About Us
About Donald “Spiderman” Thomas
Founder of the PDN New Jump Swing Longevity Institute
A Life Dedicated to Mind/Body Fitness, Mental Health, Nutrition, and Human Performance
Origins & Education
Born September 21, 1953, in Brooklyn, Donald “Spiderman” Thomas is a pioneer in mind/body fitness, healthy aging, athletic nutrition, and psychosocial rehabilitation, who has lived in Hawaii since 1981.
He is a graduate of Antioch University West, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Science with a concentration in holistic health.
Three-Time Guinness World Record Holder
Donald Thomas is a three-time Guinness World Records record holder in public speaking, making him one of the longest continuous speakers in recorded history.
Records Include:
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Longest Sermon — 93 Hours (1978)
The Philosophy of Divine Nutrition (1980–84 editions; Guinness archive/cartoon) -
Longest After-Dinner Speech — 19 Hours 20 Minutes (1985)
The History of Herbs in Maintaining Physical Fitness (1986–87 editions) -
Longest After-Dinner Speech — 32 Hours 25 Minutes (1988)
Vegetarian Athletic Nutrition (1989 edition with photograph)
Each record was based on his original copyrighted research in nutrition, motivation, and human performance.
After every record, he performed a jump rope demonstration—proving real-world physical application.
Author of the PDN System (Philosophy of Divine Nutrition)
Donald Thomas is the author of three books on motivation, fitness, and vegetarian nutrition:
- The Philosophy of Divine Nutrition (1977)
- The Way of PDN – The Ultimate Vegetarian Athletic Nutrition Program (1986)
- New Jump Swing Healthy Aging and Athletic Nutrition Program (2011)
His first book, The Philosophy of Divine Nutrition, originated as his doctoral thesis in metaphysical martial arts philosophy at the Tree of Life School in New York City and served as the foundation for his 93-hour world record sermon.
Core Philosophy
PDN is based on the principle that:
Every major religious tradition contains guidance on health, longevity, and nutrition.
Through analysis and synthesis of these teachings, Thomas developed a comprehensive system for human performance, mental resilience, and total wellness.
A System Inspired by Bruce Lee
The PDN system is structured as an internal martial art for mind/body fitness, influenced by the principles of Jeet Kune Do.
It emphasizes:
- Efficiency
- Adaptability
- Integration of mind and body
Creator of New Jump Swing
New Jump Swing is a jump rope cross-training fitness program developed as part of Thomas’ rehabilitation from:
- Respiratory disease
- Knee disease (Osgood-Schlatter disease, including bilateral surgery)
It has evolved into a complete system for:
- Cardiovascular conditioning
- Coordination and balance
- Functional strength
- Healthy aging
Mental Health Leadership & Psychosocial Rehabilitation
In addition to his work in fitness and nutrition, Donald Thomas has held key leadership roles in mental health, psychosocial rehabilitation, developmental disability services, and community-based care systems, contributing to the advancement of recovery-oriented and independent living models.
He has served as:
-
Former Statewide Coordinator of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services
for the Adult Mental Health Division Hawaii
-
Former Executive Director of United Self-Help
A mental health agency dedicated to helping individuals with mental illness:- Develop peer-led self-help support groups
- Access comprehensive mental health resources
- Build independence and community integration
-
Community Liaison Director for Psychiatric Management Resources
Played a leadership role in the implementation of the first adult partial hospitalization program in the state of Hawaii, advancing structured outpatient psychiatric care and transitional treatment models
-
Early Practitioner Supporting Deinstitutionalization Efforts
Worked with individuals discharged from the historic Willowbrook State School through United Cerebral Palsy of New York State -
Manager of Independent Living Services for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Served as manager for the first residential home on the east side of Hawaii designed for adults with developmental disabilities to live independently, through the Hilo Association for Retarded Citizens
(SEO: independent living programs Hawaii, developmental disabilities housing, community-based disability services, supported living programs)
Impact
This body of work places Thomas among early contributors to the development of modern community-based mental health care, psychosocial rehabilitation systems, independent living services, and disability advocacy in the United States.
Public Service and Community Leadership
Donald Thomas has dedicated his life to service, particularly for:
- At-risk youth
- Individuals with disabilities
- Underserved communities
His leadership roles include:
- Co-Founder, The National Youth Movement
- Board Member, Rotary Club of Waikiki (Paul Harris Fellow)
- Member, South Hilo Rotary Club
- Former Board President, Hawaii Disability Rights Center
He has also served as:
- Disability Rights Advocate
- Social Security Disability Advocate / Paralegal, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii (Hilo)
American Heart Association Leadership
For several decades, Thomas served as Celebrity Chairperson for the American Heart Association Hawaii Chapter’s Jump Rope for Heart campaign.
As both a Master Teacher and Master Performer, he has:
- Delivered heart-health nutrition lectures
- Trained students and fitness professionals in jump rope fitness
- Reached over 60% of Hawaii’s school system and universities
Faith, Discipline, and Purpose
Donald “Spiderman” Thomas’ work is grounded in a lifelong commitment to spiritual discipline, martial arts philosophy, herbal science, and community empowerment.
A former choir and altar boy at the First African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Brooklyn, New York, he is an ordained non-denominational minister, integrating faith-based principles with mind/body performance and healthy aging.
He is a dedicated student of:
- The late Professor Cleophas Jacobs — master of Iaido (the art and philosophy of the Japanese sword), judo, and jujutsu
- The late John E. Moore — renowned herbalist and educator in traditional and holistic health systems
Core Philosophy and Life Mission
His life’s work reflects a deep commitment to:
- Health Education
- Mental Resilience
- Personal Discipline
- Community Empowerment
Personal Life
Donald Thomas has been married since 1995 to Pamela Roldan of Kahuku, Hawaii.
They reside on the Big Island of Hawaii with their dogs:
- Ms. Frankie III
- Ms. Johnnie Mae III
- King T’Challa II
Why Spiderman?
A nickname since childhood
Owner of 99% of all Amazing Spider-Man comic books and tie in titles
Spidey swings from a web-Donald swings with a rope!
At the End of the Day
Donald “Spiderman” Thomas has spent a lifetime proving one principle:
Mind and body, trained together, can achieve extraordinary results.
Through The PDN New Jump Swing Longevity Institute that system now extends beyond fitness—into mental health, rehabilitation, longevity, and total human performance.
He can be found in the following editions of the Guinness Book of World Records