Jerry Edward Fisher

Jerry Edward Fisher, 77, born on June 19, 1936 in Rapid City, South Dakota, passed away March 24, 2014. He resided in Big Bear Lake, California, at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California.

Golden Gloves boxer in his teens. Martial arts instructor as an adult. Founder of one of the first mixed martial-arts styles in the country, combining elements of Western, Korean, Chinese, Okinawan and Japanese systems. Teacher, leader, organizer, and father. We all recognize the many roles that Jerry Fisher took on to shape the world of martial arts in California and beyond.

Mr. Fisher's legacy, though, will forever be measured in the changes he brought about in the lives of those who trained with him, worked alongside him in tournaments or as instructors. The students whose confidence, abilities, and courage he molded and developed have gone on themselves to mold and develop that strength of character in thousands of others around the world.

Though we all grieve at his loss, and know that his like shall not be seen again, yet we can honor his legacy by continuing it. You who are instructors yourselves, know that every student whose character you help build honors Mr. Fisher's life and legacy. Let them know that they, in turn, can carry it on by sharing the lessons and the legacy that he left us.

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." --Ecclesiastes 9:10