Mickey Fisher had the distinction of introducing America's first martial art, Shin-Toshi Karate in 1963. This predates Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do by at least three years. Prior to founding this new style, Fisher trained in Chung Do Kwan, Shorin-Ryu Karate, Aikido, Chinese and Okinwan Kenpo and Isshin-Ryu, Tang Soo Do, Hopki-Do and Kung-Fu. Instructors whom he trained under include Jhoon Rhee, Allen Steen, Ed Parker and Jack Hwang.
Mickey Fisher's original style was Chung Do Kwan, and he earned a 1st Degree Black Belt from Jhoon Rhee in 1962, making him the original 'Karate-Kid', in that he was America's first teenage black belt. He later attained advanced degrees in Moo Duk Kwon, Kenpo, and several other styles. In his lifetime, Kwanjang Fisher merited the distinguished rank of 9th Degree Black Belt in Shin-Toshi Karate, which is matched by his equivalent rank of 9th Degree Black Belt in Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do.
Kwanjang Fisher passed away on January 29th, 2013. He was survived by his son Dallas, granddaughter Chloe (4), grandson Corbin (2), their mother Claire, sister Kathy, nephew Chad, and brother Wes. Mr. Fisher was in the process of planning a several year writing and seminar tour of the United States, Mexico, Central and South America. We will miss his wisdom and spirit in our lives. We will always remember him as we continue our journey and progress in Karate Shin-Toshi.
VANN LEE WOODS "INSTRUCTOR of the YEAR" - 2020, 2021 & 2022
MASTER INSTRUCTOR - "Karate Shin-Toshi" 6th Degree Black Belt December 9th, 2023 MVP - [Most Valued Player for 2023]
Sensei Vann Woods has been an Outstanding Instructor now for the past 3 years and strives to do his best, earning "Instructor of the Year" in 2020, 2021 & 2022. Vann Woods, from an early rank had expressed a strong desire in helping others in class. He has continued to grow and loves teaching. He has progressed to a well defined, strong "Martial Artist".
At present he is a Senior in High school and on the Varsity Wrestling Team, earning him a Letterman. We have been working on a new program in "Ground Sparing" that we hope to implement on a regular basis in 2023, taking the best of Wrestling, Karate and Jujitsu, putting it into a new and better sport here at UKI. "Sensei" Woods is a straight "A" student, loves playing the guitar, baseball, skateboarding and has attended Karate 2-3 times a week teaching except during the peak wrestling months in school.
We are proud of him for all the time he gives, attending most all Belt Exams and activities. We look forward to his continued efforts in helping make our students even better.
JORGE VAZQUEZ "INSTRUCTOR of the YEAR" - 2016
MASTER INSTRUCTOR - "Karate Shin-Toshi" 6th Degree Black Belt July 27th, 2024
Sensei Jorge Vazquez demonstrates what a Instructor and Leader is all about. He gives students the assistance they need giving positive feedback making the students welcome & proud. He has developed into an Awesome Instructor taking time for details while pushing himself further in every class. He has mastered the Kamas & the Nunchuckas making him a challenge in competition. He attends and runs at most all Belt Exams. He has earned a scholarship at
Utah Valley University with outstanding grades and running like a Stallion for their Track Team. He contiues to travel back and forth in support of the Students and school. A Loyal Instructor that the students look up to.
EVAN WELCH "INSTRUCTOR of the YEAR" - 2023 & 2006
MASTER INSTRUCTOR - "Karate Shin-Toshi" 6th Degree Black Belt December 3rd, 2016
Hall of Fame 2018
As Senior instructor at Utah Karate Institute & the Shin-Toshi Headquarters, Sensei Welch has been involved in Karate Shin-Toshi since 1999.
He has been an asset to our schools, bringing quality & management. As one of the pillars in the 2nd generation of Utah Karate Institute, his dedication and loyalty has earned him a ranking into the Hall of Fame!
Evan has been working in management with Smith's Bakery and now with WinCo for over 5 years. He is happily married with 2 children and accepted a promotion with WinCo for a supervisor position over 17 plus store in California.
He and his family returned to Utah in early 2022 and continues his journey with Utah Karate Institute. His daughter Rylie, 9 years old, has joined him and already has earned her Blue Belt.
We are glad you are back and you deserve to be recognized as Instructor of the year for 2023!
Congratulations Sensei Welch
Mr. Evan Welch earned his 6th Degree Black Belt Dec. 2016 & inducted into the Utah Karate Institute Hall of Fame April, 2018