About Us
 Ron Leach, Hanshi and Vashon Borich-Leach, Sensei.
Vashon Borich-Leach, Sensei, has been studying, competing and assisting students in the martial arts since 1992. She is currently a 6th Dan (6th degree black belt) in both Seiyo No Shorin-Ryu Karate and Kyokushin Karate. She has over 4,000 hours in teaching youth and adult karate classes. From 1999-2009 she built her martial arts background in the Kyokushin-Kai Karate lineage. In 2010 Sensei Borich began working with Kaicho Harold Mead, 10th Dan and Hanshi Ronald Leach, 9th Dan Instructors in Seiyo No Shorin-Ryu Karate & Kobudo Kai. Her continued studies have added additional experience in traditional weapons, jujitsu and advanced martial arts techniques. Sensei Borich enjoys sharing this knowledge back to her students.
You can learn more about Sensei here (opens in new window) Ronald Leach, Hanshi relocated from Minnesota to Branson in 2014. Together with Borich Sensei they offer a variety of different Martial arts classes. Hanshi has studied and mastered many different martial arts styles through over 45 years of continuous study. He is an expert instructor who is considered a "teacher's teacher." Black belts from many different martial arts styles and schools come to him for advanced training. You can learn more about Hanshi here (opens in new window) Branson Karate & Kobudo is a branch school of Seiyo-no Shorin-ryu Karate/ Kobudo. The Branson branch was opened in August 2010. This karate system has schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri. The Seiyo-no Shorin-ryu system's founder is Master Harold Mead, and provides curriculum instruction in Shorin-ryu, Kyokushin, and Shurite karate along with kubodo traditional weapons systems such as Iaijutsu (sword). Seminars are also available by request in TUFF Chick™: Women's self-defense, TUFF Teen™: Youth bully prevention training, TUFF Guy™: Mens' tactical training for family protection, TUFF & Retired™: Personal safety and self defense for grandparents. We also have courses on Walking Cane defense, Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics and coed self-defense programs. Click here to learn more about our founder, Kaicho Harold Mead, and our system at newulmkarate.com/about/. (Page will open up in a new window.) 
Branson Karate is certified by Tiida Ryu Karate, the matsubayashi-ryū karatedō tenyōkan association.
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In 2022, Vashon Borich-Leach was a top 4 finalist for Remarkable Women of the Ozarks! You can view the KY3 news video and learn her story here:
www.ozarksfirst.com/news/local-news/springfields-remarkable-women-how-vashon-borich-leach-empowers-her-martial-arts-students/ 
Click for a free PDF copy of
Vashon Borich-Leach, Sensei's book! |
About Karate
Karate, builds confidence and self-esteem as well as self-discipline, respect, concentration and courtesy. It helps build leadership skills. It’s ideal for children or adults who do not do well in team sports, as it provides the ability to flourish, while combining physical and mental practices. Many do not realize this, but it is a fact that martial arts training is safer than most school sports. Children with special needs, such as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), learning difficulties and hyperactivity are often recommended to participate in karate because of the clear benefits in its structured training techniques. Of course, it is fantastic for self-defense and protection!
Some additional benefits:
· Improved reflexes and coordination
· Increased performance in all physical activities
· Increased strength and stamina so you feel great all day
· Increased flexibility and weight control for better overall fitness
· Cardiovascular workouts ( heart and lungs ) to keep you in top shape
· Greatly improved balance
Some additional benefits:
· Improved reflexes and coordination
· Increased performance in all physical activities
· Increased strength and stamina so you feel great all day
· Increased flexibility and weight control for better overall fitness
· Cardiovascular workouts ( heart and lungs ) to keep you in top shape
· Greatly improved balance
About Tai Chi and Qi Gong
Tai Chi is a system of slow meditative, physical exercise designed for relaxation, balance and health. When performed properly, it is moving tranquility coordinated with your breath. Qi Gong is a type of Chinese breath control and a series of breathing exercises. The intention of Qi Gong is to maintain good health and control the flow of vital energy.
Beginner's are welcome! Each class is formated so that beginners to intermediate students will gain knowledge without feeling "lost." You will be taught Wudang style tai chi. The Wudang style is considered by many to be the oldest style of Tai Chi Chuan. The Wudang Mountains near Hubei, China are considered the birthplace of Tai Chi Chuan.
Each class consists of warm up exercises, qi gong breathing techniques, tai chi postures, the principles of yin and yang... and more!
Join master instructor, Vashon Borich-Leach as she teaches you the beautiful arts of Tai Chi & Qi Gong.
Some of the benefits of Tai Chi & Qi Gong include:
Better health. It significantly improves balance, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility.
Asthma improvement. The breathing techniques are incredibly beneficial for sufferers of asthma.
Increased aerobic capacity. This has been demonstrated even in older adults (ages 55+) who practiced Tai Chi at least once per week.
Stress relief. The breathing, movement, and mental concentration creates a sense of calmness.
Improved joint health. The importance of proper postures and slow, fluid body movements protects and strengthens a Tai Chi practitioner’s joints for long-term health.
Fibromyalgia improvement. FM sufferers often see improvement in their symptoms and health-related quality of life.
Internal organ health. Tai Chi’s spiraling movements, breathing and meditation components, massages the internal organs. This eliminates constrictions brought about by stress, poor posture, and difficult working conditions. It also aids the exchange of gases in the lungs and assists the digestive system.
Beginner's are welcome! Each class is formated so that beginners to intermediate students will gain knowledge without feeling "lost." You will be taught Wudang style tai chi. The Wudang style is considered by many to be the oldest style of Tai Chi Chuan. The Wudang Mountains near Hubei, China are considered the birthplace of Tai Chi Chuan.
Each class consists of warm up exercises, qi gong breathing techniques, tai chi postures, the principles of yin and yang... and more!
Join master instructor, Vashon Borich-Leach as she teaches you the beautiful arts of Tai Chi & Qi Gong.
Some of the benefits of Tai Chi & Qi Gong include:
Better health. It significantly improves balance, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility.
Asthma improvement. The breathing techniques are incredibly beneficial for sufferers of asthma.
Increased aerobic capacity. This has been demonstrated even in older adults (ages 55+) who practiced Tai Chi at least once per week.
Stress relief. The breathing, movement, and mental concentration creates a sense of calmness.
Improved joint health. The importance of proper postures and slow, fluid body movements protects and strengthens a Tai Chi practitioner’s joints for long-term health.
Fibromyalgia improvement. FM sufferers often see improvement in their symptoms and health-related quality of life.
Internal organ health. Tai Chi’s spiraling movements, breathing and meditation components, massages the internal organs. This eliminates constrictions brought about by stress, poor posture, and difficult working conditions. It also aids the exchange of gases in the lungs and assists the digestive system.
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