Thomas Crooks began his martial arts journey in 1992 under Peter Williams at the Epping Dojo in Sydney. His first visit to Japan in 2000 included training at the Kodokan Judo Institute, Tokyo and the Sekiryūkan Dojo, Fukuoka. His connection to traditional Japanese martial arts deepened during extended training in 2006-2007, where returning to the Sekiryukan he formally studied Sōsuishi-ryū Jūjutsu and Iaijutsu under 16th Hereditary Headmaster Shitama Manzo Sensei, Dai Menkyo and his son, Shitama Shusaku Sensei.
Upon returning to Australia in 2007, Thomas established Newtown Dojo in Sydney before relocating to Perth, where he opened Bayswater Dōjō in 2016. Alongside Peter Williams, he co-founded Kumataka Dōjōs and the Sōsuishi-ryū Jūjutsu Kai Australia, serving as a director of both. In 2023, they were appointed Regional Directors of Sōsuishi-ryū Jūjutsu for Australia and New Zealand by Shitama Sensei.
Thomas holds the rank of Gomokuroku (5th-degree black belt) and the teaching title of Kyōshi in Sōsuishi-ryū, awarded by Shitama Sensei. He is a member of the Sekiryūkan Seikai’in. In Judo, he is ranked Sandan, certified by both Judo Australia, and the Kōdokan Jūdō Institute. He holds a Senior Coach certification under the Judo Australia Coaching Accreditation Framework and is an active member of the Judo Australia Kata Committee.
Thomas continues to lead training visits to Sekiryukan and the Kodokan, fostering strong ties with Japan and supporting the growth of classical martial arts in Australia.
