Michael Paul Upchurch

Precious husband, father, grandfather, son and brother passed away Friday, March 18, 2011. He was born February 27, 1951 in New Castle, IN. Michael had worked for the Indiana School for the Deaf from 1979 to 1993, Indianapolis Juvenile Correctional Facility from 1994 to 1997, Indiana Women’s Prison from 1997 to 2000, Center Grove Community Schools from 2000 to 2007, and most recently was the Director of Facilities at Ivy Tech Community College. Michael P. Upchurch, Sensei had over 40 years in Isshinryu Karate-Do and Ju Jitsu. He was an original Board Member for the Okinawan Karate-Do Union, as well as, a Board Member on the Tri-State Black Belt Association board. Michael P. Upchurch, Sensei was the TSRBBA Point Champion in Kata and Kobudo in the 1980’s. He also won 1st place in Kata and Kobudo in 1987 at the Isshinryu Hall of Fame Tournament in Tennessee. He was the first Tatsuo Shimabuku Award recipient from the OKU and received Master Instructor of the Year Award from the United States Martial Arts International Hall of Fame Association. Michael P. Upchurch, Sensei taught many students during this time and hosted the “Clash of Autumn Martial Arts Open” from 1983 to 1993.

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held Thursday, March 24, 2011 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Little & Sons Funeral Home, Stop 11 Road Chapel, 4901 E. Stop 11 Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46237. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.