next year. “I’ve been dreaming about karate in the Olympics before it was ever even possible,” he says. “I’m excited about it! It’s a big challenge, but that’s what I’m here for.” Teachable Moments Tom has been training with sensei Brody Burns at the Academy of Classical Karate in Plano, Texas, for more than 20 years. There, he
to share his love of the sport with others. “It’s great helping kids gain confidence by learning new skills,” he says. “I also teach kids self-discipline. I love when they realize that they actually enjoy being rewarded for behaving the way they should.” More in Store Besides sharing his love for karate, Tom is also open to sharing his love
“I’ve been dreaming about karate in the Olympics before it was ever even possible.” TOM SCOTT has the perfect set-up, where he can train, work and travel. “Thankfully, I am in a unique spot,” he says. “So many athletes have to carefully manage their work schedule and be careful about time off because they have to pay bills. I get to use what I learned while earning my master’s degree in innovation and entrepreneurship, working with marketing and other ongoing projects at the academy.” When he’s not travelling to competitions or managing the school, Tom also teaches many of the school’s students. It’s rewarding
for God. “I was raised Catholic,” he says. “Then in college, I really got into exploring my beliefs to a deeper level. At university, if something’s important to you, you study it, write about it, read about it, watch videos. That’s how I approached my faith, finding answers to things I didn’t quite understand. I had a great group of Christian friends in a good fraternity. We held Bible study groups together and really learned how to push each other and be accountable. That was 10 years ago, and I’m still doing that.” faithandfriends.ca I JULY 2020
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