Most Karatekas go into the tatami in competitions hoping to be declared the winner of their Katas or Kumites. However, for Karate Star Thomas Scott, win or lose, it is all part of the learning process.

Most Karatekas go into the tatami hoping to be declared the winner of their Kata or Kumite. However, for Karate Star Thomas Scott, win or lose, it is all part of the learning process.

Not only the Team USA Karate hero gets to learn from each one of his Kumites, but the 26 years-old Karateka’s ascent to Karate stardom is a lesson to young enthusiasts of the sport everywhere: The only key to success is to find the right support on your side.

Shining in Rio de Janeiro

Thomas Scott is one of the Karate Stars aiming to cause a sensation in the 2016 Karate Pan American Championship being held this week in Rio de Janeiro. The nine-time USA Karate National title-holder debuts on Thursday in the iconic Brazilian city with his fifth continental crown in mind. The Texas native won the 2012, 2012, 2014 and 2015 editions of the Pan American Championships, so the third-degree black belt hopes to continue making history for US Karate claiming his third consecutive title.

“I fully expect great things from myself every time I compete. Four-time Pan American Champion sounds great, but each year this event is a different tournament, and I do not plan on settling now,” said Thomas Scott. “I am still evolving as an athlete and becoming better than I was the day before,” added the Wado-ryu practitioner.



The importance of faith, family, and love to fight and learn

In his 18 years as Karateka, Thomas Scott has always welcomed the opportunity to grow, and he often reminds himself to “stay humble”. When asked about the secret of his success, Thomas Scott reckons that his road to Karate glory is paved with the support of three elements.

“First is my faith. When we are encouraged to reach out and discover a relationship with God then everything else in life is put in proper perspective, and what seemed big before becomes small,” Scott said.  

“Secondly, I am very happy doing what I love. I am getting married in a few weeks to the love of my life Morgan. Her support during the last four years has helped me reach where I am today. There is a great team at home built up from my friends, family, fiancee, sensei, and training partners who help me do what I love,” pointed out the athlete with a degree in Criminal Justice.

His trophy-full career would have been very different without the third component for his poise and confidence, the Masters in Innovation and Entrepreneurship reckons.

“I love to fight and learn. I am always sure to take a lesson away from every tournament. Each time I compete I am a different fighter. More than winning, I enjoy the fight. If I enjoy that part first, then the wins will come in due time”, he said.



Red, white and blue in Karate

As the world of Karate is living expectantly the months ahead of the final decision on the inclusion of the sport in the Olympic programme of Tokyo2020 Olympic Games, Karate is growing exponentially is most countries, also in Thomas Scott's home nation.

“Here in the United States, we eagerly await Karate´s arrival into the Olympic Games. I believe that Karate has helped me in my life, and it would be good for more people in my country,” comments one of the biggest figures of Team USA Karate, who defines the sport as “extremely popular” in North America. 

While Thomas Scott has an eye on the future, and hopes that “If our sport moves forward for the Tokyo Games then, God willing, I fully expect to be there”; the 26-years Karate Star also aims to get the most of his Rio de Janeiro experience.

"I am always sure to take a lesson away from every tournament, and I fully expect great things to happen.”

Click here for more information on the 2016 Karate Pan American championships.

Follow the action of Pan American Karate Championships on WKF Social Media. Karate fans are invited to participate in the excitement using the hashtag #RioKarate2016.