[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 28, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1630
            HONORING THE LIFE OF GRANDMASTER KEVIN THOMPSON

  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true warrior from 
my district, Grandmaster Kevin Thompson. Grandmaster Thompson was a son 
of Newark and a world-famous martial artist.
  He was a lightweight fighter at 155 pounds who defeated many 
heavyweight challengers.
  In his time, he won more than 100 trophies at world championships in 
three disciplines: weapons, forms, and fighting.
  Today, he is in the Black Belt Hall of Fame alongside noted martial 
artists Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. Through his skill, he earned the 
rank of grandmaster, a rare honor for his achievements and 
contributions to the sport.
  Grandmaster Kevin Thompson's bravery and courage helped him battle 
Lou Gehrig's disease until his passing on January 8, but that will not 
dim the bright legacy he left in the world of martial arts and in our 
Newark community.

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