Thomas Potter

Thomas Potter began his martial arts journey in 2001 at Aikikai Philadelphia, where he trained in Aikido and established the foundational principles that would guide his later exploration of martial disciplines. Over the following years, he continued his development through training in multiple systems, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Defense Lab, Kali, and other functional combat arts, gradually shaping an approach focused on adaptability, real world application, and personal transformation.

​

In 2014, Thomas encountered Tabimina Balintawak during a fundraiser organized in response to Super Typhoon Haiyan. There he began focused study under the brilliant practitioner Josh Walker and concurrently pursued intensive training under Great Grandmaster Bobby Tabimina, Grandmaster Flint Tabimina, Master Dag Tabimina, and Master Sylvester “Jojo” Ygay. Immersed in the system’s emphasis on timing, reflex development, and close range combat, he deepened his commitment to the art and its lineage.

​

Thomas began teaching Balintawak in 2016 and was officially promoted to Certified Feeder by Great Grandmaster Bobby Tabimina in 2018. In recognition of continued development, leadership, and contribution to the system, he was later promoted to Certified Feeder Level 2 in 2023. During this period, he led Balintawak chapters in Denver, Colorado and Medellín, Colombia, cultivating communities centered on disciplined training, personal growth, and cultural exchange.

​

In 2026, Thomas founded the Moment Lab in Denver, Colorado, a training environment dedicated to functional fitness, reaction based training, and personal development. Drawing upon his experience in Tabimina Balintawak and Tire Machete, the Moment Lab represents an evolution of his teaching philosophy, integrating martial arts practice with broader principles of health, resilience, and self actualization.