Welcome to

Providence, RI

USA Karate & The Team United Martial Arts Academy
550 Branch Ave
Providence, RI 02904
(401) 281-9872

Shihan Thomas Evans

8th Degree Black Belt

Owner Providence RI

Shihan Thomas Evans has studied Sullivan's American Kenpo for over 25 years under Grandmaster Hanshi Larry Sullivan and Vice President Shihan Robin Sullivan. He started training in the martial arts at age four and has been actively training his whole life. He currently holds black belts in three different systems and the highest being a 5th degree black belt in Sullivan's American Kenpo. Shihan Tom achieved mastery in the martial arts at the tender age of 26 which makes him the youngest master in all of the New England region. Shihan Tom continues to train under USA Karate's founder Hanshi Larry Sullivan. Shihan Tom was ranked number one by the New England Karate Commission in the year of 2000 and 2001 for Jr. Black Belt sparring , forms, and self-defense. He is well known for his strong karate tournament background. Shihan Tom has owned the Providence, RI Location for 10 years.

Shihan Tom graduated from the University of Rhode Island with his bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies in May of 2011. He formally worked as an Academic Advisor with the College Crusade of Rhode Island at William E. Tolman High School in Pawtucket RI and Paul Cuffee Charter School in Providence RI, for more than three years. Shihan Tom also served on the College Crusade committee for college completion and readiness. Shihan Tom recently worked for Fujitsu Electronics as a IT Desktop Engineer for Citizens Bank in Cranston RI. Shihan Tom then became by Pomeroy Desktop Services Team Lead and VIP Support tech for Citizens Bank after achieving his Comptia A+ certification. Shihan Tom now is hired as a colleague by Citizens Bank as a Business Analyst for HR Security and Solutions.

Shihan Tom is dedicated to his craft and is always looking for ways to stay active in the community, Shihan Tom is the founder, President, and CEO of Regional Fight Sports, a non-profit Martial Arts Scholarship Organization based in Rhode Island. Shihan Tom is also the creator and promoter for The Kids Kumite Championships which is a kids Muay Thai organization.

"Captain America" Tom Evans had and 8-1 Muay Thai/ American Kickboxing Amateur Record and competed in 3 Amateur MMA Fights. Shihan Tom has 6 Professional MMA Fights. Shihan Tom also made his Pro Muay Thai kickboxing debut for the largest organization in the country Lion Fight Promotion May 23rd, 2014 at Foxwoods Casino. He was the first fight on national television. He performed well enough to sign a 3 fight contract deal with the largest Muay Thai Promotion in the United States. Shihan Tom returned to in ring competition on February 3rd, 2018 with a 1st round TKO win for Lion Fight Promotions. He then took another fight July 28th, 2018 and won a Unanimous Decision victory. Shihan Tom is now 2-2 as a Pro Muay Thai Fighter under the Lion Fight Promotions banner.

In September of 2014, Shihan Tom was blessed with a little baby girl named Leila Camilla Evans.

Thomas Dana Evans

General Manger

Mr. Evans was president of the Central Falls Little League for 6 years; he was also the vice president for 3 years and served as the equipment manager for 1 year. He was inducted into the Central Falls Little League Hall of Fame in 2006 in recognition for outstanding dedication to the children of Central Falls. Mr. Evans also served as General Manager for the Pop Warner Football Central Falls Panthers organization for 2 years. Mr. Evans also serves as the director of operations at the Team United Martial Academy. He has dedicated his life to serving children from the inner city and is well respected for his years of service within the martial arts, baseball, and football recreational services. Mr. Evans works hand and hand with his son Shihan Thomas Evans running the day to day operations of the Team United Martial Arts Academy.

Mr. Evans works hand and hand with his son Shihan Thomas Evans running the day to day operations of the Team United Martial Arts Academy.

Nidan Jason Calixto

2nd Degree Black Belt

Nidan Jason Calixto was one of the first students of USA KARATE and Team United Martial Arts Academy and is another one of our black belt instructors here. Nidan Jason actively serving in the military for well over 10 years and is well experienced in his field of study, accounting. Nidan Jason also serves as are only other certified Fitness Kickboxing Instructor. Nidan Jason has also competed in amateur boxing matches, and is an instrumental piece here at the academy.

Master William Soukhamthath

Master Muay Lao Instructor

Japenese Karate Black Belt

Kru William Soukhamthath is a traditional Muay Thai/ Lao coach, who has been doing martial arts for over 40 years. He was born and raised in the refugee camps of Laos and Thailand and had no choice to learn to fight. He is a master in Muay Lao and Japanese Karate, and is respected by the greatest fighters and trainers around the country. Master William and his Professional fighter son Andre Soukhamthath along with Professional fighter Todd "The Hulk" Chattelle" and Shihan Tom Evans formed Team United Muay Lao back in January of 2010. The team has seen many Professional and amatuer fighters walk through our doors in which Master William has guided to very successfull fighting careers. Master William runs and teaches our Muay Lao Program 3 nights a week in the pm and 3 nights a week in the am.

Private lessons are available to our students to train with Master Kru William for $50 an Hour.

Carolyn A. Evans

Receptionist/ Fundraising Director

Mrs. Evans was actively involved with The Central Falls Little League for over 10 years serving as concession stand manger for the entire league for three years, as well as being baseball team mom during her time with The Central Falls Little League. She has dedicated her life to serving children from the inner city and is well respected for her years of service within the martial arts, baseball, and football recreational services. Mrs. Evans works hand and hand with her son Shihan Thomas Evans running the day to day operations of the Team United Martial Arts Academy. Mrs. Evans runs the Competiton Team fundraising budget as well as in charge of helping run fundraising for our students.

Sensei Tre Cooper

1st Degree Black Belt

Certified Instructor

Shodan Tre Cooper has been training under Shihan Thomas Evans for 5 years he is known for his strong tournament background he is a four-time USA Karate Grand Champion and also a two-time National Champion. Shodan Tre is the head instructor of the 4-6 year old Little Ninja Program at Team United, and is head instructor of the Anti-Bullying Program in the Central Falls, RI School District.