About Founder

 

ABOUT FOUNDER

Once settled in Seattle, Washington, Thiry established the Washington Karate Association in 1966.

Thousands of students have gleaned important life lessons under his tutelage. The sport at large has benefited from his largesse and energy as he founded and promoted the first IOC recognized National Governing Body for the sport of Karate in the USA. Under Thiry's political and technical guidance, the USA grew into a formidable presence in the world of Karate. Within his own organization, the WKA produced countless international champions garnering awards, accolades and medals from the World Karate Federation, World Championships, The World Games, Pan American Championships and United States National Championships.

"One of my greatest joys" states Thiry, "is to witness these amazing young men and women become pro-active and contributing citizens of their respective communities."

Accomplishments include:

1966 - Present: Founder, Washington Karate Association

1970 - 2008: Professor, Edmonds Community College

1970 - Present: Established J.T. Investments - Real Estate Development, Management Company

1970 - Present: Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu Federation USA

1970 - 2007: Professor, Shoreline Community College

1970 - 2005: Professor, Everett Community College

1980 - present: Has served on numerous non-profit Boards

1983 - 1994: USA Karate Federation Referee Council Chair

1984 - 2000: Member World Karate Federation Referee Council

1984 - 2002: Pan American Karate Federation Referee Council Chair

1988: World Union of Karate Organization - 8 th Dan Black Belt

1993: State of Washington Distinguished Citizen Award

1993: Euro Technical Research University Ph.D

1994 - Present: Founder USA National Karate-do Federation

1994 - 2002: President, USA National Karate-do Federation

1996: Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu - 8 th  Dan Black Belt

1996 - 2004: Board Member of the United States Olympic Committee

1998: USA National Karate-do Federation - 8 th Dan Black Belt

2002 - 2004: Pan American Karate Federation, Vice President

2002 - 2006: Executive Director, USA National Karate-do Federation

2003: Special recognition from President Bush for exceptional work in the field of Karate and Sport in the United States.

2006: Federation Francaise de Karate et Arts Martiaux Affinitaires - 8 th . Dan Black Belt

2007: President, International Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Federation

2014: International Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu - 9 th  Dan Black Belt

2014: Masters Hall of Fame 2014, Platinum Life Time Achievement Award in Traditional Martial Art