Tom has trained for over 20 years at the head dojo of the Canadian Japan Karate Federation in Ottawa with the chief instructor, Sensei Seiki. Tom currently holds the rank of Yondan (4th degree) with the Japan Karate Association. Tom has had the honour of training with distinguished leaders of the JKA including Sensei Saeki, Sensei Tanaka, Sensei Osaka,  Sensei Shiina, Sensei Kobayashi, Sensei Kurihara, Sensei Kokubun and Sensei Namoto.