Western Mass Martial Arts (formerly ATA Martial Arts in South Deerfield Massachusetts was founded by Thomas Norwood in 1994.
Thomas Norwood,
Owner Western Mass Martial Arts, South Deerfield, MA
5TH DEGREE BLACK BELT
Mr. Norwood grew up in Montague & South Deerfield, spent 8 yrs in the US Navy working on electronics in aircraft. He began training in Taekwondo prior to entering the Navy, and studied several styles of martial arts while in the Navy. Upon leaving he returned to the area and continued to raise his family. He studied Songham Taekwondo from 1989-2018, earning his 5th degree Black Belt, the highest level of instructor certification in the ATA in 1996. To achieve this level he had to complete over 300 hours of assistant teaching, 3 certification camps, multiple written tests and then test in front of a panel of Masters.
He opened his first Martial Arts school in South Deerfield in 1994. The school was built and setup with the help of his entire family. Parents, brother, sister, wife & kids.
Mr. Norwood is also certified in two different Krav Maga systems, Gracie style jujitsu, Grappling, kickboxing, Fitness, hand gun, long gun & knife defense. Tactical hand gun, long gun & knife certification. He’s Certified in pressure points, joint locks, single stick, double sticks, single & double nunchucks, Bo staff, 3 sectional staff along with Certifications in Sexual Harassment, Rape Prevention, Stranger Danger & Anti bully prevention programs.
He enjoys putting his certifications & knowledge to use by sharing his expertise in self defense by teaching private and public seminars and clinics.
He is passionate about teaching in both Western Mass Martial Arts schools (South Deerfield & Easthampton) and believes every single student is important and possess incredible potential.
5th Degree Black Belt
Level 3 Certified Instructor
Level 3 Nationally Certified Judge
3x East Coast District Champion (Forms, Sparring)
7x State of Massachusetts Champion
4x World Champion Bronze Medalist
3x World Champion Silver Medalist
7x Top 10 World Competitor
Favorite Aspect of TKD:
Sparring & Self-Defense