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About Travis 'The Mantis' Thomas
There’s A Predator On The Loose
Travis's Early Life and Athletic Foundation
From Diverse Beginnings to Martial Arts Mastery
Travis "The Mantis" Thomas's journey into sports and martial arts began long before he stepped onto the mats of a jiu-jitsu gym. Born in California and spending his early years in Las Vegas, Travis had a diverse and dynamic upbringing. Reflecting on his time in the Southwest, Travis shared in The Mantis Effect: Ep. 2 | CJJ Worlds, "Every time I'm in Vegas... I think this is where I was meant to be."
At age 12, Travis moved to Alabama, influenced by family friends from a church community. Growing up in varied environments helped shape Travis's adaptive nature and resilience. A natural athlete, he participated in various sports from a young age, including baseball and football, laying a solid foundation for his physical capabilities and competitive spirit. Throughout his journey, Travis has always been supported by his loving family, who have played a crucial role in his development and success.
In Alabama, Travis joined his high school football team, further pursuing his athletic passions. His dedication to sports set the stage for his later success in wrestling and jiu-jitsu. Travis's early life, characterized by constant movement and adaptation, built the foundation for the exceptional martial artist he would become, with his supportive family always by his side.
Ten & One - The High School Wrestling Story
An Early Sign of Greatness
Travis's high school wrestling career is a testament to his exceptional talent and resilience. As a senior, he entered the sport with no formal coaches or teammates, in a school with a poorly developed wrestling program. Despite these obstacles, his football coach recognized his potential and set up the opportunity for him to compete.
Without a structured training environment, Travis relied on his own initiative, learning techniques and strategies independently. His training was self-directed, contrasting with the regimented coaching most high school wrestlers receive. Despite these challenges, Travis excelled, compiling an impressive 10-1 record during his senior year. As highlighted by the Moulton Advertiser, "Thomas had no coach or teammates to train with, but he managed to become one of the best wrestlers in the state."
Reflecting on his high school wrestling journey, Travis said, "I didn't have a coach, so I had to learn everything on my own. It was tough, but it made me stronger and more determined."
However, an administrative oversight prevented him from competing in the state championships. Despite this disappointment, his remarkable season highlighted his ability to adapt and succeed against the odds. This unheard-of accomplishment may have been an early sign of Travis's destined greatness, marking the beginning of his journey from a football player dabbling in wrestling to a dedicated martial artist whose resilience and adaptability would later define his jiu-jitsu career.
Travis's College Career
Dual Athlete - Football & Competitive Cheerleading
After an impressive high school wrestling journey, Travis "The Mantis" Thomas continued his athletic pursuits at Kentucky Christian University.
Initially joining the football team, Travis showcased his athleticism and competitive spirit. During a football practice, his acrobatic moves caught the eye of the team nurse, who also coached the competitive cheerleading team. She invited him to join, recognizing his potential.
Balancing both football and competitive cheerleading, Travis displayed versatility and a willingness to embrace new challenges. Following football season, he joined the cheerleading team, where his strength and agility made him a valuable addition to their competitive routines.
Travis's time at Kentucky Christian University was marked by his relentless drive and adaptability. These experiences laid the groundwork for his future in mixed martial arts and jiu-jitsu, where instead of throwing cheerleaders around, he's now manhandling his competition on the mat. His multifaceted talent and dedication set the stage for his remarkable success in martial arts.
Transition to Professional Jiu-Jitsu Fighter
As Fate Would Have It…
After his time at Kentucky Christian University, where he juggled football and cheerleading, Travis was ready for a new chapter. Initially, he pursued a career in welding and pipe fitting, nearly relocating to Texas for a pipeline job. However, fate intervened. A friend, recognizing Travis's talent, urged him to try mixed martial arts (MMA) first.
Heeding this advice, Travis entered the world of MMA. His natural athleticism and competitive spirit quickly shone, leading him to a 5-1 record in six amateur fights, with victories by submission, KO, or TKO. Despite his success, frequent cancellations and difficulties finding opponents hindered his professional debut.
During this uncertain time, Travis discovered Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The discipline and technical intricacies captivated him, leading to full immersion in the sport. Under the guidance of coaches Matt Skaff and Brandon Mccaghren at 10th Planet Decatur, Travis's jiu-jitsu skills flourished, establishing him as a formidable competitor.
The Mantis Nickname
How Travis Earned His Moniker
Travis’s unique nickname, "The Mantis," is a testament to his relentless and strategic approach on the mats. During a quintet grappling event, Travis's exceptional skill and endurance were on full display as he dominated the competition. He impressively ran through the entire first team and defeated three opponents on the final team.
A friend, amazed by his performance, remarked how Travis latched onto his opponents with an unyielding grip, much like a praying mantis. This observation led to the birth of his nickname, perfectly encapsulating his grappling style and his tenacity in never letting go once he has a hold.
Follow Travis's Journey
Witness the Rise of "The Mantis" in Real Time
Stay connected with Travis "The Mantis" Thomas as he continues to make his mark in the martial arts world. Follow his journey across these platforms and witness his rise to greatness.
Patreon - Skaff & The Mantis
Support Travis on his path to becoming an all-time great by subscribing to his Patreon. Gain exclusive access to live training sessions, technique breakdowns, and personal insights from Travis and his coach, Matt Skaff. Be part of the journey and get a closer look at the dedication and hard work behind each victory.
YouTube - Travis “The Mantis” Thomas
Follow Travis on Instagram to stay updated with his latest training routines, competition highlights, and daily life. His Quick Tip videos, filmed at 10th Planet Decatur, offer valuable insights and techniques for jiu-jitsu enthusiasts. Join his growing community of fans and witness his progress firsthand.
Instagram - @_TheMantis
Subscribe to Travis's YouTube channel for in-depth content, including match footage, training vlogs, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of his life as a professional martial artist. Watch his journey unfold and get inspired by his relentless pursuit of excellence.
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