Shihan Thomas began Aikido practice in May 1985 with The Institute Of Aikido at Treherbert Aikido Club in the Rhondda valley. Early influences at the Institute of Aikido summer schools were Sensei Haydn Foster and Sensei Andy Alan.
In September 1989 Shihan Thomas left Iwama-ryu as a 3'rd kyu (green belt) to join The Aikido Society of Wales, founded by Soke Gwynne Jones, and the newly formed Ton-Pentre Aikido club. Just after joining the Ton-Pentre club Shihan Thomas achieved his 2'nd kyu (blue belt) and was appointed uke deshi.
In March 1991 Shihan Thomas was awarded his 1'st Dan by Soke Gwynne Jones at a grading held at the Memorial Hall, Burry Port. Following continued, regular practice Shihan Thomas achieved 2'nd Dan in September 1993, 3'rd Dan in September 1995, 4'th Dan in September 1998, 5'th Dan in September 2003, 6'th Dan in September 2014 and most recently the title of Shihan in September 2017.
As a kyu grade Shihan Thomas began teaching regular junior classes at the Treherbert club, this continued at the Ton-Pentre club as a Dan grade, with the occasional senior class. In October 1994 Shihan Thomas achieved his BAB coaching award. In 1999 Shihan Thomas founded the current Cilfynydd Aikido Club.
Shihan Thomas' style reflects his traditional roots and his lengthy membership of the Shin Gi Tai Aikido Society. It is a mixture of martial concepts and the relaxed, flowing but dynamic style championed by Soke Gwynne Jones, combined into a synthesis of Traditional and Ki Aikido. Currently Shihan Thomas is developing the application of Mindfulness, calmness and Flow in Aikido, developing skills that are applicable in every day life.