For the past 18 years, I’ve been among Doc’s best — and worst — students.
One of his best students, because I’ve taken his instructor training course 15 times. Every time, I’ve recognized a new bit of brilliance and returned for more.
I’m his worst student, too, because I don’t believe that 600 hours has been nearly long enough to learn everything Doc had to teach me.
Dr. Thompson has been a mentor, a colleague and a friend; his methodology has been the guiding principle behind my professional interactions and my personal relationships.
For this, I am deeply grateful. Recently, when we set forth an agreement and assembled a team to help expand his work, it was my honor to manage the efforts.
Today, it’s my mission to continue his legacy. In this complex and conflicted world, we need to speak his language of peace. His stories and his words center around the two things we need to learn: Dignity and respect.
Doc, I’ll miss you. But believe me, you’ll be there in every class I teach.
Gary T. Klugiewicz
Director, Vistelar Group
To my friend in the tongue you coached me long ago, with the hopes I would better learn it.
Ad idem, ad vitam aerernam. Ad utrumque paratus, aut viam inveniam aut faciam. Inner nos, mihi cura futuri. Poeta nascitur, non fit.
Ex animo
Lee Fjelstad
Vice President
Verbal Judo Institute
To all who knew Dr. Thompson, I thank you for your thoughts, your loyalty, and the respect you paid him. Honor his dream, in this life and the next.
“Out of every one hundred men, ten shouldn’t even be there, eighty are just targets, nine are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them, for they make the battle. Ah, but the one, one is a warrior, and he will bring the others back.”
— Heraclitus
George Thompson was the “one”, the true “Peace Warrior”. His teachings have saved countless lives and careers. Well done my friend, your memory and legacy will live on!
I have thought hard for the past two days about what to say about Doc. I first met Doc in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1996. He was a genius. Attending many of his classes and spending time at our meetings was always a learning experience for me.
I remember things he said, which only he could say and get away with, like, “I certainly hope you had a leisurely breakfast!” – He would say this if someone walked into class late. Lesson number 1 – never try to be Doc when you teach, you’ll piss people off.
“Never stray from the cross” – His way of saying don’t change or customize his material. Lesson number 2 – telling about your own experience was okay, but relate it to the material, and give him credit for his material.
“Whaaat?” – He heard what you said, and he either didn’t agree, or you got it wrong. Lesson number 3 – get it right the first time, so you don’t have to do it twice.
“Poor Rhino” – His joking way of saying oops, or acknowledging his being teased. Lesson number 4 – Doc had a sense of humor.
Many, many more lessons learned through the years, too many to mention. He always greeted me with a firm hand shake and a masculine hug, and referred to me as “Tony, my son, my son”. We didn’t always agree, but after he said what he needed to say, he seemed to hold no grudges.
We will all miss Doc, but he will not be forgotten. I start each of my classes with a Doc video and telling my audiences about him. I don’t stray from the cross, and I close my classes with Doc’s “They were safer by our presence” video. This is a tradition that I will proudly continue in the years to come.
Doc you will forever be my friend and my mentor. Thank you for teaching me and guiding me along the path of self discovery. It was such an honor to team teach with you. I learned more about Verbal Judo and about myself. I remember the great times we had when you stayed at our home. In the last email you sent to me, you asked that I represent you at the Kentucky Safety Conference. I will and with great pride. I know you will be with me as I always hear your voice within myself.
Doc, I have stopped praying for you and started talking to you in eternity. I know that you have traded your lectures in for angel’s wings.
I will always remember you and tell your stories-not just about Verbal Judo but also about -the man, the friend, the mentor and the one whose teaching has helped so many people to stay safe and to be happier in life.
I love you doc.
Non Soleus (Never Alone)
Coach
I am in shock. A great man has passed away to abruptly. Although my contacts with dr Thompson do not go so many years back, we developed a friendship and respect through both of our Martial Arts experience and our work with the Verbal Judo. It was a pleasure to be your student in Verbal Judo Doc. I will miss You and our contacts Doc. There will always be a place in my heart for You. WOOSHA my dear friend. RIP
Doc will be missed and loved by all those he touched and mentored. I have a short list of great mentors in life, and Doc Rhino is at the top of that list.
Dr. George Thompson has not only been a great influence in my career but in literally every aspect of my life, and in the lives of countless others. The rest of us, who will continue to fumble and try fervently to teach his gentle art of persuasion, will always be in his shadow. Though he always said that he was merely a translator of classical rhetoric for the modern man, he was so much more than that. He added his own voice to that of Plato, Aristotle, and Kant. Though I had studied the classics before meeting Doc, for the first time I understood them, after being fortunate enough to learn from the master. His gentle wisdom made me a better protector, a better leader, a better father, a better mentor, and a better man.
Thank you Doc, for teaching me to find and create my audience. I promise that where ever I walk, there will be peace. You taught me that.
Joel
First, please allow me to convey my deepest sympathies to Dr. Thompson’s family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I was honoured to know and work with Doc for the past twelve years. The teachings of Doc impacted my life to such an extent that in 2005, I left a good career, years before retirement, and started teaching Verbal Judo full time.
I have been given the opportunity to positively affect people’s lives the same way Doc affected mine. The feedback from my audiences continues to inspire and move me. The genius of Doc was his ability to take complex theories and ideas and make them relevant for everyone: “Small thinkers make the simple complex and great thinkers make the complex simple.” Doc was truly one of the great thinkers.
Doc -
It is early monday morning here in Portland and I’ve just learned you have moved forward from this life to the next. What a wonderful, productive and compassionate time you spent here with all of us!
Thank you, first and foremost, for your friendship and caring for me as a human being. We are fortunate if we can count the number of truly good friends on one hand. You, my friend, mentor, and brother, were one of that small number in my life.
Your teachings and integrity reshaped my professional career and it was and remains a great honor to have served as your co-author for “The Verbal Judo Way of Leadership”. It is the Gold Standard of such Work and will remain so for many years to come.
Thank you, specifically, for your always present support and encouragement of me as a Wounded Warrior. It is no understatement to say that my combat related disabilities became RE-abilities as a direct result of our friendship and your love for me as a person, as a friend, as a brother, and as your “Special Forces Son”.
I will not say “goodbye” to you, George. Instead I offer farewell for now, I will see you again, as God intends.
May the good Lord comfort Pam and your wonderful, loving family during this time of grief and mourning.
I remain your humble servant,
Greg Walker
Senior Wounded Warrior Advocate
United States Special Operations Command
“Let No Fallen Comrade Be Left Behind”
Thompson’s Secret
George Thompson was that unique type of person who saw a better way and then set about developing, organizing and teaching it. A man who walked the walk and talked the talk and made others see the difference; and what a difference he made in all of us. Everyone who came in contact with Dr. Thompson came away a better person, simply by the way they spoke and the way they listened. The secret was “empathy” and he taught millions of us how to employ it and how to develop it in others. Thompson was many things to many people, but to those of us who worked with him, he remained a consummate instructor to the very end. I am happy to have had him as a friend.
Patrick Bucher
C’est avec stupeur et une profonde tristesse que j’apprends le décès de notre Ami et Professeur Doc « Rhino » George THOMPSON avec lequel j’ai eu le plaisir de suivre une formation d’Instructeur (Tac Com Instructor) en vue de la création d’une Association française de Verbal Judo en mai 2010, alors que je me trouve actuellement à Abidjan en Côte d’Ivoire (Afrique). Impressionné par cette discipline, j’avais rejoint les rangs du Verbal Judo pour pouvoir le transmettre à mes compatriotes français.
Doc « Rhino » était avant tout un Homme ; un Grand Homme de contact et de communication dont la chaleur humaine le laisse inoubliable ; il est devenu rapidement un véritable ami, toujours à l’écoute et de bon conseil pour moi.
Il est parti bien trop tôt, car, en dehors de notre Amitié, j’aurais voulu l’inviter en France pour l’ouverture officielle du Verbal Judo ; mais ce ne sera malheureusement plus possible maintenant. Mais le souvenir de sa mémoire demeurera.
C’est tout d’abord vers son épouse et sa famille que je me tourne mon cœur pour leur adresser mes plus sincères condoléances avec toute mon amitié en priant Dieu de les assister et les réconforter dans ces heures terribles et difficiles.
Ensuite, c’est vers mon ami Garry et toute l’équipe de la direction du Verbal Judo que j’adresse mes sentiments de tristesse face à cette tragédie que je veux partager avec tous les amis et « pratiquants » de cette exceptionnelle discipline qui aide véritablement les « policiers et gendarmes » du monde entier face à la criminalité sous toutes ses formes.
La bonne humeur et la chaleur humaine naturelle de Doc « Rhino » me manquent déjà. Je ne l’oublierai pas.
De tout cœur avec vous dans ces terribles moments de solitude, me contentant, comme nous y invite la Parole de Dieu « à pleurer avec ceux qui pleurent » le départ d’un véritable Ami avant toute autre considération.
Docteur Raymond H.A. CARTER
It is with bewilderment and a very deep sadness that I learn the death of our Friend and Professor Doc ” Rhino ” George THOMPSON with whom I had the pleasure to do instructor’s training course (Tac Com Instructor) with the aim at the creation of the French Association of Verbal Judo in May, 2010, while I am presently operating in Abidjan in Ivory Coast (Africa). Impressed by this discipline, I had joined the ranks of Verbal Judo in order to be able to pass on it to my French fellow countrymen.
Doc ” Rhino ” was above all a Man; a Great Man of contact and communication with human heat that leaves Him unforgettable; he quickly became a real friend, always in the listening and of good advice for me.
He left very too early, because, apart of our Friendship, I would have wanted to invite Him in France for the official opening of Verbal Judo; but it will not be regrettably possible now. But the ‘souvenir’ of His memory will live.
It is first of all to His wife and His family that I turn my heart to send them my most sincere condolences with all my friendship by asking God to assist them and to comfort them within these terrible and difficult hours.
Then, it is towards my friend Gary and all the team of Verbal Judo Directorate that I send my feelings of sadness in front of this tragedy which I want to share with all the friends and “the adepts” of this exceptional discipline which really helps the ” policemen and the gendarmes ” from the whole world in front of the criminality under all its forms.
The cheerfulness and the natural human heat of Doc ” Rhino ” already miss me. I shall not forget Him.
With all my heart with you in these terrible moments of solitude, I satisfy my, as invites us there God’s Word, ” to cry with those who cry ” the departure of a Real Friend before quite other consideration.
Doctor Raymond H.A. CARTER
I met Dr Thompson 18 years ago and over this time not only was he a brilliant mentor, advisor, and teacher for me, we became very good friends, and he was one of the most loyal and ethical people you could ever wish to meet. I will miss him dearly!
His brilliance in the creation and delivery of ground breaking Verbal Judo Tactical Communication programs is unsurpassed as was his unwavering determination to train people (especially police / law enforcement officers) to use skill to reduce conflict and violence and treat people with REspect.
George, Thank you for allowing me to live my dream!!
Verbal Judo Australia is the sole provider for Verbal Judo training throughout Australasia and this will carry on as normal.
Yours sincerely
Will King
Director – Verbal Judo Australia
George Thompson was a great man. He was not only my friend and mentor, he was like a father to me. He often referred to me as “my son.”
He changed my life, the lives of my family and through his teachings allowed me to change the lives of tens of thousands as I taught his material to others over the last 16 years.
His passing has left me and countless others with a void that will never be filled. I will miss him more than words can express.
My prayers go out to his family and all those that knew him. It will not be the same without him.
Mike Manley
Vice President of Operations
Verbal Judo Institute
Mr. Thompson ” Rhino ” has and will be one of my most Real & loved persons ever.
With all the work he has done in understanding and using language it makes it possible for my Security Officers to have some real skills when dealing with people that are combative.
Language is powerful use it wisely.
Love you Doc I’ll miss you dearly.
Lee j. Guiliani
His book completely transformed my thinking, communicating and
training – especially the easy, difficult and whimp personality
styles. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, however I am
happy to know that his teachings will live on.
I met so many wonderful people that were part of doc’s business world, it was so great to see you all in “action”, the only downside is that our friend is gone. I wish I had taken advantage of his offer to get involved with his company, as I have a violent, emotionally disturbed child I’ve raised for most of his 16 years, and using some of his tactics here at home certainly helped situations, but the application to that field could have been incredible.
Knowing that I was probably the last man to talk to him Monday evening as we planned dinner and guitar lessons for Tuesday evening, and that he was so looking forward to it brings me a sad smile still. I know he would have told me to cook it anyways, have a drink, live life to the fullest, and move on. Woosha.
I miss my friend. He was like my big brother one day, my Dad the next, and my son the next. He would call me sensai every time I fixed anything from plumbing to electrical to insulating or installing windows, even got fascinated when I cleaned his gutters!!!! So damn inquisitive about things, and at almost 70 still trying to learn new things, haplessly and hopelessly at times, he still tried. And he always brought up working with him. What he saw in a old carpenter/mechanic/sales & marketing manager is beyond me, but I wish I’d given him more than just reading his book and watching his first video tape.
Sorry to hear of George’s passing. He came to Vancouver PD here in Canada in the mid-eighties and his course was the most important one that I ever took. Woosha!
Ret. Cst. Al Arsenault
Author: Chin Na in Ground Fighting,
Co-Founder Police Judo
I attended a week long Verbal Judo Instructor School in March of 2010 in Milwaukee. I’m an Instructor at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center and responsible for training Tactical Communication at our Basic Academy. While attending Doc’s class I was blown away by his passion, and desire to not just instruct us students but to instill in us a fundamental change in not only how we communicate in our profession but more important in our lives. Empathy, the Golden Rule, REspect, the stories he shared from his personal life, his mistakes and his triumphs all brought this concept of Tactical Communication to light for me. I began to see and visualize how I could instruct this to the students I would have here at the Academy.
I make the best effort albeit a feeble one to emulate the words, message, and passion that I witnessed in my week with Doc and Gary to my current students here at the Academy… My hope is that I can do you Justice Doc.
Doc Thompson, God bless you, my thoughts are with your family and all of your close friends who mourn you’re passing.
Gus R. Hitz
Staff Instructor Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center
I had the wonderful opportunity to work with George as the publisher of his book. He was deeply dedicated to his mission and tremendously sincere in trying his very best to help others. Knowing him was both an honor and a pleasure and he will truly be missed. May his family take comfort in the fact that the results of his lifelong efforts will carry on through the lives of countless people who continue to benefit from his knowledge and wisdom.
Doc and Family,
How fortunate I am to have spent a week with you in your Instructor Class. What a difference that short time has made in me and the way that I conduct my patrol duties. Two of us came to the instructor class and have been delivering your message to our department ever since. We both agreed that we could have spent hours, days, weeks listening to your wisdom Sir. I am saddened by your departure and strengthened by your presence. To your family, my heart goes out…What a legacy that you have created. Make a Note Sir…You will be missed but I for one will never forget. Thank You Doc..
Doc Thompson was my friend and Tac Com mentor. His training dramatically improved the quality of life for thousands of police officers struggling to make a difference in their respective communities. Most Importantly, his greatest work was convincing his hard headed students to practice their new skills at home with the ones they loved most so that "words that rise readily to their lips" would do no harm. I am committed to "leaving people better than I found them at their very worst".
May God Bless you my very dear friend,
Harry
Chief Harry P. Dolan
Raleigh Police Department
North Carolina
harrydolan@aol.com
The Saint Paul (Minn.) Police Department wishes to express their condolences on the passing of your friend and a pioneer in police communications.
With highest esteem,
Thomas E. Smith
CHIEF OF POLICE
Thanks Doc, for changing the attitudes of police officers all over the world. You were a great teacher with a big heart (as big as your voice). You will truly be missed but I’ll carry your teachings with me, the rest of my life. Thanks Doc, "Woosha"
One day here, next day gone….
A loss no matter how you look at it.
Meeting Doc, way back in 1990 was a life changing event for both of us!
For me, it enhanced my career at Santa Ana Police Dept, and created a new one with the Institute.We shared many events, and enjoyed what life had to offer at the time. He had a ranch in New Mexico, and we both loved horses. The first big meeting of the big four, Lee, Doug, Mike and myself also happened at the RANCH. What a beginning!
As the years passed I was able to introduce Doc to Pam, and then Tommy came along. What a great day when he was born. Happiness like I have never
seen. Blake now had a brother. Over the years many have come into the fold. Each bringing something new. Doc’s sayings, as mentioned by Tony are so right on!! Made me smile as I read and remembered. Verbal Judo has been around the world! Doc had a reason for everything taught in Verbal Judo.”Stay close to the cross”…..
It wont be the same without him…….
It wont be easy………….
Looking forward to seeing everyone next month………..”Wop”
George Thompson was a pioneering genius who expanded the concept of what it means to be tactical. He took the most neglected skill in law enforcement—communication—and showed how purposeful speech can be a weapon in defusing volatile confrontations and forestalling attack. Fortunately, he leaves a trainer’s greatest legacy: teachings that will live on and evolve to meet new challenges and and in whatever form they may occur.
Estimado “Doc”, al leer sus artículos sobre Yudo Verbal, comprendí que la ‘verdadera arma’ de un policía no es su pistola, sino su mente y su boca. Pero que el ‘lenguaje ordinario’ puede ser mucho más letal que un arma de fuego. Gracias por habernos ayudado a mejorar nuestra interacción con el público al cual nos debemos. Gracias por habernos orientado en la búsqueda de otras maneras de resolver los conflictos. Mi más sincero pésame para su familia, colegas y amigos.
Dear “Doc” by reading your articles on Verbal Judo, I realized that the ‘real gun’ of a policeman is not his/her gun, but his mind and mouth. But the ‘ordinary language’ can be far more lethal than a firearm. Thanks for helping us improve our interaction with the public to whom we owe. Thanks for having driven the search for other ways to resolve conflicts. My sincere condolences to his family, colleagues and friends.
Carlos Guillermo Blanco
(M.Sc. in Police Leadership & Management)
Comandante Mayor (Ret) of the Argentinean National Gendarmerie
It was recommended to me by a close friend and mentor to me, Gary Klugiewicz, that I attend Dr. Thompson’s Verbal Judo instructor’s program at the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s office. Being an owner of 5 martial art schools with 1500 martial arts students, I was too busy to take the full course. I begrudgingly went out of respect for Gary.
In the first hour of Doc’s class I was blown away. Gary was right. Verbal Judo was everything and more that he spoke of. I cancelled my whole week of appointments and took the entire course. Verbal Judo was going to change the way I teach martial arts but more importantly how I communicate to people forever.
Doc’s teaching went beyond law enforcement and public safety officials. It is a way of life. It is a way all humans should speak to each other with “TACTICAL CIVILITY” as Doc would say. I became an instant believer in how his teaching could change the way the world could communicate.
Doc, you have inspired me to be a better person no matter how difficult the circumstances. I have been to over 100 professional seminars in my life from Brian Tracey, Tom Hopkins and Tony Robbins. You, sir, were the best. To keep an audience’s attention for 40 hours straight and take them on a journey of self improvement was an amazing feat. I am happy to be a follower of your teachings. Verbal Judo and your legacy with live through the countless lives you have saved in law enforcement and through the thousands of kids I have taught to deal with bullying. Doc, Thank You
My deepest sympathy to the entire Thompson family. You and Doc will be in my prayers.
I was lucky enough to meet Doc in Pittsburgh during the instructors training class. Verbal Judo was without a doubt the best and most useful Law Enforcement course I have ever taken. I feel very honored to have been instructed by Doc directly in that class. Doc you will be greatly missed as your Verbal Judo Training is one of the top contributions to Officer Safety. Rest in Peace Big Rhino –
WOOHSA Doc!
David M. Schwab,
Chief of Campus Police
Community College of Allegheny County
Pittsburgh, Pa.
I was deeply saddened to hear about Doc’s death. In the recent past, he visited our agency and provided training to our deputies. His work was greatly appreciated by those in attendance, and several came back afterwards to tell me how they used it in their work and met with positive results. Doc will be sorely missed!
Doc Thompson is one of the true giants in our times. In a rich and full lifetime of research and training he made a quantum leap forward in human knowledge and understanding, and centuries from now his work will still be influencing lives and echoing across the generations to empower and enrich lives.”
Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, USA (ret.)
Author, On Killing and On Combat
God bless and all the best!
Dave
Doc’s formulating of “verbal judo” has been simple yet ingenious. I particularly have appreciated his concern to nip bullying in the bud. The entire issue of teaching people how to take care of themselves in a society in which attacks, verbal and physical, are commonplace is a great contribution to have made. Doc finished his work perfectly and then said goodbye. His work will live on.
I have used Dr. Thompson’s Verbal Judo text, videos, and materials since 1996. The information is a significant part of my Superintendent/School Board Relations class.
The Verbal Judo web site has been on my site for a number of years and I show it to my graduate students and encourage them to bookmark it. We will continue to celebrate the work and study of the “Rhino” in the future.
Thanks Doc for all that you have done for so many.
Dr. Kip Sullivan
Professor School Administration
Sul Ross State University
Alpine, Texas 79832
I only began receiving his emails recently but they have taught me quite a bit about about dealing with hostile situations. I wish I knew of this ten years ago when I was on patrol. God speed Doc.
In a gentle way, you can shake the world. ~Mohandas Gandhi
Doc shook the world–showing us the best and worst within us, inspiring us to change and grow beyond ourselves.
It is said that the measure of a person’s greatness is seen in how they inspire others to change. In the middle of teaching on June 9th, I realized that in echoing the Doc’s words, I was sharing and benefiting from his greatness. He will be missed by many but remembered by more. To his family and friends, thank you for sharing him with the world.
April Nietzschmann
Verbal Judo Canada Associate
Campus Relations Official-York University Security
George,
I went today to Mt Hood and I spoke your name three times outloud to the mountain.
Greg
My heart dropped when I read your message. Last February, I met Doc for the first time. I was very fortunate to have spent a week with him and Coach
Lindsey in Asheville, NC.
I have tried to explain to those close to me the impact he had on me and the way I choose to approach my life from that point on. Very few understand what a wonderful, caring, influential man he was. They can’t grasp the effect he had on me.
I have been a faithful student of Go-Ju Ryu for the last 21 years. Doc showed me how to use my words and bleed energy I only thought I understood before. He gave me insight to harmony. I have since found a dojo I am comfortable studying Judo in. After much thought and discussion with my Senseis, I will work and sacrifice to become a worthy Judoka. The values and mind set Judo brings is so fitting for the life I seek and the influence I wish to have over others.
Doc truly changed my life. I will treasure my time with him forever. And God as my witness, I will continue to spread his message. I owe him that much.
Don Underwood
Chief Ranger
USACE, Tulsa District
Fort Supply Lake Office
I’m personally heartbroken over the news this morning.
A couple month ago, I had the honor of having a brief, one on one conversation with Dr. Thompson and it made my week. He exuded respect and helpfulness so much that it affected my entire attitude for the rest of the day. He was the ultimate “contact professional” because contact with him immediately made me a better person. He set the bar very, very high.
Little did Dr. Thompson realize how he has guided and influenced myself AND an entire college community.
We implemented a behavioral intervention committee in 2009 and in the process came across verbal judo. We have pushed to teach it as a basic course to our staff and faculty for the last 2 years and the testimonies have poured in from those who have practiced and applied it. On many occasions, it has kept our community of staff and students safe and contributed to their satisfaction with our school.
Dr.Thompson’s influence was indeed, far reaching and powerful. His life’s work was not in vain.
It has helped me personally to such a degree that my personal and professional relationships have flourished. Dr. Thompson has done more for my way of thinking than my masters in communication!
I’m heartbroken but so confident that his “presence” will continue through the message of verbal judo for years to come.
I pray for your team and bless you with the endurance and strength to continue to carry this message to many who need it for generations.
Angela Boland
Health Services Specialist
Riverside City College
I have just quite recently discovered VerbalJudo, (thanks to my Sensei; Bo Munthe in Stockholm, Sweden)
Also I joined Vistelar and watched those short videoclips. And actually I started to read Mr Thompsons book, last week!
No matter what I say
will probably not make any difference
regarding the feeling of great loss
…but I am so very sorry.
My thoughts and condolences goes to Mr Thompsons family and friends.
He was and will always be a guiding light for all who knew him. He will be missed. It was always comforting teaching VJ knowing that I had Doc’s cell phone number in my pocket and more importantly…… he answered it every time I called him.
Words can’t express how sad I am for Doc’s family and colleagues. My prayers are with you all. I consider myself very blessed to have had the opportunity to meet him when I took the week long instructor class in McKinley, Texas.
Respectfully,
Sgt. Charlotte Gonzales
Harris County Sheriff’s Office
Sorry to hear about Dr. Thompson. He was quite a person and instructor. I have some of his books and re-read them often to keep in compliance with his teaching. Please let his family know the gray fox ( that what he called me because in many of his classes I attended with many of the other law enforcement personnel, I tend to be the oldest student there) will be praying for them
J. A. Jepsen, Jr.
Correctional Lieutenant
Avenal State Prison
For the Family of Doc Rhino, and to all of you at the Verbal Judo
Institute, thanks for all you have done for the many who have benefited
from your program!
I would like to send my deepest condolences to Dr Thompsons family.
I consider myself one of the lucky ones to have gotten to know him and be trained by him.
The Tac-Com (Verbal Judo) training I received from Doc at the Syracuse PD in April of 09 has paid off in diamonds to my Dept. Such a change in morale and public intervention has been remarkable.
From myself and all the men and women at the Tarrytown Police Dept. We are truly sorry. Please pass it on to Dr Thompsons family.
Sincerely…and with Respect…
Sgt. Frank J Giampiccolo #100
Tarrytown Police Dept
Westchester County NY
I have never had the opportunity to meet “Doc”, but I have had the pleasure of being a student and instructing Verbal Judo for many years. Doc’s principles and values have made me a better Officer, Supervisor, Instructor, and a better person. I now pride myself on the ability to “generate voluntary compliance”. And I owe it all to you Dr. Thompson. Thank you. I’m sure that anyone that have who knew you, or understood in what you taught will always hear the WOOSHA in the wind. God Bless you and your family.
I first met Doc at the NYPD Police Academy and we became friends for life. His ground-breaking approach to verbal defense and influence – not to mention his gigantic personality! – have been one of the great gifts of my life. Even heaven is a little safer because of your presence. Woosha!
My family and I send our love and prayers to Doc’s family whom he valued, and to you all out there sharing our loss. I am honored to be an apprentice to Doc for what was to be another easy comms class turned out to be a week of grueling intensive class in not only in communications but in life’s lessons. The BEST in my 26 years as a cop. My life has forever changed because of the amazing Peace he shared. I had proudly introduced myself to him as the "One who makes men cry" because of my name (Crueldad). Doc said I shouldn’t make men cry but "Make ‘em smile!" After taking his class in Florida in ’08,I cried all the way home to Guam where my family met me at the airport and thought I was out of my mind. It frightened my children who have been thanking God for Doc ever since I shared my transformation with them. I enjoy teaching Verbal Judo which is in demand and was looking forward to recertifying with Doc this year. We’ll just have to carry on.
I shared the news with former Fire Chief Frank "Corned Beef" Lizama who was also a student of the Rhino (like back in the 80′s) and he is deeply saddened. Chief Frank always spoke of Doc and the Warrior’s way in ALL his training.
Doc, I understand PURPOSE and you did what you were purposed for. Yours is truly a LEGACY of the Peace Warrior…and your legacy lives on with the lives we save 8-5.
Ti bai malefa nu hagu. Mas dankulo si yu’os ma’ase yan si yu’os emebenendisi hao yan if familia-mu. I will never forget you. Thank you so very much. God bless you and your family.
Emily
Doc, I have never got the opportunity to personally meet you. However, everything I learned from you has made me a better person. I had some ambivalence when going to my first Tac Com class. After just one day in the class, I was so impressed with the program you created. I couldn’t wait to start training my staff with your material. I preach The Five Universal Truths all of the time. Now staff at my facility started “checking” each other on this concept. Thank you for having the impact on people that you have. You will truly be missed. Best wishes to your family.
Dr. Thompson’s presence at the Miwaukee County Sheriff’s Office will be sadly missed but his message will live on forever. My carrer of choice has been as a deputy Sheriff and my other endeavors have been in firefighting and umpiring baseball. Dr. Thompson’s teachings have helped me to excel in all three professions. He was a great friend, person and a great scholar that touched many people’s lives with his great message. We will miss you at the MCSO but you will never be forgotten. Your teachings will live on in Milwaukee.
“The song is ended, but the melody lingers on…” ~ Irving Berlin. Thanks Doc.
Doc, I appreciate your wisdom, your training is outstanding and I will continue to use it.
You have made a mark, you have left much behind for this world to live by and I thank you for your service and mentoring.
You will be missed.
I was able to take 2 of Doc’s classes in my 21 year career. The last one was a week long Train the Trainer class. Doc had a very unique teaching style that is confusing at first…but he assured us we would have an “epiphany” on the 4th day and it would all become clear to us. As promised, the 4th day it all made sense and the mental retention of the class material was greater! Doc WILL be missed!
For the past 18 years, I’ve been among Doc’s best — and worst — students.
