Biography

• A First Generation Disciple of Grandmaster Richard Lee. Disciple Name: Li Zhi Jun
• A Richard Lee 3rd Degree Black Belt.
• 3rd Tuan (Black Sash) under The World Kuo Shu Federation
• TWKSF Certified International Referee ‘A’
• Represented Richard Lee’s West Coast Team in National and International Competition:

  2015 – International Kuoshu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2006 – International Kuoshu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2006 – Northern Regional Kuo Shu Championships, Madison, WI.

  2005 – International Kuoshu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2005 – Northern Regional Kuo Shu Championships, Madison, WI.

  2003 – International Kuoshu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2001 – International Kuoshu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2001 – United States Open Kuo Shu Championships, San Francisco, CA.

  2000 – International Kuoshu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  1999 – International Kuoshu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

• Served as TWKSF EXECUTIVE Referee:

  2016 – International Kuo Shu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2014 – International Kuo Shu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2013 – International Kuo Shu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2012 – International Kuo Shu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

  2011 – International Kuo Shu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

• Served as TWKSF International Certified Referee:

  2008 – International Kuo Shu Championships, Baltimore, MD.

• Inducted into the Order of the Cobra – 2005.
• Inducted into the Bok-Fu-Do Hall of Fame – 2005.
• Presidents List Member since – 2002.
• Years of Experience: 13

Born in New Zealand, Mr. McKay spent many years traveling around the world until he found a home at East-West in 1999. He earned his instructor rank in 2000 and his black belt in 2005. He currently holds the rank of 3rd degree black belt in the Bok Fu Do system as well as 3rd Tuan under the World Kuoshu Federation. He has been a disciple of Grandmaster Richard Lee since 2012.

Mr. McKay has competed at National and International tournaments in forms, weapons, two person sets and Lei Tai. He was an Executive Referee for the International Kuo Shu Championships in Baltimore, MD in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016. He was also an Executive Referee at the 5th TWKSF Kuo Shu Tournament in Argentina, 2015.

Says Master Newman, “I truly believe Mitch McKay was meant to find his way to East West. What are the chances of a guy from New Zealand coming 6500 miles, walking through the doors of our school, then becoming a black belt and disciple? Mr. McKay has been instrumental in the physical building and improvement of the East West schools and we will always be grateful for his helpful spirit.”

Mr. McKay has helped to develop several students to instructor level. He has been a major factor in the build out of the San Ramon and Lafayette schools and has headed countless similar projects for the Alamo school.

Some words from Mr. McKay:

“It’s very hard for me to imagine life with out East West. In the thirteen years I’ve been studying here, I’ve learned a tremendous amount both from a physical standpoint, and more importantly mentally and emotionally. I am immeasurably thankful to be a part of this System, and most importantly to have the friends and what I consider my Bok-Fu-Do family.”