Rasta was born in San Francisco (S.F. Medical Center) on July 18, 1981.
His given name is Rasta Kuzma Ramacandra (Ramachandra), translated as
"Princely Avatar of Krishna in his Warrior Form". Rasta Thomas is his
stage name.
The family moved to the Virgin Islands later that month and stayed
there until December of 1984. January of 1985 saw a short move to
Maryland, and from there Rasta and his family moved to Saudi Arabia where
Rasta's parents were employed by the Royal Family.
At the age of 3 Rasta's father, a Taekwondo instructor, began training
his son in the Martial Arts. Rasta earned his first Black Belt (1st Dan)
two years later from his second teacher, Master Pak No Won. "I lived at
the Dojo" he says now. His continued studies with Master Pak of the World
Taekwondo Federation allowed him to earn a 2nd Dan at age 7, followed by
3rd Dan at age 9. Rasta studied intensively with a private instructor
during this period which enabled him to earn his promotions very quickly.
Gymnastics training commenced at age 6, as well as new styles of
Martial Arts. At 7 Rasta, as punishment for acting up in Martial Arts
class, was sent off to Ballet School, an experience he dreaded but was
unable to avoid. Swimming training started at this time as well, with the
AT&T Dolphins Swim Team (Riyadh, K.S.A).
At the age of 8, Rasta won the junior division of the Riyadh
International Marathon, competing against kids up to the age of 14. This
marathon is one of the most grueling events in the world due to the heat
(over 110 degrees). By this age Rasta was already working out at least 4
hours a day in karate, gymnastics, dance, running, swimming and other
disciplines.
Rasta's early training has been vital to his development as an all
around athlete. He says of his first lessons "you can't do much at 3, but
I tried". Rasta's potential must have been apparent to his teachers early
on, demonstrated by his fast progress toward his black belt, and success
in other physical disciplines. Rasta considers his greatest
accomplishement to be his first Black Belt as it required him to develop
the discipline that has been the foundation of all his other achievements.
The 1990 Gulf War resulted in Rasta's return to the States and his home
has been here ever since. He continued his intensive physical training
while attening 4th Grade at Holy Redeemer Elementary School in College
Park, MD. That year Rasta began his studies at the Kirov Academy, and was
invited to become a scholarship student there the following year.
At the Kirov Rasta's immersion in
the world of Classical Ballet crystallized his understanding of the
importance Motion, dance in particular, would have in his life. Rasta
excels in and moves effortlessly between Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Folk and
Contemporary dance styles because of the diversity in his early studies.
Rasta has also been successful choreographing some of his own works thanks
to careful guidance from his friend and Choreographer, Vladimir Anguelov.
One of Rasta's greatest gifts as a artist is his versatility.
Rasta's sensational debut at the 1999 televised Academy Awards gained
him a new visibility in Hollywood where he hopes to make a splash as an
Actor and Director. Earlier telivision appearances include documentaries
in the U.S. and abroad but no other show has the global impact of an Oscar
night.
Throughout his career, Rasta has traveled to Russia, France,
Switzerland, Korea, China, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria, and Japan to
name a few. In addition to his skills in athletics Rasta is a gifted
scholar. A Home School High School Graduate at age 14, Rasta now continues
his studies independently pursuing personal interests.
Rasta Thomas