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" 5th Degree Black Belt March 19th, 2022
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" 5th Degree Black Belt August 8th, 2020
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" - 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. We wish him & his family well as he set out for another adventure in his career. I am sure once the new position settles in -
he will once again pursue his Martial Arts and open a dojo in California.
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
Mr. Garrett Brenchley [6th Degree Black Belt on December 3rd, 2016]
Sensei Garrett Brenchley is one of the first students that started
at UKI North, Ogden. Utah [Utah Karate Institute]. He deserves much of the credit
for the growth and talent that is demonstrated at the Dojo's. Mr. Brenchley holds a 6th Degree Black Belt in Shin-Toshi
Karate.
Bernard Serbinowski Master Instructor - "Karate Shin-Toshi"
Hall of Fame 2018
Sensei Bernard Serbinowski has been with Utah Karate Institute since 2003 and has been an outstanding student & Instructor who pays close attention to DETAILS! He Earned a 6th Degree Black Belt in April 2021, and continues to encourge his students to seek PERFECTION. Mr. Serbinowski still found time to teach while attending full time at the University of Utah.
Now pursuing his PHD in Math & Science at Vanderbilt University in Tennesee, we will keep in touch and enjoy his visits and continued contributions during holidays and breaks.
Mr. Bernard Serbinowski was inducted into the utah Karate Institute Hall of Fame in July, 2018.
Evan Welch Master Instructor - "Karate Shin-Toshi"
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. We wish him & his family well as he set out for another adventure in his career. I am sure once the new position settles in -
he will once again pursue his Martial Arts and open a dojo in California.
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
Joshua Proulx Outstanding Achievment & Contributions
Hall of Fame 2016
Joshua Proulx has and is a continued asset to Karate Shin-Toshi and Utah Karate Institute for many years. He and his brother taught students for years setting the standard very high..
He contiunes to be an asset to the system by encouaging students to attend and do their best! when his arrives home on leave. Attending the UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY with graduation expected in 2019.
Mr. Joshua Proulx earned his 3rd Degree Black Belt February 19th, 2011 and was inducted into the Utah Karate Institute
Hall of Fame in 2016.
Bailey Proulx Outstanding Achievment & Contributions
Hall of Fame 2016
Bailey Proulx has and is a continued asset to Karate Shin-Toshi and Utah Karate Institute for many years. He and his brother taught students for years setting the standard very high..
He contiunes to be an asset to the system by encouaging students to attend and do their best! when his arrives home from school. Attending the UNITED STATES NAVEL ACADEMY with graduation expected in 2020.
Mr. Bailey Proulx earned his 3rd Degree Black Belt October 29th, 2012 and was inducted into the Utah Karate Institute
Hall of Fame in 2016.
John Newhall Jr. Senior Instructor
Hall of Fame 2006
John
Newhall Jr. earned the title of "Senior Instructor" in Karate Shin-Toshi. Mr. Newhall, moved to Montana and than South Carolina which his is now living, has and is a loyal and faithful friend and asset to our Utah schools.
Mr. John Newhall earned his 4th Degree Black Belt April 12th, 2008 and was inducted into the Utah Karate Institute
Hall of Fame in 2006.
Jilyn Hopkins Senior Instructor
Hall of Fame 2006
Jilyn
Hopkins earned the title of "Senior Instructor" in Karate Shin-Toshi. She has an eye for details and is one of the pillars of Utah Karate Institute, offering much to the growth and foundation of our Utah schools. Now attending special events, she continues to be a valued asset and loyal friend.
Mrs. Jilyn Hopkins earned her 4th Degree Black Belt November 13th, 2006 and was inducted into the Utah Karate Institute
Hall of Fame in 2006.
Alexander D. Gonzalez Master Instructor - "Karate Shin-Toshi"
Instructor - Utah Karate Institute
Mr. Alexander Gonzalez [4th Degree Black Belt on April 21st, 2018]
Sensei Gonzalez has been an asset to Utah Karate Institute & the Karate Shin-Toshi system for many years. He has earned the "Instructor of the Year" award, taught seminars including the Samurai Sword, Nunchuckas & Tonfa. He has become a Outstanding Leader with empathy for his students and will be greatly missed while he serves his church in Lima Peru for 2 years.
Before he left he dedicated his time to leave students with the videos on how to perform their Defenses correctly which have been added in "Defenses" for review under the "Members Only" area & will remain in our teaching manual. Sensei Gonzalez plans on pursing his goals in helping mankind by continuing his medical training when he returns, specializing as an Orthopedic Surgeon.
His favorite things to do are forms and weapons. He has demonstrated the Sai, Tonfa and the Katana (Samurai Sword) in each of his Black Belt exams showing a great sign of mastereing each. He has been with Utah Karate since 2011, loves competition and continues seeking perfection in his technique.
Devin Hill Instructor - Utah Karate Institute
Mr. Devin Hill [3rd Degree Black Belt on December 16th, 2014]
Sensei Hill has contibuted to the school & system in many ways. One being that he & Sensei Schulz have an eye for details. That is why they were chosen to demonstrate the forms for review under the "Members" area.
"He is smart and comprehensive. His teaching skills are Great and he can help students easily. He is a good fighter and a friend. His kicks are amazing! He can understand a problem and solve it quickly. Overall, Devin is a Great Leader and Teacher." [Written by Tanner Schulz].
Tanner Schulz Mr. Scrappy Master Instructor - "Karate Shin-Toshi"
Mr. Tanner Schulz [4th Degree Black Belt on October 15th, 2016]
Sensei Schulz has contibuted to the school & system in many ways. One being that he & Sensei Hill have an eye for details. That is why they were chosen to demonstrate the forms for review under the"Members" area.
"Mr. Schulz is a very focused and concentrated student. He also is creative & thinks of good ways to teach his students. He is very easy to work with & always contributes to help students learn. When he teaches he is good at explaining & making the students feel comfortable. [Written by Devin Hill].
Promoted to 4th Degree Black Belt in Shin-Toshi Karate after being selected as "Instructor of the Year" - 2 years in a row, he attends when time permits while attending Weber State University, continuing to be an asset.