DEADLY ART OF SURVIVAL LEGENDS: GM Thomas Gettling

VETERAN martial arts practitioner Sijo Thomas Gettling began his study of Judo in 1964 under Judoka and Vietnam tunnel rat Robert Saunders

While deployed in Vietnam, Saunders gave Gettling his blessing to study Kung Fu under Sifu Diu Shen. Gettling’s passion for martial arts led him to Sydney Filson, who introduced him to two legends in their field. Jason Lau; a Wing Chun legend and Thomas Agero; a Kobudo master.

Blessed with the privilege to receive instruction from all three, Gettling at age 14 began teaching children from his neighborhood and turned to the tournament circuit when both he and his student found great success in the combined artform which is now known as San Lung Tao.

When he was 17, Sijo Gettling was approached by Adolfo Ennever to join the group of AFMA. Unbeknownst to him, the president of this group was Ronald Duncan- the father of American Ninjitsu… Not long after, Gettling was recruited as part of a select group called the Shadows of the Black Dragon.

For over three decades, Gettling served as the Renshi (Master Instructor) to Adolfo Ennever, O’sensei Ronald Duncan, and Hanshi Vincente Cruz.

In 2010, Gettling parted ways with AFMA and founded a successful organization called the World Warrior Alliance (WWA). The WWA hosted well-attended seminars around the USA and Canada.

Always a student, Gettling has received mentorship from Oso Tayari Casel and Soke Lil John Davis over the last 11 years.

Despite having several books and magazine features in his lifetime, Gettling’s biggest and proudest achievements beyond his students have been 100’s tournament victories, He takes pride in his student’s success both inside and outside the Dojo, as well as in his own career as a personal bodyguard to the stars that have included taking care of James Brown, Madonna, Tina Turner, and Pele.

Approaching year 58 of training, Sijo Gettling’s greatest gift without a doubt is his longevity and consistency in his beloved martial arts – career – students – and family.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to meet and experience Sijo Thomas Gettling’s greatness at Deadly Art of Survival’s 2nd Convention, happening on September 10, 2022. GM will be instructing an Official Nunchaku seminar on the event.