Hello,

I’m John

In 1995, Thompson Sensei began his training in Aikido at a University of North Texas rec club while attaining his BFA in Drawing and Painting. Studying visual and martial arts, Thompson Sensei found Aikido as a lens to not only strengthen his mind and body, but spirit as well. The attention to detail, and high ethical stance of Aikido gave him a life long process to continuously refine his practice.

In 2000, Thompson Sensei took over as Chief Instructor of Aikido of Denton, and over time, other practitioners were drawn to the dojo and helped build a school dedicated to arduous but joyful training. Aikido of Denton was founded as a non-profit entity, but Thompson Sensei was also interested in training other martial arts to expand his knowledge base. The non-profit entity was closed and the inception of the Denton MAC evolved to its fruition. This model allows different martial arts to be taught under one roof and similar ethics.

He is currently ranked Godan, 5th degree black belt, in Aikido. Thompson’s lineage starts with Akira Tohei Shihan, and upon his passing, transferred to Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan. Both of these master teachers were direct students of the founder of Aikido, Morehei Ueshiba. Thompson Sensei also holds a brown belt in BJJ, a brown belt in Hayashiha Shito- rye Karate-do, and an orange belt in Judo. He is also certified in Blauer’s SPEAR System and holds an L2 CrossFit Trainer designation.

Thompson Sensei also completed a Masters in Art Education friom UNT which led him to teaching middle school art. He co-owns Denton MAC with his wife Kalah Thompson. Throughout the week, Thompson teaches all ages, ranging from 5 to 70, and enjoys witnessing his students’ physical and mental development.

Outside the dojo, Thompson enjoys his life long love of drawing which he’s done since the age of 5. He extends his thanks to Bob Mason, Skip Chapman, Jon Bjorksten and Juan Pablo Villarroel for their mentorship in martial arts over the years. He is very thankful for his lovely and intelligent wife, Kalah, who helps him grow to be a better person every day.