throughout his decades of service, Sr. Grandmaster Balmos has mentored countless students, many of whom have gone on to become instructors, school owners, and leaders in their own right. His teaching is marked by clarity, patience, and a deep respect for the art. He has consistently promoted unity, humility, and respect within the martial arts community, and his influence extends far beyond the dojang. Whether serving as a senior advisor, a role model, or a guiding presence at seminars and organizational events, he is widely respected for his integrity, professionalism, and quiet strength.
Sr. Grandmaster Balmos’s legacy is defined by his unwavering loyalty to his teachers and students, his technical excellence in American Tang Soo Do (ATSD), and his lifelong dedication to passing on the arts with honor. His contributions have strengthened not only individual practitioners but entire organizations, and his leadership has helped preserve the historical lineage and ethical foundation of ATSD. His life’s work reflects the true spirit of a pioneer—disciplined, humble, and committed to uplifting others. His influence continues to inspire martial artists across the nation and will remain a guiding force for generations to come.