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In the annals of Germany’s history, one name stands out as an enigmatic blend of martial arts prowess, criminal involvement, and a later transition to public life – Thomas “Karate-Tommy” Born. Born on October 23, 1951, in Hamburg, Germany, he embarked on a journey that would take him through diverse worlds and experiences.
Early Life and Career
Thomas Born’s story began with a youthful ambition. At the tender age of 13, he embarked on his martial arts journey by joining the Polizeisportverein Berlin (Police Sports Club Berlin). His aim? To master the art of judo. Born’s dedication bore fruit, and by the age of 19, he had achieved the coveted black belt in judo. His talent was such that he even found himself as part of the Olympic squad, a testament to his early promise in the world of martial arts. As time progressed, he added another black belt to his repertoire, this time in karate.
Despite the early promise in martial arts, Thomas Born’s life was destined for a different trajectory. After a brief stint attending Gymnasium Eppendorf, a secondary school in Hamburg, he decided to leave formal education behind before completing his Abitur (high school diploma equivalent). Instead, in 1970, he enlisted in the Bundeswehr’s Fallschirmjägertruppe, the paratrooper unit of the German military.
In 1976, Born embarked on a new venture – he opened his martial arts school. However, it was during this period that his life took an unexpected and controversial turn. He became associated with the “Nutella-Bande,” a Hamburg-based pimping group led by Klaus Barkowsky. Within this group, Born assumed a pivotal role as the head of the “Stress Division.”
Thomas Born’s involvement with the Nutella-Bande thrust him into the national spotlight in Germany. This newfound notoriety reached its zenith on October 22, 1982, during a violent shootout where two members of the Nutella-Bande lost their lives, and Born himself sustained severe injuries to his abdomen and forearm. The incident made headlines across the country.
Beyond his ties with the Nutella-Bande, Born’s influence extended to managing a group of debt collectors, based in St. Pauli, a district in Hamburg renowned for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment.
Transition to Public Life
In a surprising twist, Thomas Born chose to distance himself from the world of organized crime. Instead, he embarked on a new phase in his life, one that brought him into the public eye. He became a familiar figure on German television talk shows, where he shared his unique life experiences and perspectives.
What was Thomas Born’s Cause of Death?
Tragically, the unconventional journey of Thomas “Karate-Tommy” Born came to an end on May 1, 2015, when he succumbed to a heart attack at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. He was 63 years old at the time of his passing, leaving behind a life story that continues to intrigue and captivate, offering a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of his existence. He found his final resting place at the Ohlsdorf Cemetery in Hamburg, leaving behind a legacy that remains a subject of fascination and curiosity.
