Shape Your Journey... Own Your Success
Grand Master Tom Bloom
Grand Master in American Tang Soo Do
Grand Master Tom Bloom, is a 9th Degree Black Belt in American Tang Soo Do, an 8th Degree Black Belt in Suh Do Kwon (Kung Fu), and ranks master level in over five other self-defense systems. He is a devoted father of two. His son, Bo, a Retired U.S. Marine, holds a black belt in Tang Soo Do and serves in law enforcement for Beverly Hills security. Bo's dedication extends to Krav Maga, where he actively trains, embodying his commitment to protect and serve. Daughter Charlotte Ray Bloom, is an aspiring singer and ice skater, a former Junior Jujitsu champion and is currently attending Westlake High School. Inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Grand Master Bloom is the founder of the Yonggan de Wei Practical Self-Defense System. A five-time International Champion and former co-captain of the 1984 USA Karate Team.
He is a seasoned professional, having trained law enforcement, and conducted numerous self-defense seminars, including working with the California Association of School Psychologists, is a published author and was interviewed for numerous articles on the innovation of mixed martial arts. As a Sag member, Master Bloom appeared in the films Midnight Man starring Lorenzo Lamas and Ninja 3: The Domination starring Shô Kosugi and James Hong. He also appeared in several fitness and martial arts training-related videos and TV appearances.
Co-founder of Martial Arts Rocks, a free social class for teens and young adults on the autism spectrum and other mental and physical disabilities.
Formerly owning Tom Bloom Karate, established in 1982, Grand Master Bloom's impact resonates through the lives he has transformed.
Training under Grand Master Chuck Norris in the 1970s, Grand Master Bloom earned his first-degree black belt in 1980 and is now well-known for his innovations, of transitioning traditional techniques into modern day practical fighting and self-defense methods. As an instructor, he has promoted over 400 black belts in Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Thousand Oaks and has coached 28 World Champions.
Now residing in Oak Park, CA, Grand Master Bloom continues to serve the community as the Head Instructor at Pride Martial Arts, he is passionate about instilling discipline, focus, and hard work in his students both on and off the mat. Master Bloom is committed to teaching high-quality martial arts and self- defense, helping each student achieve their full potential and is now inspiring and leading by example every day.
Master Lauren Wasserman
5th Degree Black Belt, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Master Wasserman first stepped foot on a karate mat at the age of five and immediately knew she was home. From then on, Master Wasserman has trained with and under some of the best martial artists in the world and has achieved more than she ever thought was possible. As a 5th Dan black belt in Tang Soo Do, under the teachings of Grand Master Tom Bloom, Master Wasserman has been recognized regionally, state-wide, nationally, and internationally as a martial arts champion in both forms and fighting divisions. In addition to achieving the rank of Master in Tang Soo Do, Master Wasserman has also been fortunate enough to train in the art of Hawaiian Kenpo under the instruction of Grand Master Sensei Cecil Peoples and Sensei Rob Fields. Master Wasserman currently holds a first degree black belt in Hawaiian Kenpo and integrates its teachings into every part of her ever-evolving martial arts journey. Most importantly, Master Wasserman has had the incredible privilege of teaching hundreds of students and seeing them thrive on and off the mat.
As Head Instructor at Tom Bloom Karate for over 20 years, Master Wasserman found incredible joy in watching her students set and reach so many of their martial arts and personal goals, using the drive, work-ethic, dedication, and self-esteem that they gleaned from all of their hard work on the mat. Inspiring martial arts students of any age or ability level and watching them succeed and soar to the point of being able realize their true potential as both a martial artist and as a person, and to reach a point of being able to teach and inspire those around them is what keeps Master Wasserman so excited about continuing to teach this and the many generations of students to come.
Master Wasserman’s hard work in martial arts translated to her work-ethic in academics as well. She currently holds an AA in Liberal Studies from Excelsior College, a BA in psychology from California State University Channel Islands, and is a licensed and registered Respiratory Care Practitioner under the National Board for Respiratory Care. She currently practices at Holy Cross Medical Center and Marion Regional Medical Center and is so thankful to work with incredible medical professionals that continue to teach her something new every single day.
Master Wasserman currently resides in Oak Park and enjoys nothing more than spending quality time with her family and friends, and her dog(Peanut), and cat(Tommy Lasorda). Master Wasserman is an avid Dodgers, Lakers, and Rams fan and can be found either watching or attending every single game!
Testimonials
Grand Master 10th Degree Black Belt Kenpo Karate
Grand Master Cecil Peoples-To the Martial Arts World,
I have known Master Tom Bloom for a long time. I met him when he was only 14 years. He would come to my school with a student to mine to watch him workout. I've followed his career from the beginning. I have always been and remain a big fan of his.
I loved the confidence he showed when he competed. Like his instructor Mr. Chuck Norris, he believed in himself, and believed he would win every time out.
When he started karate, he was phenomenal right from the start. He did so well on every belt test that he was skipped to the next higher belt.
I watched him become a local champion, a state champion, and a world champion. As great a competitor as he was, what impresses me even more is his ability to teach. All of Mr. Norris black belts have been awesome instructors, but Master Bloom is the best of the best!
Congratulations Master Bloom on your many accomplishments. Keep on keep in' on. The martial arts world will always need great Masters like you.
Much Love,
Cecil Peoples
Grand Master 10th Degree Black Belt Kenpo Karate
Rick Farris
I met Grand Master Tom Bloom in the mid-1980's when a friend of mine became one of his students. As a former professional boxer, I was always very interested and involved with a variety of fighting arts and was beyond impressed with what & how Grand Master Bloom taught his students. We became friends, and I was encouraged to teach the art of boxing at his Studio. I was not surprised by how fast all of Master Bloom's students picked up boxing and were able to excel in what I taught. Most impressive of all is how all those kids grew into great citizens.
Rick Farris, President, World Boxing Hall of Fame
Master Steve Terada, World Champion
I have competed locally, internationally, and on the NASKA World Tour for over a decade and I can honestly say that my success in these highly competitive arenas is rooted in the lessons I learned at Tom Bloom Martial Arts while earning my first and 2nd degree black belts. A truly gifted instructor and exceptional motivator, the quality of Master Bloom’s students is a true testament to his exceptional abilities. I highly recommend Tom Bloom Martial Arts if you are looking to get into training for purely recreational reasons or if your sights are on becoming a serious competitor. There is no limit when building on the kind of solid foundation you will learn from Master Bloom
Steve Terada, World Champion
Rev. Anthony & Ashley Tesoro
I have known Master Tom Bloom for 30 plus years, since I started training under him at his very first studio when I was 8 years old. I received my Black Belt when I was 13, and was an instructor at 18. I have been a Tang Soo Do Black Belt for 20 years and have trained in many Martial Arts including; Aikido, Judo, BJJ, wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, and MMA. I have also trained with many instructors and fighters; but none like Master Bloom. He is the best and I still train with him today. He always has something new to teach, share, or impart; and he is always able to help me get to the next level in my training. The principles he taught me as a youth have helped me throughout my life, and I still carry them with me today. I have enjoyed being his student, friend, and training partner; and look forward to many more years of Martial Arts training with him. My wife and I both enjoy training Karate together; and we look forward to one day imparting these values and lessons to our future children, the same way Master Bloom did with me.
God Bless!
Rev. Anthony & Ashley Tesoro
(Black Belt & Black Belt in training)
Founder/Co-Founder
Tesoro Ministry Foundation, Inc.
Blake Anthony Foster-Blue Power Ranger-World Karate Champion
From the moment I first stepped onto the mat, Mr. Bloom has been my role model, shaping not just my martial arts journey but also the person I’ve become. Learning Tang Soo Do under his guidance instilled in me a deep respect for discipline, perseverance, and the true spirit of martial arts. His passion for teaching and unwavering dedication to his students set a standard that I still strive to uphold today. Every lesson with him was more than just kicks and punches—it was a life lesson. He taught me to push past my limits, to embrace challenges, and to always carry myself with honor and humility. Without his mentorship, I wouldn’t be the martial artist I am today. Even as I continue my journey, I carry his teachings with me, grateful for the foundation he built in me.
Thank you, Mr. Bloom, for everything. Your impact lasts a lifetime.
Michael Tohlchinsky-World Karate Champion
Beyond the refining of body control and mastery of technique, my years of training and teaching under Grand Master Bloom helped me develop invaluable skills that are also applicable off the mat, in daily life. He helped me develop resilience and a mentality of self-discipline which, in hindsight, translated to the ability to coach and encourage myself through various life challenges. Learning how to carry myself with both humility and self-confidence at the same time goes a long way when dealing with difficult situations or personalities. Grand Master Bloom emphasized that Karate is only for self-defense, and that learning how to avoid a fight in the first place is the best way to stay safe. It was a privilege to be mentored by him, and other black belts of his above me, to learn his unique teaching style, which I believe has greatly enriched me as I now parent my own children. Exposure to constructive criticism and positive reinforcement allows us to set aside our egos, be self-aware, self-reflect, and identify what we can do to improve ourselves. He gave me the opportunity to learn how to speak in public and perform under pressure. His ability to balance and alternate between high energy and excitement, and being calm and serious, provides for a dynamic experience on the mat, which pushes us to develop our situational awareness, listening and observational skills. Being able to quickly adapt and “meet the moment” can go a long way, because sometimes this world can be unpredictable, and life itself is not monotone. Thank you, Grand Master Bloom!
Michael Tohlchinsky
Patty Foster
I’ve known Tom Bloom since he was 14 years old, and we both trained at Chuck Norris karate studio in Sherman oaks California back in the 70s! Tom was always CLEAN with his martial arts even as a kid. We all tried to emulate Mr. Norris’ technique’s and be able to hear the SNAP of our toboks( gi’s)…. Because if you could recoil your kicks or strikes correctly… the Gi would pop, and it was an accomplished move. Years went by and as life does, we all moved on and grew up. I was married in 1984 and one year later my son Blake was born. My husband was also a martial artist in TAE KWON DO and we were competitors in tournaments, traveling and trophy drunk for the next tournament! I hadn’t seen Tom Bloom for years but when Blake was 8 yrs old, we were competing at the internationals karate championship in Long Beach and while in the line up area I hear a voice say” IS THAT PATTY BALASKO?” … I had been competing for years at this point and when I heard that statement I turned around and BAM!!!! IT WAS TOM BLOOM!!! I hadn’t seen him in years and so what a great moment it was to reunite with him! He told us he had a student in our division and that his name was BUCK!!!! Buck was a strong kid and looked like a challenge so we prepped Blake, and the match began! Blake beat BUCK and after the tournament was over Mr. Bloom invited Blake to come train in Agoura at his studio. Long Story Short We Never stopped Training at TBK AND BLAKE BECAME A TOM BLOOM BLACKBELT! We achieved a lot from training with Mr. Bloom! Blake eventually had over 150 first place trophies, a couple national titles and a world championship with the Tom Bloom Demo Team!! Not only did Mr Bloom instill in my son his amazing martial Arts abilities, he also was a great inspiration to always be humble... In my opinion they broke the mold when Tom Bloom passed on his amazing talents to all his students!! Now my grandson has taken that torch and is carrying it through his life. I’ve done karate since the 1970s and Tom Bloom is a standout when it comes to excellence in his teaching. I endorse Master Bloom 1000% if you’re looking for excellence in training! He is second to none. THANK YOU MADTER BLOOM for the gift of your talents and training!! Patty FOSTER.
Grand Master Don Baird
I met Grandmaster Tom Bloom over 45 years ago. I’ve watched him develop his martial art skill as well as his personal life since day one. One thing I know for sure, he never gives up. This is a major key that he has learned — never give up, no matter what. He works on himself; he works on his skill; and he works with his students as though each one is himself — giving them the very best he has to offer. He doesn’t hold back!
For his accomplishments, he is a true legend in the martial arts world, yet remains humble. And, I like that aspect of his character the most. He is absolutely genuine. If you want to train from an engaging, intelligent master that will give you everything he has, you won’t go wrong under the guidance of this champion.
Grandmaster Don Baird
American School of Martial Arts
