Mickey Fisher has the distinction of introducing
Americas' first martial art, Karate
Shin-Toshi in 1963. Prior to founding
this new style, Mickey Fisher had trained in chung
do kwan, shorin-ryu karate, Chinese kenpo, tang soo
do, and kung-fu. 
Incorporating aspects from each of these styles,
Shin-toshi techniques include the strong kicks of
Korea, the rapid and exacting movements of Japan,
and the fluidity of Chinese styles. A typical shin-toshi
technique is a powerful sidekick which utilizes full
extension of the hip and strikes with the heel, yet
does not waste excess time and motion on the fold.
Snapping backfists and swift front and spinning kicks
give the style its share of Japanese influence. Evasive
circular blocks and graceful crane stances are also
part of the style.
Mickey Fisher, and the current practitioners of Shin-Toshi
Karate, feel that "there is actually no excuse
for shunning all techniques from other styles and/or
believing that one's own art is superior in every
aspect to all others. Such a philosophy is both unfair
and ignorant and is in fact not as 'traditional' as
some may believe." The Shaolin monks, forefathers
of many present day Asian martial arts, were continually
willing to accept new techniques and philosophies
which might benefit them. It was only because of people's
prejudice and ignorance that an unwillingness to recognize
other ways developed in the martial arts.
Do you want to know more? Check out Shin-Toshi
Karate's evolution.
There are many talented martial artists practicing
the art of Shin-Toshi karate. The demanding nature
of the style itself insures that those who attain
the rank of Black Belt are superb
martial artists. Many of our best students enjoy the
art so much that they become instructors and continue
to teach Shin-Toshi Karate to new students.
Check out the Biographies of our Senior
Instructors!
