San Francisco (Aug. 15, 2011) — The world of mixed martial arts suffered a devastating loss with the news of legendary mixed martial arts (MMA) coach Shawn Tompkins death. Mr. Tompkins, 37, was a beloved husband and son, a successful entrepreneur and a devoted mixed martial artist whose passion for MMA inspired countless athletes and fans.
The Canadian native who made his home in Las Vegas was affectionately known as “The Coach” to his friends and fans around the globe. Mr. Tompkins passed in his sleep.
During his career that spanned more than two decades, Mr. Tompkins coached 15 champions in six different weight classes, including icons such as Vitor Belfort, Randy Couture and Wanderlei Silva. He took particular interest in cultivating the sport’s future champions, including MMA’s rising stars Sam Stout, Mark Hominick and Chris Horodecki.
The Tompkins family extends their deepest gratitude to friends and fans for their support, and asks that their privacy be respected during this very difficult time. Those wishing to express their sympathies to the Tompkins family may do so at special guestbook, http://www.ultraguest.com/sign/1313430810.
The Shawn Tompkins Memorial Fund has been established and those wishing to contribute may contact TeamTompkins@ShogunMMA.com. A memorial service will be held in Las Vegas in the coming weeks; details will be announced at www.amrgroup.tv.
“Shawn was more than a client, he was personal friend whose love of MMA had enormous influence on our agency and the entire sport,” says Gary Ibarra, AMR Group’s founder and president. “His passion and vision for MMA was infectious, evident by how he could motivate his fighters to become better athletes and people. On behalf of AMR Group’s athletes and staff, we extend our deepest sympathies to Emilie, Sam and Shawn’s entire family. His spirit will live on in our hearts.”
Mr. Tompkins was in Canada to help prepare Horodecki for his next bout on Sept. 10 at the time of his passing.
Shawn Tompkins: March 16, 1974 – Aug. 14, 2011
About Shawn Tompkins
Shawn Tompkins was born and raised in Tilsonburg, Ontario, Canada. At age six, he began studying Shotokan Karate and a decade later, he was a two-time Canadian National Karate Champion. He went on to become a third-degree black belt and had the rare honor of having his black belt certificate signed by the Prince of Japan.
Fascinated by the art of business, Mr. Tompkins opened his first training facility in Ontario, Canada, when he was only 18 years old. He went on to become the assistant coach to his trainer and mentor Bas Rutten for the International Fight League’s Los Angeles Anacondas. He later replaced Rutten as head coach and led the team to an undefeated season in 2007.
Mr. Tompkins was considered by many as one of the top MMA trainers available and is known in MMA circles as the architect of the first MMA Specific Striking Program. His countless accomplishments made him one of the most sought-after MMA striking coaches in the world.
He was inducted into the 2009 Masters Hall of Fame with the Pioneer Award, the same year he was selected as one of Las Vegas’ Most Successful Men by Esquire Magazine.
After relocating to Las Vegas, Mr. Tompkins was the head instructor and trainer at Xtreme Couture, where his most notable client was UFC legend Randy Couture. He went on to become head coach at the TapouT Research and Development Training Center in 2009. Over the years, Mr. Tompkins trained the likes of Ray Sefo, Vitor Belfort, Kimbo Slice, Wanderlei Silva, Jay Hieron, Dan Henderson, Mark Coleman, Sam Stout, Chris Horodecki, Mark Hominick, Rob McCullough, Johny Hendricks, Krzysztof Soszynski, Jeff Curran, Phil Baroni, Jason “Mayhem” Miller, Gray Maynard, Forrest Griffin, Goran Reljic, Martin Kampmann, Alex Schoenauer, Bas Rutten, Karo Parisyan, Evan Dunham, Benji Radach, Tyson Griffin, Ryo Chonan, Junie Browning, John Alessio, Mike Pyle, Mac Danzig, Erin Toughill, Jan Nortje, Ferrid Kheder and Germaine de Randamie.
The AMR Group
The AMR Group is an athlete and talent management agency headquartered in the San Francisco Bay area that specializes in mixed martial arts (MMA) and lifestyle sports. The agency’s expertise in the market enables corporate brands and athletes to develop successful strategic marketing relationships. The AMR Group represents some of MMA’s most celebrated professional athletes and trainers, including Cesar Gracie, Ramsey Nijem, Court McGee, Nate Quarry and Shawn Tompkins. The AMR Group is also proud to be shaping the careers of tomorrow’s champions by cultivating relationships that support the rising stars of the sport. For more information about the agency or to learn more about a particular AMR athlete, please contact The AMR Group at 510-329-9000 or visit www.amrgroup.tv.