Teach or fight ? Kata or Kumite ? Thomas Scott chose… Not to choose. He teaches Wado Ryu to 265 students. Meanwhile, he is a three-times Panamerican champion. He is a nationwide champion in Kata and he excels worldwide in Kumite. The last two years, the Texan missed the title, finishing each time 3rd, outranked by Brazil’s Verissimo, double winner. They will meet again this coming weekend at the 32nd Pan American championships held in Santiago de Chile. Let’s meet a Wado-ryu that outdoes « Shotokans »...

By Ludovic Mauchien / Photos : K-Photos

No one has forgotten his epic finale at the 2016 Paris Open against the two-times World champion, Luigi Busa of Italy. Ura Mawashi Geri then Yoko Geri 2 seconds from the end of the fight to win 8-7 ! This second success in Karate 1, after Brazil's Premier League in 2015, propelled Thomas Scott to the World’s limelight.

Three-times continental champion in 2012, 2014 and 2015, 2nd in 2013, America’s Thomas Scott, 28 years old, was overtaken the last two years by the Brazil’s Verissimo Hernani, himself ranking 3rd. The time has come to make things clear at the 32nd Pan-American championships in Santiago de Chile from June 15th to 17ht, where he will meet Hernani and Chile’s Rodriguez Fuentes, finalist in Guadalajara, who will play at home.

Because the leader of the American continent in -75 kg, it's him ! With 13 medals and 3 wins (Brazil 2015, Paris 2016, Dubai 2017) in the Premier League, including a 3rd place in Rabat early April, for the last tournament of his European tour, the Texan is ranked n°9 in the world, far ahead of Hernani, only 45th. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, there will be only 8 qualified fighters. All points are important, even though Olympic trials officially begin on July 1st.

Teach or fight ?

I teach Karate for my career so I will be doing plenty of that this year. I love my classes and my students are the best. I teach kids and run the Dojo (in Plano, 20 miles from Dallas). I have 265 students. So I am having fun.

Kata or Kumite ?

I do both, Kata and Kumite, at Nationals. I am better at Kumite but it is still important to try.

You declared : « My Kumite is closer to Kata than it is to fighting ». Why ?

In my Kumite, I am always thinking about where every part of my body should be, much like a Kata : stance, feet, twist, strong, etc. I don’t think just about hitting the other person. That is a basic way of thinking.

« I DON’T THINK JUST ABOUT HITTING THE OTHER PERSON »

Can you tell us about the Wado Ryu school ? What makes it unique ?

Sensei Tatsuo Suzuki loved fighting. He also enjoyed watching boxing. Sensei brought the best aspects of the other martial arts to his own. Wado curriculum has excellent teaching tools for distance, initiating attack, and moving ones body.

What would you say to stimulate somebody to start Wado Ryu Karate ?

Wado is great for practicality. If you wish to study Karate and also learn good self defense then Wado is good.

How do you train in the US ?

The United States are so big that we have a national training camp once or twice a year for the all team. Besides that, it’s all by ourself, with our club. So, I do a lot of club’s trainings, usually twice a day, conditioning in the morning at the pool, at the track or at the gym, and then, Kumite at night. I also travel to competitions. We come 9 times a year in Europe. It’s a lot, but it’s good !

Are you happy with your European tour (7th in Rotterdam, 3rd in Rabat) ?

Yes, I love it ! It makes a lot of fun. It’s a gift to be able to travel so much. You get a lot of opportunities to keep fighting and watching yourself fight, so make improvements quickly. And I have improved this year ! So I am happy.

Do you have any models, champions and/or Sensei ?

My Sensei for sure ! Sensei Brody Burns is a great coach for me. I know him well and he knows me. I always appreciate the moments where he can coach me in competition. I am lucky to have these opportunities in life to live such a full life !

« MY BRAIN IS MY WORST ENEMY »

What fighters do you fear ?

I am my own worse enemy ! My brain is my worst enemy. If I get on the same page with me, then I fear nobody.

You fought against Rafael Aghayev in Rabat (loss 2-0 in ½ final). When you face him, do you fight differently ?

No. I am trying to fight my game, no matter what or who he is. I am trying to do the things that I do best. Before Rabat, It had been a long time since I fought him. It’s good to get some data that I can watch for later competitions.

What have you done since your 3rd place in Rabat ?

I have been working hard in preparation for the Pan American championships. I am feeling great and fighting well. My Sensei and I have a detailed plan each week to maximize our time and peak at the right moment.

Do you consider these Pan Americans as a step or as a main goal ?

Both ! The Pan American championships is where I have learned who I am through the years. This will be my 10th PanAms and I appreciate what they have taught me. This is one of my main targets and, at the same time, a great step on the way to other events. I am excited about it.

What can we wish you ?

Don’t wish me good luck, tell me to go do it.