Meet Your Instructor
Delivering Expert Training & Instruction
Ray Thomann - Founder & Trainer
Ray Thomann is a recognized authority in personal safety, security, and defensive tactics, with a dynamic career that spans law enforcement, executive protection, media, and the combative arts. His reputation as a distinguished leader, visionary, and expert has positioned him as a consultant and trainer for high-profile clientele, security & LEO professionals, corporate clientele, and security agencies.
Credentials and Training Excellence
Ray’s commitment to excellence is underpinned by his academic foundation, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Thomas Edison State University and advanced certifications from Rutgers University, Northwestern University, and leading security training institutions.
He has completed extensive training in law enforcement, emergency management, and leadership from federal, state and county agencies, including:
- U.S. Department of Justice – Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice
- New Jersey State Police Office of Emergency Management
- New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety
- New Jersey Police Training Commission (PTC)
- Northeast Counterdrug Training Center
- Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office – Criminal Justice Training Center
- Burlington County Emergency Management
- National Safety Council
Ray’s specialized certifications from industry leaders such as Simunition FX, Monadnock, PPCT Management Systems Inc., Monadnock PR-24, Safariland, AVADE, and No Lie Blades further cement his status as an expert in defensive tactics and safety training. His unparalleled dedication to safety and security earned him a position on the State of New Jersey’s PTC Defensive Tactics Standards Board, where he contributed to establishing protocols for all state law enforcement training academies.
Executive Protection and VIP Safety
A premier Executive Protection Professional and Trainer, Ray has personally led high-profile security details and tailored safety programs for elite clientele. His expertise has been instrumental in training Executive Protection Agents, Law Enforcement Officers, Military Personnel, and Security Teams in advanced protocols, emergency management, and defensive tactics. His strategic approach to protection and risk mitigation makes him the trusted professional in the industry.
Media Presence and Public Influence
Beyond his security and training accomplishments, Ray has made his mark as a charismatic media personality. He has hosted nationally broadcast radio and television programs that have reached audiences in over 88 countries, establishing himself as a respected voice in his related fields. His book and training program, “I Will Not Be A Victim – Women’s Personal Safety Edition”, continues to impact lives, empowering individuals with the knowledge and confidence to stay safe.
Empowering Women Through Education
As the founder of EMPOWERED! 2.0 Women’s Personal Safety Online Academy, Ray has dedicated his career to educating and empowering women through advanced personal safety training, situational awareness, and emergency management techniques. His commitment to fostering resilience and preparedness has made him a pioneer in the field, equipping countless women with the tools to protect themselves and their families.
Honors and Accolades
Ray’s career is marked by numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to law enforcement, security, and martial arts, including:
- State of New Jersey Senate Commendation from Senator Diane Allen
- Unit Excellence Award – Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office
- ProCop Award – Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office
- Outstanding Service to Law Enforcement Commendation – Burlington Co. Police Academy
- Unit of the Year (FTO Training Unit) – PTPD
- Life Saver Award – PTPD
- Artemis Award – Euro American Women’s Council (EAWC)
- WKU Karate Hall of Fame (Class of 2002)
- WKU Master Instructor of the Year (Combat Budokwan)
- Philadelphia Historic Martial Arts Society Hall of Fame (Class of 2017)
- American Moo Duk Kwan Federation – Master Instructor
- American Order of Combat BuDoKwan – Current Grandmaster
A Diverse and Dynamic Career
In addition to his security and leadership achievements, Ray has a background in professional wrestling. He was trained by WWF legend ‘Iron’ Mike Sharpe and Guatemalan wrestler ‘The American Badboy’ Eric Barada. Ray wrestled in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) under Dennis Carluzzo and on the independent circuits. His experience in combat sports has uniquely shaped his approach to self-defense and situational awareness, blending practical tactics with the mindset of a warrior.
An Unyielding Commitment to Excellence
Ray believes in the power of continuous education and relentless self-improvement. This philosophy drives his dedication to delivering superior services, rigorous training, and impactful leadership. From the boardroom to the ring, from the stage to the streets—Ray Thomann brings unparalleled experience, expertise, and leadership to every mission. Whether training clients in the discipline of personal safety or safeguarding high-profile figures, his work remains a testament to his unshakable commitment to safety and empowerment.
