Has studied the martial arts for over 35 years and currently
holds the title and rank of Kyoshi, Nanadan (7th Dan) in Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate-Do. He credits his martial arts skills & abilities to the following instructors:
HANSHI SHUGORO NAKAZATO (10TH DAN), Hanshi’s and Kyoshi's Minoru Nakazato, Masaru
Yonamine, F.D.R. Hargrove, J. Doug Perry, William Hayes, Eddie Bethea, Kenpo Kinjo, Bentoku Ifuku, Giyu
Gibo, Jiro Shiroma, and Tadashi Yamashita (all 7th, 8th & 9th Dans).
To ensure he stays proficient at this level, he travels
every year to Okinawa to study with his present instructor HANSHI SHUGORO NAKAZATO. He has also traveled to Virginia, Wisconsin, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, California, New York,
New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Illinois, Georgia, Maryland, Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Washington, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Michigan to further his studies at summer and winter
camps given by fellow instructors & students of HANSHI SHUGORO NAKAZATO and other instructors.
During this time in martial arts, he has taught over
3500 students and has personally promoted 22 students to Black Belt. He has competed
locally, nationally and internationally. Kyoshi Welch has won over 400 trophies
and awards in forms, weapons, sparring and breaking. In the last 18 years, he
has competed in a senior forms division (favorite katas are Passai Dai and Gojushiho) and has always placed within the
top 3.
Kyoshi Welch has taught Karate seminars in the USA,
Canada, Jamaica and St. Croix. He has been written about in several newspapers,
magazines and has appeared on national television.
