Criteria for the Shihan title within the USCKF include at least 35 years of age, rank of Yon Dan or higher, and 25 years of training and service to the organization. In addition, the title may be awarded to individuals below the rank of Yon Dan if the the other two requirements are met and the individual has exhibited extraordinary dedication and service to the organization. There is no fee or test involved, the title of Shihan is an honor to the organization as much as it is to the individual. An individual may not apply for the title.

William J. Dometrich, Hanshi Ku Dan (Ninth Degree Black Belt) DNBK Certified Chairman and Chief Instructor USCKF Began study of Karate in 1952 Promoted to Sho Dan 1954 Promoted to Shichi Dan and title "Kyoshi" by O-Sensei 1971 Promoted to Hachi Dan and title "Hanshi" by Hanshi Tesshin Hamada of the Dai Nippon Butokukai (DNBK) 1999 Promoted to Ku Dan by DNBK in Kyoto, Japan 2008

Barbara E. Dometrich (Okusan), Kyoshi Roku Dan (Sixth Degree Black Belt) DNBK Certified Co-Founder USCKF USCKF Chief Administrator Began Study of Karate in 1962 Also holds black belts in Kendo and Iaido

Lawrence C. Hawkins, Jr., Esq., Kyoshi Hachi Dan (Eighth Degree Black Belt) DNBK Certified  Chief Advisor. Chairman Emeritus USCKF Began study of Karate in 1961 Chief Instructor Yoseikan II Dojo, Cincinnati, OH

Sherry Kembre, Renshi Rokku Dan (Sixth Degree Black Belt) DNBK Certified Began Study of Chito-ryu 1971 USCKF Vice Chair and Assistant Administrator Associate Instructor Yoseikan Hombu Dojo

Arthur Rott, Shihan 1918-November 2001 Shichi Dan (Seventh Degree Black Belt) awarded posthumously Began study of Karate in 1966 Founder Yoseikan Apopka, Apopka, FL

Jerry Beshears, Kyoshi Roku Dan (Sixth Degree Black Belt) DNBK Certified Began study of Chito-ryu 1967 Associate Instructor Yoseikan Honbu Dojo

Joseph J. Schertler, Shihan 12/2/17 - November, 1987 Yon Dan (Forth Degree Black Belt) Received Shihan title posthumously 10/18/98

Stephen Wilhelm, Renshi Roku Dan (Sixth Degree Black Belt) DNBK Certified Began Study of Karate in 1967 Also holds rank in Aikido Associate Instructor Yoseikan Hombu Dojo

Manuel Byers, Renshi Roku Dan (Sixth Degree Black Belt) DNBK Certified Began Study of Chito-ryu 1972

James Matthews, Renshi Roku Dan (Sixth Degree Black Belt) DNBK Certified USCKF Judicial Committee Began Study of Chito-ryu 1961

Cyna Khalily, MD, Renshi Roku Dan (Sixth Degree Black Belt) DNBK Certified Began Study of Chito-ryu 1981 USCKF Assistant Administrator and Medical Advisor Chief Instructor Yoseikan Takanoko Dojo, Louisville, KY

Terry Collis, Shihan Roku Dan (Sixth Degree Black Belt) DNBK Certified Began Study of Chito-ryu 1962

Michael Colling, Renshi Go Dan (Fifth Degree Black Belt) DNBK Certified Began study of Chito-ryu 1971, joined USCKF 1996 Chief Instructor Marion Bridge Yoseikan, Nova Scotia, Canada