Head Instructor of Shaolin Martial Arts of Paintsville
Master Tommy also has a team of assistant instructors who hold advanced levels of Black sash, and have decades of combined experience. They provide students with guidance in Martial Arts techniques, while helping to develop the family atmosphere we enjoy in our classes. All Instructors promote respect and honor to our students giving them the self-confidence and pride in themselves they need to succeed.
Master
Tommy Hitchcock
A 6th Degree Black Sash, Master Tommy Hitchcock has been studying Martial Arts for over 29 years, beginning his training in May of 1995, at a class located in Paintsville, Kentucky. He tested for and received his 6th degree Black Belt December 17th, 2022.
Teaching classes in his own schools for over 24 years, Master Tommy has trained thousands of students, many of which have gone on to earn their black belts. His training has brought him into contact with several Masters of the system, The most recent being Elder Master Garry Mullins of Johnson City, Tennessee. Master Mullins has been a blessing to Tommy's training, allowing him to continue his path of learning, while tremendously enriching what Master Tommy has to offer his own students. Sadly, Master Garry Mullins passed away in 2020. His wisdom, experience and love of martial arts will be missed.
Master Tommy has a wide range of training outside the traditional Martial Arts as well. His credentials are listed below:
- 1991 -1997 United States Army Veteran
- 1995 -Present Shaolin Martial Arts Black sash advanced ranks
- 1999 -2008 Johnson County Sheriff's Dept.
PPCT (Pressure Point Control Techniques) Instructor
G.A.G.E (Ground Avoidance/Ground Escape) Instructor
- 2009 -2013 Federal Bureau of Prisons Self- Defense Instructor
- 2013-2022 Federal Bureau of Prisons LEAD Self-Defense Instructor
- 2010- 2019 Federal BOP Disturbance Control Team Member
- 2014-2017 Federal BOP Disturbance Control Team Instructor
- 2017- 2022Federal BOP LEAD Disturbance Control Team Instructor