Grand Master Welch began training in the Martial Arts in 1981 as a teenager. He received his promotion to Black Belt and opened his first DoJo (Studio) in 1983. Grand Master Welch worked his way to 3rd Dan (Sensi) and eventually to 4th Dan Black Belt under Grand Master Kang Rhee. He built his own Martial Arts studio in 1993 and Welch’s Karate Institute, Inc. “Where Jesus is Master” was born. He trained hundreds of students, many black belts were awarded in the 15 year history of this ministry. Along the way he received multiple awards. He was inducted into the Moo Honor Society, which requires a 100% vote on the nomination by all inductees. This award is for showing the true spirit of the martial arts, honor/courage/integrity/humility and a character above reproach.

 

He was also awarded the Presidential Sports Award for Tae-Kwon-Do for dedication and commitment to the Martial Arts and contribution to society in 1994 by then President Bill Clinton.

 

With the formation of the Shiloh Martial Arts Association by Master Robert Blackstone, Mr. Welch tested and   was promoted to 5th dan (Master) level in 1996, by Master Robert Blackstone.

 

Eventually Mr. Welch had the honor of meeting Professor Wayne Carman and coming under his leadership and tutelage and joined the International TCB Martial Arts Association and was promoted by Professor Wayne Carman to the rank of 7th Dan Black Belt.

In June of 2015 Mr. Welch was nominated and inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame as “Distinguished Master”.  During the same ceremony Mr. Welch was promoted to the rank of 8th Dan Black Belt by Grand Master Wayne Carman and elevated to the status of Grand Master and approved by 100% of the International Council of Grand Master’s.

 

Grand Master Welch holds the rank of 4th Degree Black belt with the PaSaRyu Tae Kwon Do Association, a 5th Degree Black Belt with the Shiloh Martial Arts Association and an 8th Degree Black Belt with the International TCB Martial Arts Association and his 8th Degree Grand Master’s Rank is recognized and certified by the International Martial Arts Council.

 

Mr. Welch also holds the rank of Associate Instructor Level 2 with the International Krav Maga Association, Israeli Krav Maga Police Defensive Tactics Instructor, as well as multiple Law Enforcement Use of Force Instructor Certifications. He is also over a 20 year veteran of local, county, state and federal law enforcement & law enforcement training.

 

Professor Welch has been awarded his Doctorate of Philosophy in Martial Science for his years of service, teaching, life experience and contributions to the Martial Arts community and Law Enforcement Training.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ETS Associate Staff and Instructors
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Associate / Adjunct Instructors Include:

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Professor Wayne Carman

Master James E. Hammock, Jr.

Master Samuel Lund

Gena Hedgepeth

Mark Ruda

Grand Master Robert Blackstone

 

©2015 Welchs Karate

 

Welchs Karate                                                                                            facebook.com/elitetrainingspecialists                                                                            Krav Maga Association