Grandmaster Tom Farrar overcame significant early-life health challenges to become a revered figure in the martial arts world, leaving behind a profound legacy through the students he trained and the disciplines he mastered. Beginning his martial arts journey at seventeen, Alongside his lifelong friend and business partner Darrell Gooden, opened their first Chinese Martial Arts School in 1982 in Ojai, California. This school garnered regional acclaim as the largest competitive school in the area. Throughout his life, GM Tom pursued various endeavors alongside martial arts, including stunt work in television, and producing self-defense videos. His martial arts training spanned multiple disciplines, including Japanese, Korean and American martial arts systems. In 1979 he dedicated his practice to Southern Shaolin – Hang Ling Do Kung Fu. In addition, GM Tom studied with several renowned Kung Fu Masters such as GM Kwong Wing Lam (Weapons & Southern Hung Gar), GM Henrey Look (Guang Ping Tai Chi Chuan), Great Grand Master Leung Fu (Bak Shaolin Eagle Claw) and the man that introduced him to Chinese Kung Fu, Mr. Howard Lee. GM Tom had a rich linage but always acknowledged Mr. Howard Lee, his first Kung Fu teacher as his most impactful teacher. Titles and rank were of no concern to “Mr. Lee”, as he would like to be addressed.

Grand Master Tom utilized his martial arts prowess in various roles from head of security at a major hotel chain to personal protection services for high-profile clients, including David Carradine.

In his later years, Grandmaster Tom’s dedication to teaching never waned, founding the Mountain Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi with his ex-wife Clara Farrar and Sifu Darrell, and taking his students to China for immersive training experiences. The Institute ran series of Kung Fu seminars and still does. Despite ongoing health issues, including major surgeries, GM Tom never ceased his martial arts practice, eventually being inducted into the International Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2006 and later achieving the rank of Sigung, or “Teacher of Teachers,” in 2010. His induction into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2012 and his recognition as Grand Master of the Southern Shaolin – Hang Ling Do Kung Fu School further cemented his significant contributions to the martial arts community. Grandmaster Tom Farrar passed away in 2022 at the age of 63, remembered fondly for his impact on martial arts and the joy he found in teaching the next generation of martial artists.