Karate Shin-Toshi: Biographies

Mickey Fisher - Founder of Karate Shin-Toshi:

Mickey Fisher

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.

MICKEY N. FISHER

Mickey's Dojo

Click here for a glimpse of Mickey Fisher's Karate Dojo.

We are compiling a series of videos from Mickey's Dojo for you.

We would appreciate any input to help to compile memories and material from Kwanjang Fisher's life. Please contact the The Shin-Toshi Headquarters
with your thoughts, ideas and memories. Use our CHI Notes page.

Mike Burke
Director of the "Shin-Toshi Karate"© System
Owner of Utah Karate Institute & CEO of "Shin-Toshi Karate" Headquarters

Mike Burke

Mr. Burke holds the 2nd highest ranking in "Shin-Toshi Karate"© as a Martial Artist, having earned the rank of 7th Degree Black Belt in "Karate Shin-Toshi" & 8th Degree in Tae Kwon Do, under Kwanjang Mickey Fisher. (founder of "Shin-Toshi Karate")
Mr. Burke worked closely and directly with Mr. Mickey Fisher in overseeing the International Shin-Toshi Federation. and continues in the teachings that have been required. Mr. Burke has been practicing Shin-Toshi Karate for many years starting in Dallas, Texas and has been teaching students in Utah now, at the "SHIN-TOSHI"© HEADQUARTERS since 1986!

VANN LEE WOODS
"INSTRUCTOR of the YEAR" - 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024 & Jiu-Jitsu Instructor 2025
MASTER INSTRUCTOR - "Karate Shin-Toshi"
6th Degree Black Belt December 9th, 2023
MVP - [Most Valued Player for 2023, 2024 & 2025]

Sensei Vann Woods has been an Outstanding Instructor now for the past 8 years and strives to do his best, earning "Instructor of the Year" in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024 & Jiu-Jitsu in 2025. 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 training in Jiu-Jitsu and recently competed in a World IBJJF Competition in Las Vegas. He started with wrestling in Junior High and as a Senior in High school and on the Varsity Wrestling Team, earning him a Letterman. He has Created a new program in "Ground Sparing" that we have implemented 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 earned his associates from Weber college, loves playing the guitar, baseball, skateboarding and teaches 3 days a week. He just recently has been certified for the cyber security field and will continue working and teaching here at Utah Karate Institute. We are proud of him for all the time he gives, attending Belt Exams and activities. We look forward to his continued efforts in helping make our students even better.

VANN LEE WOODS starts off 2026 with Earning MMA TITLE

Vann Woods * *

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EVAN WELCH
"INSTRUCTOR of the YEAR" - 2006, 2023 & 2025
MASTER INSTRUCTOR - "Karate Shin-Toshi"
7th Degree Black Belt March 28th, 2026

Hall of Fame 2018

Sensei Welch is a Senior instructor at Utah Karate Institute
& Karate Shin-Toshi Headquarters, He has been involved in Karate Shin-Toshi since 1999, and is 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 in 2018! Evan has been working in management, starting with Smith's Bakery and presently with WinCo for over 8 years. He is happily married with 2 children, working with the Bakery's at WinCo
as supervisor over the Utah, Idaho and Montana stores. He and his family returned from Califonia, after being transfered back home to Utah in early 2022 and continues his journey here with Utah Karate Institute. His daughter Rylie, 12 years old now, joined him in Martial Arts and already has earned her Red Belt.
We are glad you returned Sir, and you deserve this promotion as
7th Degree Black Belt here at Utah Karate Institute.
We appreciate all you do in teaching and instilling in our students
"Excellence inside and outside the Dojo!"

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"Instructors of the Year"
"Students of the Year"

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.

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"Instructors of the Year"
"Students of the Year"

UTAH KARATE INSTITUTE'S

MVP - Most Valued Players

VANN LEE WOODS
MOST VALUED PLAYER "2023", "2024" & "2025"
"INSTRUCTOR of the YEAR" - 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024 & 2025
6th Degree Black Belt December 29th, 2023

Sensei Vann Woods has been a Leader in many areas: First when he was a student, as a Master Instructor. He worked hard as a State Wrestler in High school and continues advancing in rank with Jui-Jitsu as a National Competitor, [undefeated], and recently returned from a World competition in Las Vegas. He has developed a program here at Utah Karate Institute with teaching ground sparring and shares his knowledge with his students who admire and look up to him. He earned the title of "Instructor of the Year" for 3 years in a role, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024 and again in 2025, teaching Jiu-Jitsu. And now for the second year in a roll, we award him the "MVP" [Most Valued Player] for 2024.
We look forward to his continued growth and are very proud of you "Sensei" Vann Woods!

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SPENCER KOBE
"STUDENT of the YEAR" & "MVP" - 2022
4th Degree Black Belt July 20th, 2024

Sensei Spencer Kobe is what a True "Martial Artist" is all about! He has set the standard High and continues to raise the bar. Spencer, as a student, listens, practices and implements the knowlege he learns putting it into action. He is one of a few that tries to reach the impossible. He is creative in all areas and Leads others in doing their best. As an Instructor, He is talented and productive in sharing his knowledge to others of all ages. He shines with technique and determination! He is a team player and a Strong Leader! He knows what he is doing and continues to seek perfection! We look forward to his continued efforts in helping make our students even better, that's why we made a new category of * "MVP" - Most Valuable Player" * as he not only demonstrated what made him this years 2022 "Student of the Year", but his influence is something that others look up to and follow! Congratulations and Thank you, "Sensei" Spencer Kobe!

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UTAH KARATE INSTITUTE'S

Youth Instructors

Adrienne SMITH
"YOUTH INSTRUCTOR of the YEAR" - 2025
4th Degree Black Belt - August 30th, 2025

Information Coming - Check Back Soon!

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Tori SMITH
"YOUTH INSTRUCTOR of the YEAR" - 2024
3rd Degree Black Belt - March 16th, 2024

Sensei Tori Smith stands out from the rest. She is devoted to doing her best and enjoys teaching all our students, both the youth and adults. She is remarkable, expressive and very talented while performing and demonstrates "Excellence" as an Instructor, Leader and all around person you want to meet. She shares and guides her students with empathy, giving all students the assistance they need, with positive feedback making the students welcome & proud. She has earned her 3rd Degree Black Belt in March 2024 as she now has accepted the call of her church to serve in Brazil. We are confident that she will continues to find herself reaching new goals in all areas she puts forth to achieve.
She has 9 other siblings and we are happy that she has chosen to grow here at Utah Karate Institute. We will miss you on your journey and are Very Proud of you "Sensei" Tori Smith!

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SOFIA SMITH
"YOUTH INSTRUCTOR of the YEAR" - 2023
4th Degree Black Belt August 30th, 2025

Sensei Sofia Smith has stood out from the rest. She is devoted to doing her best and strives to share that idea with all our students, both the youth and adults. She is remarkable in expressing her talent while performing and demonstrates "Excellence" as an Instructor and Leader. She shares and guides her students with empathy, giving all students the assistance they need, with positive feedback making the students welcome & proud. She earned her 3rd Degree Black Belt in March 2024 as she continues to find herself reaching new goals in all areas she puts forth to achieve. She is a twin in her family of 10 and we are happy that she has chosen to grow here at Utah Karate Institute. We are Proud of you "Sensei" Sofia Smith!

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KAITLIN BUELL
"YOUTH INSTRUCTOR of the YEAR" - 2022
4th Degree Black Belt July 20th, 2024

Sensei Kaitlin Buell is a remarkable young lady that has the ablility of any adult in her field. She demonstrates what an Instructor and Leader is all about. She gives students the assistance they need, giving positive feedback making the students welcome & proud. She has developed into an Awesome Instructor taking time for details while pushing herself further in every class. She has mastered the Fans & has taken a liking for the 3-Sectional Staff, making her a challenge in both competition and Kumite. She attends and runs at most all Belt Exams. She continues to hold Outstanding grades in school, now taking college classes. Her present ambition is in Chemistry for now, leading into the Medical field. Until recently she has lead with most of her time of instruction in the youth classes, but now continues to do so more in the adult classes, as her time has been limited as she seeks further goals in her education. She is an Outstanding Instructor that students of all ages continue to look up to. We are Proud of you "Sensei" Kaitlin Buell!

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UTAH KARATE INSTITUTE'S

HALL OF FAME

Evan Welch
Master Instructor - "Karate Shin-Toshi"
Hall of Fame 2018

Evan Welch 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 8 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

Garrett Brenchley
MASTER INSTRUCTOR - "Karate Shin-Toshi"

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.

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.

Utah Karate Institute's
RECONGNIZED INSTRUCTOR'S
and contributors to the system
Karate Shin-Toshi

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.

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