Ulises Yossef Ramos—professionally known as Sensei Uly or Shihan Uly (an honorific title for high-ranking instructors)—is a distinguished martial artist and fitness trainer with a compelling personal journey that reflects resilience, dedication, and a commitment to community.

Family Heritage and Ancestry Sensei Uly hails from a rich and diverse heritage, with his family lineage predominantly Garifuna. This tribe of Arawakan Native Americans is descended from Amerindians and Blacks who were exiled from Saint Vincent after leading a revolt against colonial oppression. Their exile to Roatan marks a legacy of strength and defiance, which Sensei Uly embodies in his own life. He believes that the spirit of a warrior is deeply embedded in his ancestral lineage, guiding him through life's challenges and fueling his passion for martial arts.

In addition to his Garifuna roots, Sensei Uly is of mixed race, with Hispanic and European ancestry through his father. This diverse background enriches his perspective and influences his approach to teaching and connecting with students from various walks of life.

Faith and Community Connection Sensei Uly practices the Jewish faith, which plays a significant role in shaping his values and approach to life. He holds a deep connection to Israel and the Middle East, viewing his faith as a source of strength, guidance, and community. This connection informs his interactions with students and emphasizes the importance of compassion, respect, and understanding across diverse backgrounds. His faith encourages him to foster an inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered.

Early Life and Challenges Born in Honduras and raised primarily in Harlem, New York, Sensei Uly's early life was marked by significant challenges. Growing up in a single-parent household, his mother worked tirelessly in minimum-wage jobs to provide for the family. Despite their financial struggles, she instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance. Sensei Uly faced many hardships during his childhood, including living in homeless shelters and navigating the complexities of life in NYC housing projects, such as the Ralph J. Rangel Houses near the Polo Grounds Towers.

Despite these obstacles, he developed a strong sense of determination and resilience. His circumstances pushed him to seek out positive outlets and opportunities, which not only allowed him to learn to make friends and good decisions but also instilled in him a vow to never return to the conditions in which he grew up. This commitment drives his desire to teach others to follow their dreams and persevere.

The Path to Martial Arts From a young age, Sensei Uly discovered martial arts as a vital outlet for his energy and emotions. He began practicing karate before exploring other community programs, recognizing the transformative power of martial arts in his life. Seizing every opportunity offered to him, he participated in various activities, including dance lessons, art classes, and the Youth and Government program at the YMCA. He traveled to Queens to escape the negative influences of his neighborhood, which further fueled his desire to succeed and make a positive impact on his community.

His passion for karate became the foundation for his future endeavors, and he quickly became dedicated to mastering the art. His journey in martial arts was shaped significantly by his mentor, Kushinda Lamarr Thornton, the founder of the Kushinda Ryu system. Thornton not only taught him the techniques and philosophy of martial arts but also took him under his wing, informally adopting him as his son.

In addition to Thornton, Sensei Uly was also guided by Arthur Georges, who served as both a sensei and a grandfather figure in his life. Georges' wisdom and mentorship further enriched Sensei Uly’s journey, providing him with additional support and guidance throughout his martial arts training.

Achievements and Recognition With over 20 years of dedicated practice, Sensei Uly has achieved remarkable success in martial arts. He holds black belts in Kushinda Ryu Shotokan-Goju and Shotokan and is widely recognized as a master in Shotokan Karate. His extensive achievements include numerous state, national, and world championship titles, as well as multiple Hall of Fame inductions that celebrate his contributions to the martial arts community.

In addition to his competitive success, Sensei Uly graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Queens College, demonstrating his commitment to education and personal growth.

Uly Karate & Fitness As the owner of Uly Karate & Fitness, a studio specializing in karate, kickboxing, boxing, group fitness, and personal training, Sensei Uly combines his business acumen with his passion for fitness. He is also proficient in boxing and kickboxing, bringing a comprehensive approach to his training programs. His studio provides a welcoming environment for students of all ages and backgrounds, promoting health, wellness, and self-improvement. He believes that martial arts should be accessible to everyone, and he specializes in teaching individuals with disabilities and special needs, ensuring that they, too, can experience the benefits of martial arts training.

Professional Affiliations and Representation Sensei Uly is a sponsored athlete for the martial arts brands Top Ten and Fighters-Inc, reflecting his commitment to excellence in the sport. He is also a long-standing member of the Team DKS International Professional Karate team, led by owner and coach Raul Diaz in Miami, Florida. This affiliation provides him with opportunities to train and compete at a high level while connecting with fellow martial artists who share his dedication.

Moreover, Sensei Uly proudly represents Honduras at the World Karate & Kickboxing World Championships, showcasing his skills on an international stage and inspiring others with his journey from humble beginnings to global recognition.

Teaching Philosophy Drawing from his life experiences—such as dealing with gang violence, being bullied for being different, being a Black Latino, and being raised by Muslim mentors while being Jewish himself—Sensei Uly emphasizes the importance of diversity and understanding in his teaching approach. He strives to create an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and understood. By sharing his journey, he hopes to inspire others to overcome their challenges and embrace their unique identities.

Through his dedication, knowledge, and compassion, Sensei Uly continues to make a lasting impact on his students, empowering them to develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of community through the practice of martial arts.