By: Erin Hagedorn

After an amazing weekend, it’s no surprise that I have got karate on the brain.  I was one of more than 20 members who made the annual pilgrimage from Charlottesville to Kentucky.  Training at the 2009 United States Chito Kai Fall Clinic was held November 7, 2009 at the Drawbridge Inn in Fort Mitchell Kentucky.  Over 100 karate-ka showed up for a memorable seminar. 

This year we were honored to have Hanshi Dometrich along with Jean Noel Blanchette Sensei of Quebec lead our seminar.  Blanchette Sensei, known to most of us for his illustration in our manuals, proved to be an excellent instructor with a passion for karate and attention to all karate-ka, including our youngest members.

The session commenced with kihon (basics) and Hanshi emphasized the foundation skills such as stances, balance and breathing.  We were led through multiple static and dynamic drills while explaining the significance to our practice.  During the clinic, the importance of maintaining full intensity, purpose, and good focus was stressed. 

After the kihon, we were provided the opportunity to work alongside dan ranks.  We focused on katas, learning the applications and techniques, before moving to bunkae, allowing us to use these techniques.  Blanchette Sensei introduced and led us through the Juneco Bunkae for the remainder of the clinic. In working these techniques we were able to train and receive feedback from many people that we don’t normally get to train with. 

Throughout the seminar Hanshi Dometrich spoke of the USCK curriculum and the future of Chito-Ryu.  Returning to the this idea, Hanshi concluded our seminar by asking Megan Payne, an 11-year old karate-ka from Charlottesville, to perform a kata of her choice.  Megan did a wonderful demonstration of seisan kata, evidence of hard training and a testimony to the dedication of our sensei, Linda Gage.

Exhausted but happy, participants left with new appreciation for the teachings of Blanchette Sensei and plenty to think about.  Before we knew it we were back together for the annual banquet and awards ceremony.  The banquet honored the birthday of our founder, Chitose and recognized the promotions and achievements, including the previous days National Test Board Results. 

This weekend was a chance for members and their families to renew friendships, meet new people, and develop their skills.  We returned recharged and ready to share our experience with our dojo members.  A big thank you for all the hard work put in to preparing everyone for the Clinic. In particular to Hanshi and Okusan for all the excellent work and an awesome seminar. This weekend proved that Chito-Ryu is a family and it is bigger than our individual dojos.  I for one feel fortunate to have found this wonderful family and look forward to my next visit.