background

With an extensive background in the Martial Arts, Thomas Sipin has been instructing students for over 30 years and has owned and operated Four Winds Martial Arts for the past 28 years. He has personally instructed over 10,000 students ranging from 3 to 72 years of age.

Instructor Thomas G. Sipin

Mr. Sipin began his own training in the Martial Arts at the age of three, taught by his father Sid Sipin. He currently holds an 9th degree black belt in the Filipino system of Doce Pares Escrima. Mr. Sipin is one of the country's leading proponents of this system.

International ties

He is currently on the Executive Board of an international organization known as WEKAF (the World Escrima Kali Arnis Federation) and also serves as the United States Director. He has also served in the past as World President in this organization, overseeing events on an international level.

He has been the coach of the U.S. National Escrima Team at the 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2002 World Tournaments, and has served as the Chief Arbitrator and Tournament Director for WEKAF for those tournaments as well as for many U.S. National Tournaments.

Police & Security Training

Mr. Sipin is a 25-year veteran of the police force, with a comprehensive background in firearms and tactical training. He served for 6 years as a SWAT Unit Officer and 5 years as a full time Trainer. He has been training Police and Security officers for 24 years and is certified by the Wisconsin Department of Justice as a "Unified Tactics" Instructor.

Mr. Sipin leads training in firearms, defensive and arrest tactics, impact weapons, OC (pepper spray) /personal aerosol tactics, edged weapons defense, and sudden custody death syndrome.

He is also a police cyclist instructor. He has thorough training and experience in personal security and crowd control. His vast knowledge in these areas allows him to teach practical self-defense techniques that have been proven over time in the field.

Quality of Life Training

In addition to his experience in the Martial Arts, Law Enforcement and Security, Mr. Sipin has studied a broad range of topics that allow him to tailor the training of his students to ensure maximum fitness and safety.

He is certified as an instructor in police physical fitness, effective cycling, first aid, and CPR. He is certified as a blood pressure screening technician and in sports medicine first aid. He has specialized training in injury prevention, rehabilitation, strength training and conditioning, and has worked as a personal fitness trainer. He is also a member of the City of West Allis Wellness Committee.

Chief Instructor Four Winds Martial Arts - Philippine Martial Arts, Practical Self Defense, Boxing, Grappling, Taekwondo.
9th Degree Black Belt - Doce Pares Escrima.
Midwest US Representative - Doce Pares International.
Director/Arbitrator/Chief Referee at Regional, National, & North American Championships throughout U.S. and Canada since 1987.
Tournament Director/Chief Arbitrator/U.S. Team Coach:
- 1992 World Championships in Manila, Philippines.
- 1994 World Invitational Tournament in Cebu City, Philippines.
- 1996 World Championships in Los Angeles, California.
- 1998 World Championships in Cebu City, Philippines.
- 2002 World Championships in London, England.
- 2004 World Championships in Cebu City, Philippines.
- 1996 - 1998 United States Director - WEKAF.
- 1998 - 2000 World WEKAF President.
- 2000 - 2002 United States Director - WEKAF.
- 2002 - 2004 Executive Board/Secretary - WEKAF.
- 2004 - 2006 Executive Board/Treasurer - WEKAF; United States Director.
Police Officer for 25 Years with extensive Firearms & Tactical Training.
6 years on the SWAT Unit.
Nationally certified to teach Police & Security Officers in:
- Firearms/Deadly Force, Defensive Tactics, Impact Weapons, OC-Aerosol Tactics, Edged Weapon Defense, Riot Control.
- Police Cyclist Instructor.
- Police Physical Fitness Instructor
Gym Owner/Operator 10 Years.
1st Aid/CPR-AED Instructor.
Specialized Training in Injury Prevention/Rehab, Strength Training & Conditioning

The blend of Martial Arts taught at Four Winds by Mr. Sipin and his staff emphasizes well-roundedness, involving students in practical self-defense, Taekwondo, boxing, grappling, as well as specialized police and security training.