Ray Fisher (1961-Present) began his training in the martial arts in February 1977 in the internal styles of Taoist and Tibetan Chi Kung. He began his external martial arts training in February 1982 in Chinese Kenpo at TRACO International Schools of Self-Defense under the tutelage of Peter Hill and the direction of Grandmaster Tomas Connor. In addition to Kenpo, Professor Fisher’s training also included boxing and kickboxing under Tomas Connor II.
Due to the unfortunate and untimely passing of Grandmaster Connor in 1989, Professor Fisher continued his training under the direction of Master Connor’s son –Tomas Connor, Jr. On June 28, 1990, Professor Fisher was promoted to Shodan (1st degree black belt) in Chinese Kenpo by a panel of Grandmaster Connor’s senior students including Tom Connor Jr., Mr. Bill Packer (American Kenpo Karate Academies), Peter Hill and Steve Hansen.
Apart from the styles taught at TRACO International Schools of Self-Defense, Professor Fisher also trained in Aikido under Sensei John Takeji while a student at ASU. In addition to these arts, he has also studied Tai Chi Chuan, Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, Hsing-I Ch’uan, Kajukenbo and Kyusho Jitsu Okinawan Kempo.
He currently holds the rank of Rokudan (6th degree black belt) in Kenpo Jujitsu (American Jujitsu Institute), Rokudan (6th degree black belt) in Chinese Kenpo (Five Fingered Fist Society), Godan (5th degree black belt) in Kyusho Jitsu Okinawan Kempo (Dragon Society International) under Grandmasters Rick Moneymaker and Tom Muncy, Shichidan (7th degree black belt) in the Goju-Shorei Weapons Systems under Grandmaster Dave McNeill, and Shodan (1st degree black belt) in United States Kajukenbo Association under Richard Hurtado.
Professor Ray Fisher was the first person to be awarded a black belt in the Goju Shorei Weapons Systems (as a long distance student) outside of Grandmaster Dave McNeill’s home dojo in Nevada. He was then granted the honor of being the first instructor (outside of Grandmaster McNeill’s dojo) who could test and promote students in the Goju-Shorei Weapons System.
In April 1992, he was recommended by two of his instructors (Richard Hurtado and Ben Lomeli) to attend a closed black belt seminar in Hsing-I Ch’uan and Kajukenbo hosted by Dr. Vincent Black. At that time, Professor Fisher was tested and awarded the rank of Shodan (1st degree black belt) by the United States Kajukenbo Association. His testing panel included Adriano Emperado and Joseph Holke, two of the founding members of Kajukenbo.
Professor Fisher was introduced to the principles of Kyusho Jitsu in July 1990 at a seminar that featured Master Charlie Dean of Silsbee, Texas. He immediately recognized the value of this knowledge and saw that it was a missing answer to many of the questions he had in the martial arts. Kyusho Jitsu was THE link that would connect his various studies and gave him a deeper understanding of the martial arts.
Under the tutelage of Grand Masters Rick Moneymaker and Tom Muncy, Professor Fisher was able to blend together the various aspects of his training with an emphasis towards the hidden art of Tuite. He was awarded Shodan (1st degree black belt) from the To-Ri Karate Institute on February 22, 1992. On February 5, 1994, he was promoted to Sandan (3rd degree black belt) in Kyusho Jitsu from “The Masters” (Grand Masters George Dillman, Wally Jay, Remy Presas, Rick Moneymaker and Tom Muncy) in Houston, Texas at a national seminar.
Today, Professor Fisher is the head of Arizona Ch’uan Fa Society, which is located in Chandler, Arizona. For the past 34 years, Professor Fisher has been an extremely active member within the martial arts community. He has taught martial arts at grade schools, middle schools, high schools and colleges in the greater Phoenix area. Seven of his students have won National Champion titles in Kumite (sparring), Kata (forms) and Kubudo (weaponry). His students have also captured over 75 state championships. Professor Fisher was an avid tournament competitor for many years and has won numerous grand championships. He also is a two-time Arizona State Champion in Kata and Kubudo.
Expertise:
- Taoist and Tibetan Style Chi Kung
- Chinese Kenpo
- American Kenpo
- Okinawan Kempo
- Kenpo Jujitsu
- Kajukenbo
- Iron Body Qi Gong
- Torite Jutsu
- Kyusho Jitsu
- Tai Qi Ch’uan
- Hsing – I Chuan
- White Crane Kung Fu
- Aikido
- Kick-Boxing (World Kickboxing Association)
- Western Boxing
Ranks & Certifications:
- 7th Degree Black Belt (Goju- Shorei Weapons System)
- 6th Degree Black Belt (Five Finger Fist Society)
- 6th Degree Black Belt (American Jujitsu Institute)
- 5th Degree Black Belt (Dragon Society International)
- 5th Degree Black Belt (United States Karate Alliance)
- 3rd Degree Black Belt (Dillman Karate International)
- 1st Degree Black Belt (United States Kajukenbo Association)
Awards & Recognition:
- Certified – Touch For Health energy balancing – Level III
- Certified – Seifukujutsu – Level II
- Certified – Reiki Practitioner – Level II
- Certified – Instructor / Seifukujutsu (Hihon Kaifuku Amma) – Level I
- Professor Fisher was the first person ever granted a Seifukujutsu teaching license by the American Jujitsu Institute (prior to receiving their Level III practitioner’s license). His teacher, Professor Ken Eddy, requested and was granted special permission by the A.J.I. Board of Directors to award this honor in June of 2001.
- Elected to Who’s Who in America – 1996
- Co-Authored the Torite Jutsu Reference Manual – 1997
- Elected to World Martial Arts Hall of Fame – 1999
- Elected to United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame – 2003
- Co-Authored “The Edge – Teaching of a Karate Master” – 2013
- Youngest graduate in the world (at that time) of the Evelyn Woods Speed Reading Course -1974
- B.S. in Geography at Arizona State University – 1985
- Adjunct Professor at Southwest College of Naturopathic Healing Arts 1996-1998
- Adjunct Professor at Mesa Community College (2005 to present)
Testimonials for Grandmaster Ray Fisher:
“I have had the great privilege of training with Master Ray Fisher for approximately the past twelve years. Master Fisher’s students are all exceptionally fortunate to have the good fortune of training and receiving his wealth of knowledge to facilitate one’s ability to be the best martial artist they can be.
Master Fisher possesses a level of passion for the arts that is unparalleled! His manner of imparting knowledge makes learning, practicing and further imparting that learned knowledge to others a joy as his love for the arts is infectious!
As an atypical student in the arts, I began my journey, perhaps, much later in life than many students and I attribute my ability to have come so far a tribute to my teacher, Master Fisher. For without his guidance, patience, and absolute love for the arts, most likely I would never have been able to achieve as much as I have at this point in life.
In summation, all of Master Fisher’s students are truly blessed to be so fortunate to be in the company of such a extraordinary man.”
Mr. Jim Tulin – 12/31/2010
“Ray Fisher’s 33 year professional martial arts career is a shining example of what the arts are about. Ray’s cross training has rewarded him with Black Belts, awards, and knowledge from several disciplines. He has been able to pass on this deep understanding to his students resulting in many state and national champions, which epitomizes what a martial arts teacher aspires to accomplish. We are proud to have him as one of our Certified Instructors and look forward to spending many more years with him on our studies.”
Rick Moneymaker
Grandmaster of Dragon Society International
“I have known Ray Fisher for over twenty years and have received instruction in Kenpo karate, Goju-Shorei weapons, tai chi and Seifukijitsu from him. I have found that his dedication and enthusiasm for the martial arts is as unwavering as his genuine desire to help others in becoming better practitioners. His knowledge of meridians and acupressure points is integrated into all styles that he teaches — hands on, and with teaching aids. I am both grateful and honored to be able to call Professor Fisher, both my instructor and my friend.”
Aseem Kumar
“Ray Fisher’s thirty plus years of experience in the martial arts as a full time teacher and school owner/operator really speaks for itself. Ray has always considered himself a student as well as a teacher. He is open minded about martial arts and has elevated himself in several empty hand arts as well as weapon arts. He has received numerous honors and awards for his dedication to the practice and teaching of his art and has been an asset to the Dragon Society International organization since its inception. It has been a pleasure to work with such a dedicated student of martial arts.”
Prof. Tom Muncy, Grandmaster
Dragon Society International
“I have had the pleasure and honor of knowing Ray Fisher for over 2 decades. During that time, I have found him to be a martial artist driven for knowledge and an instructor that strives to serve his students. I have watched Ray overcome personal tragedies and challenges that would have defeated lesser martial artists.
Mr. Fisher’s knowledge of the art and service to others is why I give my endorsement to him. His addition to your organization will add further credit to you and your work. If you have any questions or, if I may be of further service, please do not hesitate to contact me.”
Jeremy Howden
American Institute of Kenpo
9431 East 22nd St. #161
Tucson, AZ 85710
(W) (520) 298-9805
“Master Ray Fisher has been a long time student of Goju-Shorei Weapons and a long time friend. He is also the highest ranked active member of Goju-Shorei Weapons System.
Master Fisher’s commitment to Goju-Shorei Weapons System, and to his students, have set a high mark for the many schools in the System. Master Fisher is the person I turn to for editing of the written curriculum of our system and his eye for details is much appreciated.
Any student advancement under Master Fisher you can be assured was earned. His tests are hard, comprehensive and fair, and he asks no less of himself.
Dedication and High Standards are the hallmarks of Master Ray Fisher.”
Dave McNeill
Soke, Goju-Shorei Systems
“I recommend Ray Fisher as the Kenpo master that he is. He has high quality expectations of his students; which is reasonable as he maintains high quality in his own performance. He can expect accuracy in kata and techniques because he maintains the accuracy in his own demonstration. When he pushes his students athletically, it is reasonable because he maintains the athleticism himself.
He cares more about the maintenance of quality in student training than in just making money, which is evidenced in his absence of testing fees. He cares about both the art (as well as the martial aspects) in the system in addition to caring about the students. In all matters, he is an excellent example of a martial arts master.”
David Waite
“To the Directors and Members of the illustrious Dragon Society,
This letter is to endorse my friend, student and fellow martial artist, Sensei Ray Fisher. I have known Sensei Fisher for over 16 years and have related to him through the martial arts as well as on a personal level.
Sensei Fisher is a man of true integrity and has demonstrated many times his respect for all people. He has compassion for all and a commitment to high moral standards; he maintains the ideals that strengthen and support the martial arts and the community. He has done all of this as he raised a family by himself (a difficult task for any single parent).
Ray trains very hard and strives for perfection in all of his endeavors.
Sensei Fisher is an excellent student and is a friend that can always be counted on in times of distress.
I consider Sensei Fisher to be an excellent representative for the martial arts community and an asset to any group or community in which he participates.”
Prof. Kenneth Eddy, AJI
“Master Ray Fisher has been an extraordinary influence on my life. I first met Master Fisher in 1992 when I walked into ACS Karate. At the time, I knew very little of what to expect but he sat me down and went over my goals and how he would be able to help me attain them. About 6 months later, Master Fisher sat me down for a talk that I will never forget. To paraphrase, it went something like this: “Mr. Gale you have talent but are not taking your training seriously. If you decide to continue with ACS, I will train you personally but you need to re-commit yourself. If you do not want to continue, I will rip up your contract right here on the spot.”
I guess that’s exactly what I needed to hear. 18 years later I am grateful that he took the time to even give me the opportunity. Master Fisher has changed my life. One of the most important lessons I learned from Master Fisher is to take what the Martial Arts has taught me and apply it to everyday life. There is not a day that goes by that I do not apply some principle or strategy that was taught to me.
I am extremely thankful that he is in my life and I have seen hundreds of students changed for the better by Master Fisher. Now that I have been training for this length of time and have been introduced to the world of Martial Arts, I now realize what a true Martial Artist Master Fisher is. He continues to amaze me with his knowledge and his drive to continue to learn and better himself, both externally and internally. Master Fisher is an amazing man and I want to Thank you Sir… from the bottom of my heart for putting me on the right path and making sure I stuck to it.”
Greg Gale
Nova Home Loans
Senior Loan Officer
D 480-614-6410
C 602-743-4679
C 949-291-8644
F 480-389-2549
