Tom Mullaney, the vice president of risk engineering for an insurance company that deals with trucking and hazardous materials, has a jam-packed schedule. From 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., he oversees the risk engineering division, but that’s not all. During the busy season, he also travels out of town for one to three weeks a month. But his favorite part of the day comes later, when he transforms into a master instructor at Grandmaster Han’s Martial Arts and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
For Tom, stepping onto the training floor is like entering a sanctuary. Whether he’s training himself or teaching others, it’s a place where he can forget about his own problems and focus on helping others overcome theirs. Tom is a practitioner of Youn Wha Ryu Taekwondo and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and he dedicates his time to teaching 12 to 14 classes every week, from Monday to Saturday. He even offers private lessons on the weekends.
Tom’s journey in martial arts began when he won a year of free training and a uniform at a silent auction for a Boys & Girls Club. He fell in love with the practice and eventually started teaching after his instructor asked him to enroll in the instructor training course. When she moved away, Tom took over her role and hasn’t looked back since.
The best part of being an instructor, according to Tom, is witnessing his students grow and conquer their fears. He cherishes the moment when they finally grasp a move they’ve been struggling with. To make a meaningful impact, Tom believes that students must enjoy coming to class and attend regularly. He also understands the importance of allowing students to learn at their own pace and tailoring the training to their abilities. This approach ensures that students stay engaged and continue their martial arts journey.
Trusting the process is a key lesson Tom imparts to his students. Sometimes, they may not understand why they’re being asked to do something a certain way, but if they trust the process, it will become clearer over time. Another important lesson is simply showing up. Life can be busy and challenging, but Tom encourages his students to push through and make it to class. Once they step onto the mat, their worries fade away, replaced by the focus and energy of a good training session.
Tom has faced his own share of challenges. At the age of 40, he was diagnosed with end-stage osteoarthritis in both hips, which threatened his martial arts career. However, he adapted his teaching and training methods until he underwent hip replacement surgery in December 2020. Now, fully recovered, Tom is preparing to test for his sixth-degree black belt in taekwondo in October. He also aspires to earn a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. But beyond personal achievements, Tom’s ultimate goals are to continue making a positive impact on his students’ lives and to contribute to the communities where his academies are located.
Tom believes that martial arts teach us that we are capable of more than we think. In a society that often fosters negativity and self-disrespect, he encourages individuals to embrace their unique abilities and strive to be the best version of themselves. Tom’s proudest moments come from seeing his students achieve and overcome obstacles. Whether it’s empowering bullied children to stand up for themselves or helping individuals surpass their own limitations, these milestones bring him immense joy.
For Tom, the true measure of success is when his students acknowledge the impact he has had on their lives. Graduation announcements, requests for recommendations, and invitations to special events from former students are the greatest rewards for his hard work. Being able to add value to someone’s life is a privilege that Tom cherishes.
In the grand scheme of things, most of us won’t make it into the history books or have stories passed down through generations. However, Tom believes that we can achieve a form of immortality by positively influencing those around us. Our names may fade away, but the lessons we impart and the impact we make can live on forever.