January 2002 - The Northern KY University karate club was re-established by Hanshi Dometrich and Dr. Willie Elliott. The original club was established in 1973 by Hanshi Dometrich. As Hanshi's responsibilities became more demanding at the Covington police dept. and the U.S Army Reserves Hanshi turned over the club to one of his senior students. Eventually, the class became a combination of Shotokan and Chito-ryu, as the student Hanshi had entrusted, decided to go out on his own. NKU asked Hanshi to re-establish the club in January 2002 as a credit course. Groundwork has also been laid to once again establish a karate program at Thomas Moore College in Villa Hills, Ky. The classes will begin in February 2003 under the leadership of Hanshi Dometrich and Kyoshi Van Horne.

The annual Kangeiko was held January 25, 2002. Taught by Kyoshi Davenport who was assisted by Bill Jansak (Yoseikan II, Cincinnati Ohio.) For those who have experienced Kangeiko there are actually no words to describe it. For those who have not had the experience: SIGN UP! You will ask yourself, “What am I doing here? Why am I doing this?" After the reward of a cup of green tea at the end of this unique workout, you will know for yourself what it’s all about.
February 16, Shihan James Matthews held his annual seminar in West Palm Beach, Florida. Hanshi Tsuruoka and Hanshi Dometrich were the invited guest instructors.  At 7 am the students assembled on the beach for training. After breakfast Hanshi Tsuruoka worked with some of the students at the beach before the actual seminar, which was held in a local recreation center. After the seminar the West Palm Beach karate club had a potluck dinner for all those in attendance. That evening we all met, and went to a Chinese buffet for a wonderful meal of sushi and seafood. Students came from the Honbu in Kentucky and Kyoshi Hawkins attended with some of his students from Yoseikan II in Ohio, the Tampa and Orlando Chito-ryu dojos were in attendance as well as Michael Fleetwood from Savannah GA
February 24, 2002 "Superfoot" Bill Wallace taught a seminar at NKU. He was sponsored by Sonny Barker of Barker's Karate School, Highland Heights Kentucky. Members in attendance from the Honbu were Sherry Kembre, Dan Schmidt, Eva Dupuis-Nouille. Leamon Collier from Yoseikan II Cincinnati Ohio was also in attendance. Sensei Wallace taught a very nice class on stretching and kicking (of course that’s what he does best). After the seminar Hanshi and Okusan attended a dinner for Sensei Wallace, later that evening they met with several members of the Honbu, and Yoseikan II, along with Kyoshi Davenport, at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati, OH to attend a concert by the Shaolin Monks. It was a very entertaining evening. 

March 3, 2002 - The Ohio AAU State Karate tournament was held in Cincinnati Ohio by Sensei K.Nishiyma, the state representative for the AAU. Several Chito-kai members from the Honbu dojo and the Yoseikan II, Cincinnati Ohio placed and went on to the regionals.  Jerry Wellbrock and Don Schmidt helped with the refereeing and judging as they are certified with the AAU. Several other Chito-ryu members were able to assist during the day. 

March 16, 2002 - Ik-kyu and Black Belt testing was held at the Yoseikan Hombu. Seven students tested for the rank of Ik-kyu through San-dan; Seven students failed. A seminar was held immediatly following the test at Northern Kentucky University. Instructors were Hanshi Dometrich, Kyoshi Davenport, and Renshi Byers. After the seminar a banquet was held att a local Chinese resteraunt to celebrate Hanshi's 67th birthday.

May 9, 2002 Carl Robinson of Karate Fitness USA, in Florence, Kentucky hosted the Kentucky State AAU Tournament at the Drawbridge Inn in Ft. Mitchell Kentucky.  Again, Jerry Wellbrock and Don Schmidt were there helping with the officiating, along with several other Yudansha of the Chito-kai organization. Hanshi Dometrich was on hand to help arbitrate and to sign his new autobiography “The Endless Quest", several members of the Yoseikan II and Kami Yama dojos and the Honbu qualified to compete in the AAU Regionals, which would be held in Chicago Ill. on April 20, 2002. 

March 29 through April 4,2002 - Hanshi and Okusan accompanied their daughter Sherry Kembre and her children, Kira and Dylan, along with her mother-in-law Edith Edwards, to attend the National Teacher's Conference held by the Catholic Archdiocese.  Sherry had already had Teacher of the Year bestowed on her by her district in Ohio and was now to receive the National Teacher of the Year award. While there, Hanshi explored the area, found the local karate school, and managed to help teach a class. We were able to spend some time exploring the famous Boardwalk. 

April 20-21, 2002 - Hanshi and Okusan, Jerry Wellbrock, Don Schmidt, Sherrry Kembre, Eric Ernest, Theresa Brandenburger, Eva Dupius-Nouille, Cheryl Widener and Laurie Apchin traveled to Chicago to compete in the AAU Regionals. This was only four days before Hanshi and Okusan were to accompany a group to the World Butokusai in Kyoto, Japan. Jerry, Don and Hanshi worked the two days refereeing and judging. Sherry, Theresa, Eva, Cheryl and Eric all qualified to go to the National Tournament to be held in Salt Lake City, Utah in July. 

Kyoto Japan April 24-May 4, 2002 - Twenty- One members of the Midwest Division of the Dai Nippon Butokukai, with representative Hanshi William J. Dometrich traveled to Kyoto to attend the World Butokusai. Our group met up with Hanshi Hamada's group from Virginia, in Detroit, Michigan to travel to Osaka Japan. There were over one hundred martial artists on the plane. Upon Arriving in Osaka, a bus was dispatched to take us to our destination of Kyoto. We spent one week there attending seminars, meetings, demonstrations and sightseeing. Twenty-one countries attended the Butokusai. Our group of twenty-one, along with Michael Colling from Nova Scotia Canada, spent the second week staying at the Osaka Hilton and exploring the castles, shopping arcades and sampling the foods. Some of us were even brave enough to venture on the train and travel back to Kyoto for some additional shopping. 

Sensei Inamoto arrived in Kentucky on May 4th to visit with Hanshi's daughter Devorah Herbst who is the official representative for Ryuku Kobudo in the United States.  Sensei Inamoto had come to the U.S to accompany Devorah on a tour of the U.S and Canada teaching Kobudo. While here he visited the Yoseikan Honbu and helped teach a special class for Chito-ryu students along with Hanshi Dometrich
The AAU National Karate Championships were held in Salt Lake City,Utah July 1 - 6, 2002. Hanshi Dometrich, Okusan, Jerry Wellbrock, and Don Schmidt flew out as the advance party. Sherry Kembre her children Kira and Dylan, and Theresa Brandenburger flew out the next day. Eva and her son Keir had arrived a day earlier. Cheryl Widener was unable to attend due to back problems. Wes Ernest and his son Eric where already there when we arrived staying in a condo near the Olympic village. The tournament was five days long so most of every day was spent at the convention hall.  Eva had rented a van and on our free time we had the opportunity to visit the Olympic Village (which was very impressive) we visited the Mormon church and the Salt Lake which I must say, wasn't a pleasant smell. Each evening we would take turns suggesting a different dinner restaurant, I think we tried them all!  Eric was disqualified for knocking out his opponent. However Sherry Kembre went on to the finals and took third in kata and second in kumite in the black belt division Theresa Brandenburger took second in kumite and kata in the senior black belt division. Tori Griffith from Sensei Byers’ dojo in Cincinnati, Ohio, placed third in kumite in the brown belt division.

July 20, 2002 - The United States Chito-Kai held its annual summer training at Big Bone Park, Kentucky. Ninety-four students attended this year from Kentucky, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Florida, Georgia, and Puerto Rico. The training was taught by the senior black belts of the organization and a class of Kobudo was taught by Devorah Herbst. After the training, Kathy Webster and a few of the wives of members of the honbu had a cookout with plenty of good food for everyone.   

July 2002 - the United States Chito-Kai re-established the Chito-ryu dojo in Puerto Rico, with Juan Rodriguez as the Instructor, Several years ago the U.S. Chito-Kai had a dojo under the leadership of Diego Cardin, this school didn't comply with the guidelines of the organization so they lost their charter. Juan Rodriguez has traveled to Kentucky on several occasions for training and senior students with Hanshi Dometrich have plans to visit Puerto Rico in 2003.   

The end of July early August Hanshi and Okusan took a vacation and traveled to Montana to visit with Sensei Paul Menkhaus and his wife Claire. Hanshi and Paul trained in kata and time was spent sightseeing the Rocky Mountians. After leaving Montana we traveled to Colorado, and ended up in Branson, Missouri visiting with our friends Wayne and Susan Carmen, Wayne Carmen wrote a book entitled Elvis's Karate Legacy. Sensei Carmen was a friend and training partner of Elvis. Elvis Pressley held a sho-dan (first degree black belt in Chito-ryu). He studied with Hank Slemansky, a Chito-ryu stylist, while stationed in Germany with the U.S Military. Elvis was promoted to Sho-dan in 1960. O-Sensei Dr. Chitose confirmed this on his last trip to Kentucky in 1982. If you would be interested in this book, write to Legacy Entertainment Inc. 208 E. College St, suite 1. Branson Mo. 65616. or e-mail legacyentertament@tri-lakes.net. 

 September 12, 2002. The Yoseikan Students at the Honbu lost their dearest friend and den mother, as Hanshi always referred to Mrs. Ruth Roaden who lived next door to the Honbu dojo. Ruth was always there for whatever was needed. Ruth was 82 years old and was in failing health for the last couple of years. We already miss her being there for us.

The 10th annual Windy City karate tournament hosted by Joe Gonzales in Chicago Illinois was held on September 14 and 15, 2002. Due to prior commitments there were not any students available to attend, as school had just begin and vacations were over. Hanshi and Okusan did attend to support Sensei Gonzales. Hanshi Dometrich was honored with an award for his support of the Windy City Tournament for the past 10 years. 

The United States Chito-Kai annual Black Belt testing, seminars and banquet was held on October 25- 26, 2002. All the events except for the testing, which was held at the Yoseikan Honbu in Covington, were held at the Drawbridge Inn and Convention Center in Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky. Guest instructors were Hanshi Masami Tsuruoka and Hanshi John Sells, author of the book Unante. Hanshi Dometrich was also one of the seminar instructors.  Each instructor rotated to three different groups every hour for three hours. The groups were made up of black belts, green and brown belts, and white, yellow and orange. Total attendance was 194. Students had the opportunity to have Hanshi Sells and Hanshi Dometrich autograph books that were purchased at the seminar. Hanshi Sell's book “Unante: an in Depth History of the Martial Arts”, and Hanshi Dometrich's autobiography “The Endless Quest”. After the seminars the annual awards banquet was held, 207 students and friends attended.  Results of the testing were announced, and certificates were awarded to those who had tested in the March 2002 test. Special awards were given to outstanding students and supporters of the US Chito-kai. 

October 2002 US Chito-kai Testing, Seminars & Banquet

The US Chito-ryu Karate Federation held it's bi-annual Yudansha testing, seminars and banquet Saturday, October 26. We were fortunate to not only have Hanshi Dometrich in attendance, but Hanshi Masami Tsuruoka and Hanshi John Sells as well. All three of these men conducted seminars during that phase of the events.

The day began early as those members testing gathered at the hombu dojo at 7:00am in preparation for the testing at 8:00am. There were 22 people testing for the ranks of Ik-kyu thru Go-dan. The test began with all members completing a written exam covering the areas of Okinawan & Japanese karate history, technical information relating to karate in general and Chito-ryu specifically and medical information in relation to injuries. Each members had already written an essay consisting of 500 words or more depending on the student's test rank. These essay are written on various topics ranging from Loyality to your Sensei, Theory and Counter Theory, The Importance of Understanding Martial Arts History, etc,.

Yon-dan & Go-dan testing was conducted first and three members would test for these ranks. Ik-Kyu, Sho-dan, Ni-dan & San-dan testing followed. The physical portion of the test consisted of basic waza, kata, San-bon & Ippon kumite and Jiju-kumite. The testing process lasted for approximately four hours. After the testing of 22 members, 14 members were advanced to the following ranks:

* Ik-kyu; Eva Dupuis Nouille, Roy Moser, Joe Campa, (All of the Hombu dojo), Gordan Levin (Orlando, Fl.), Jaclyn Krah, Julia Thaller & Brian Buirge (All of the Pittsburgh North dojo), Jackie Cross (West Virginia dojo).
* Sho-dan; Taryn Cunba, Eric Ernest (Hombu dojo) Danielle James (Frankfort dojo), Leamon Collier (Yoseikan 2 Cincinnati, OH dojo), Latorria Griffith (Kama Yama dojo Woodlawn Ohio ).
* San-dan; Mike Messinger (West Virginia dojo)

After grading the final written exams we were very pleased that every student passed and most made in the upper 90's. This is a turn around since several students were failing in every rank when this portion of the test was originally initiated. I can personally state (since I developed the test) that this is not easy. It was obvious that the students were listening to their teaches and were studying.

After the testing process everyone moved to the Draw Bridge Inn which was to be the seminar & banquet locations. There would be 160 students attending the three seminars. Seminar were divided by into three groups consisting of group one; Yellow belt & Orange belts. Group two; Green Belts & Brown Belts. Group three; all Yudansha ranks. Each of the three main instructors taught a block of instruction to each group.

Hanshi Tsuruoka covered basic bio-mechanics during all of his seminars and included bunkai from Ni-Sei-Shi kata for the green & brown belts. It does not take but a few seconds to quickly realize that Tsuruoka Sensei can greatly increase one's power and speed through his emphases on proper body connections. I have personally had the opportunity to train with him many times and to teach along side him in numerous seminars and he still amazes me with the ease of his speed and power. I have seen many, many seasoned karate men half his age attempt to block his punch and not a single one has done it. Hanshi Tsuruoka has had two books written about his methods of karate. The Spirit of Karate-Do Teaching of Masami Tsuruoka and Spirit of the Sensei A Study of Japanese Martial Arts. Both of these books were written by his student Mr. Andrew Bowerbank of Canada.

Hanshi Sells taught several kata during his three seminars. These kata consisted of Aragaki Sochin and Kenshu which was developed by the founder of Shito-ryu, Sensei Kenwa Mabuni. He also covered Hakucho-dai. Sensei Sells' method of teaching impressed everyone. He taught with authority, but no arragance and he was very patient and understanding of those members less coordinated than himself and requiring a little more energy to teach. There is no doubt that this is one of the reasons he is so well liked in the martial arts community. Sensei Sells is the author of a book entitled "Unante" which many have called the authority on Okinawan & Japanese karate history.

Hanshi Dometrich covered basic and advanced Chito-ryu techniques as well as the kata Ni-Sei-Shi along with the bunkai for this kata as developed by Dr. Chitose himself. The techniques as taught by Dometrich Sensei make maximum use of the principles of economy of motion and explosive action initiated by the use of hip vibration. Stance transitions were covered with emphases on the ability to explode from one posture to another with maximum force. Rinten & Hanten Irimi applications were covered as well. When one observes the methods of applications as taught by Dometrich Sensei it is easy to see that these applications are above all else, highly functional. This is not a surprise to anyone who knows that he served as a police officer for well over 20 years and had the misfortune or fortune (Depending on how one looks at it) of being in a position to apply these techniques when someone is doing their best to escape or strike back. Hanshi Dometrich has also written a book entitled "The Endless Quest" This book relates the early studies of Hanshi Dometrich when he first began his training in Japan over 50 years ago under the founder of Chito-ryu, Dr. Chitose.

We were fortunate to have Sensei Dan Smith of Seibukan stop by to join in the training. It was good to see him and share some time with him. He is a very knowledgeable karate Sensei and always easy to talk to. Both Kyoshi VanHorne and I have visited him in his home many times and trained with him and his teacherHanshi Zempo Shimabukuro. He is a very special person who treats everyone well.

We were also fortunate to have in attendance Sensei James Morrone a Shoto-kan stylist from Detroit. Sensei Morrone has been a long time friend of Hanshi Dometrich for many years.

We were fortunate to have two of our Canadian brothers attending. Sensei Mike Colling and Mr. Chris Johnson. Sensei Colling runs a dojo in Nova Scotia. Mr. Johnson has recently translated a couple of book. One of these translations is entitled "Kempo Karate Universal Art of Self-Defense". This book was the first book ever written by Dr. Chitose and was originally published in the early 1950's. The second book is entitled "Aikido Shugyo Harmony in Confrontation" and was written by the Aikido Sensei Gozo Shioda of the Yoshin-kan style of Aikido.

After the seminars several schools gave demonstrations of their skill.

The evening ended with the banquet. There were 192 people in attendance. The banquet began with a very nice meal. Past rank advancements were acknowledged by the issuing of rank certificates. Several gifts were exchanged. US Chito-kai annual awards of recognition were awarded for outstanding contribution to the organization:

* Shihan James Matthews (West Palm Beach, FL) - Nempai (Older brother/sister)
* Kathy Webster (Hombu Dojo) - (Sempai Big brother/sister)
* Shawna Lingo (Yoseikan II Cincinnati, OH) - Kohai (Younger brother/sister)
* Cyna Khalily (Yoseikan II Cincinnati, OH) - Chi (Wisdom)
* Johanna Willis (Hombu Dojo) - Gin (Benevolence)
* Eric Ernest (Hombu Dojo) - Yu (Valor)
* Shihan Barbara Tarzynski (West Virginia) - Annual Joe Petty Children Award
* Renshi Terry Valentino (Pittsburgh North) - Sensei of the Year
* Juan Rodruiguez (Puerto Rico) - newest school
* Laurie Apchin (France) - travelled farthest to the clinic
* Hombu Dojo Outstanding Awards: Renshi Jerry Beshears, Don Schmidt, Russell Banks
Several members were promoted and issued titles. Hanshi Dometrich awarded:
* Sensei Joe Hedderman the rank and title of 7th Dan, Kyoshi in Jujutsu as issued by the Dai Nippon Butokukai. Sensei Hedderman has studied Jujutsu for over 50 years and has remained a 4th Dan for well over 30 years after the death of his Jujutsu Sensei
* Kyoshi to Sensei Lawrence Hawkins, Jr.
* Renshi & 6th Dan to Sensei Terry Valentino
* Renshi to Sensei Jerry Wellbrock
* Renshi to Sensei Sherry Kembre
* Renshi to Sensei Manuel Byers
* Sensei Cyna Khalily was awarded the title Shihan.

Congratulations to all.

Sensei Nishime of Matsubayashi-ryu and a direct student of the founder Sensei Shoshin Nagamine was also present at the banquet and it was good to see him.

The complete event could not have happened without the guiding hands of Kyoshi Barbara Dometrich, Renshi Sherry Kembre and Kathy Webster. Thank you for a wonderful event.

November 2,2002 Hanshi and Okusan Dometrich, Kyoshi Davenport, and Renshi Michael Colling of Nova Scotia drove to Dothan, Georgia to pay respects to Mamoru Yamamoto, founder of the World Yoshukai organization. Sensei Yamamoto was a student of Dr.Tsuyoshi Chitose and left him in 1971 to found his own organization.  Hanshi Dometrich and Yamamoto had not seen each for more then ten years. The Yoshukai organization hosted a Karate tournament in Dothan under the guidance of Mike Culbreth and Hiroaki Toyama.

December 16, 2002 - Hanshi and Okusan travelled to Pittsburgh, PA to attend a Christmas party hosted by the Yoseikan of Pittsburgh South Dojo. Hanshi Dometrich presented certificates to Kyoshi Hedderman, head instructor of the Pittsburgh South Dojo, for Kyoshi and Shichi-dan in Jiu-jitsu. These certificates were awarded by the Dai Nippon Butokukai. Kyoshi Hedderman had travelled to Kyoto, Japan in April to demonstrate before the Hanshi Board at the World Butoku Sai. The Christmas party was well attended by students, friends and family. A buffet dinner was served and the young people put on a Christmas pagent, singing several songs inspired and led by Susan Sbuscio. Santa Claus (played by Stan Penkaala) was in attendance and gave the kids candy and gifts.