Charlottesville Yoseikan LLC

Dojo News

DECEMBER 2011

Congratulations to all students who tested and received their new ranks at Charlottesville Yoseikan.

Deb Little, Ni-Kyu (Brown II)
Steve Edwards, Yon-kyu (Green I)
Pam Grosch and Eric Amtmann - Go-Kyu (Green II)
Tyler Petrell, Abbey Palmer, Jane Sun - Roko-Kyu (Green III)
Claire Yordy, Hazel Galloway, Jesse Galloway - Shichi-Kyu (Orange Belt)
Emma Lane, Gavin Breen, Gloria Leo, Teddy Stokes, Colton Germani- Hachi-Kyu (Yellow Belt)

November 2011

Thank you to all karate-ka and family who attended the 2011 Chito-Ryu Seminar & Banquet in Covington, KY. Congratulations to all students who tested in front of the National Test Board!

Richard Rike, Nidan
Jack Little, Shodan
Chris Meslar, Shodan
Linda Hexter, Shodan
Erin Hagedorn, Ik-kyu

Congratulations to Buck Bailes and Abbey Palmer who were presented with Dojo Recognition Awards at the US Chito-Kai Annual Banquet.

October 2011

Welcome back to all of our students at Charlottesville Yoseikan LLC for the beginning of our 10th year of training!

There are several students that have been promoted in the past week under the aegis of Chief Instructor, Sensei Gage.

These students have shown tremendous progress and now hold the followings ranks: Mrs.Laurie Andriot, Green III (Roku-kyu), Jake Amtmann, Green III (Roku-kyu), Ashley Amtmann, Yellow Belt (Shichi-kyu), Michael Townsend, Yellow Belt (Schichi-kyu).

Thursday night, Vince Petrell likewise earned hs roku-kyu (Green III) under the watchful eyes of Kohai Bailes and Senei Grammer.

All karateka, there will be a kyu rank test in the beginning of December for everyone who has been in rank long enough to qualify. Please see your mentor for your eligibility to test.

To all those students testing before the National Test Board on October 21st....."Show'em what you got!"

September 2011

Saturday, August 27th we had a testing for two karateka. Clare Yordy is now a Hachi-kyu (yellow belt) and Adam Welch is now a San-kyu (third degree brown belt) Congratulations to both of you and we look forward to both of you going before the National Test Board at our Honbu Dojo in the future!!

The new Fall Session at the dojo started out with a very special testing on Saturday morning, September 17th. Mr. Chris Gomez tested and was promoted with "flying colors" to yellow belt. At the same time Hazel and Jesse Galloway were also promoted to yellow belts. The Galloways were out of town for the entire summer but took with them tapes as well as written test study guides to prepare for their next rank. They both succeeded in not only staying in motion with their fellow karate students but truly passed their kyu rank test without any difficulty. Theirs is a true testimonial to our creed....."with peace, perseverance, and hard work we shall not fail to reach our goals." Congratulations to all three of you!

JUNE 2011

2011 Awards Ceremony
The end of the year Awards Ceremony at Charlottesville Yoseikan LLC was a great success! June 26, 2011 was the dojo's annual party celebrating another year of training as well as honoring 7 students (this year it was 8) for their hard work and achievements.

The recipients of the "Adult and Youth Karateka of the Year" awards were Mr. Eric Amtmann, Abby Palmer, and Jane Sun, respectively. This was the first time that we split the Youth award between two students as both young ladies earned this honor. The "Most Improved Karteka Adult and Youth" awards went to Debbie Meslar-Little and Pawell Marcinkiewicz, respectively. The "Hanshi and Kyoshi Dometrich" awards were given to Mrs. Betty Groth, Mrs. Pam Grosch, and Frank Lepage. The "Iaijutsuka of the Year" award was once again presented to Mr. Doug Gellman.

A big thanks to Steve Edwards for organizing this party as well as those who assisted in making this happen!
We look forward to embarking on our 10th year of hard work among our extended family at Charlottesville Yoseikan and the United States Chito Kai as well as the Jikishin Kai.

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER... the following kyu ranks:
HACHI-KYU (yellow belt): Sean Viar
SHICHI-KYU (orange belt): Mrs. Joanna Marcinkiewicz, Mr. Vince Petrell, Jake Amtmann, Tyler Petrell, Mrs. Laurie Andriot, Abbey Palmer, Jane Sun, Tye Thompson
ROKU KYU ( green III belt): Mr. Mark Gresge, Mr. Eric Amtmann, Pawell Marcinkiewicz
SHICHI KYU (green II belt): Teaguean Crickenberger, Jake Thompson
YAN KYU (green I belt): Mr. Steve EdwardsMs. Lolita Bland, Ms. Veronique Lucas, Frank Lepage
NI KYU (brwon II belt): Mrs. Betty Groth, Brendan Ventura

IAIJUTSU SEMINAR
Sensei Jerry Wellbrock was the guest Instructor on Saturday, June 11th at the Charlottesville Yoseikan LLC. for all Iaijutsu students. Wellbrock Sensei has over 15 years of training in both Iaido and Kendo. He came from his home in Kentucky to hold the first "Suemono giri" clinic (target cutting with Samurai sword) for the students at Charlottesville Yoseikan's Iaijutsu Study Group. The seminar was a great success for one and all. Sensei Wellbrock's impeccable cutting skills were matched only by his sense of humor and quick wit. All students did an excellent job on their target cutting, however, two students were the stars of the day. Brendan Ventura and Erin Hagedorn demonstrated remarkable cutting skills at their first attempts before the tatami targets. A big thank you to Sensei Jerry Wellbrock for making the 16 hour round- trip journey to offer his expert skills to all of our Iaijutsuka. **VIEW PICTURES**

MAY 2011

Shihan Mark Chisenhall was our guest instructor Saturday, April 30th and what an incredible day of training it was! Chisenhall Sensei is one of the pre-eminent instructors in the United States Chito Kai. He spent over 10 hours drilling the karate-ka at the Charlottesville Yoseikan from white belts on up through the black belt ranks. His approach to teaching is a combination of cutting edge body mechanic exercises to produce ultimate results combined with a wonderful sense of humor and a heaping helping of humility. Watching him execute his karate is an education in itself! His excellent technique in tandem with the speed of an SST is truly mind boggling. Thank you Chisenhall Sensei for coming to our little dojo in the foothills of the Blue Ridge.

The following students for attending this event: (White Belts) Mrs. Laurie Andriot, Myles Read, (Yellow Belts) Mr. Vince Petrell, Abby Palmer, Jane Sun, (Green Belts) Mrs. Pam Grosch, Mr. Steve Edwards, Ethan Cole, Frank Lepage, Jake Thompson, Jake Rike, (Brown Belts) Mrs. Betty Groth, Mr. Fred Seibenmann, Mr. Jack Little, Mr. William "Buck" Bailes, Mr. Chris Meslar, Mrs. Erin Hagedorn, Linda Hexter, Danny Monge, Megan Payne, (Black Belts) Mr. Wes Grammer, Mr. Yuri Chitithin, Mr. Richard Rike, Mr. Gus Monge, Mr. Jeff Economos, Ms. Lauren Fuller, Ms. Jennifer Mc Clearen, Emma Gage, and Patrick Keese.

Read Sensei Chisenhall's Letter to Cville Yoseikan

April 2011

Charlottesville Yoseikan excels at Virginia AAU State Tournament April 16, 2011. Congratulations to ERIN HAGEDORN, LINDA HEXTER, ETHAN COLE, BRENDAN VENTURA, AND JAKE THOMPSON Virginia AAU State Competitors. Karate-ka competed in Kata, Kumite, and Kobudo (Weapons) and placed in all events. Charlottesville Yoseikan came home with a total of 5 Gold Medals and 5 Silver Medals from the State Championship. Excellent job!


March 2011 RENSHI JAMES MATTHEWS, the "Grandfather" of Charlottesville Yoseikan payed a visit to the Charlottesville Yoseikan Saturday, March 26th. He was very happy to see the progress of the students that he has met in the past and was very delighted to meet all the new students who are important members of the dojo as well as the USCK. Thank you to all who came out to meet Matthews Sensei.


	February 2011 Congratulations to our Iaijutsu students who tested and received their new ranks. John Grammer 3rd kyu, Adam Hamza 4rd kyu, and Ethan Cole 5th Kyu. A special congratulations to our "adopted" karateka, Jennifer McClearan...many congrats for oyur much deserved promotion to Shodan after a grueling 3 day test at your home dojo. We are very proud of you!!

Charlottesville Yoseikan held it's second annual Kangeiko, winter training, on January 29, 2011. Over twenty karate-ka took part in this event.

WOW!!!!!What a Kangeiko! Charlottesville Yoseikan students, You rock!!! Thank all of you. Sensei Gage
Sensei Gage, Sensei Keese, Sensei Monge, Sensei Rike, and Kohai Grammar - thank you for a great time and some amazing workouts!!
Read Pam Grosch's thoughts on Kangeiko. Click Here
Read Eric Amtmann's remarks on Kangeiko. Click Here

January 2011
Kyu rank promotions were held on January 15th and the 22nd for both Karate and Iaijutsu. The following students were promoted to their new ranks:

January 15, 2011
Iaijutsuka: Doug Gellman: San Kyu; Fred Seibenmann, Erin Hagedorn, and Brendan Ventura: Yon Kyu; Thomas Canavan: Go Kyu

Karateka: Pamela Grosch and Jacob Thompson: Roku Kyu; Mark Gresge and Sam Lepage: Shichi Kyu; Rolo Castillo, Eric Amtmann, and Paula Welch: Hachi Kyu

January 22, 2011
Karateka: Veronique Lucas-Seibenmann: Go Kyu; Ethan Cole: Roku Kyu; Peter Welch: Hachi Kyu; Joanne Marcinkiewicz, Vince Petrell, Tyler Wolf, and Tyler Petrell: Hachi Kyu

Congratulations to all the hard working students at the Charlottesville Yoseikan. Your accomplishments are to be lauded as these ranks are not easy to obtain. Keep it up, everyone!!!


January 2011 Some of the most common New Year's resolutions are to exercise more and get in shape. Students at Charlottesville Yoseikan don't need to make this resolution. Karate-ka and Iaijutsu-ka rang in the 2011 with training at the dojo in Greenwood, VA.


	December 2010 Abbey Palmer was promoted to the rank of yellow belt. Abbey is an excellent student who attends class regularly and always gives 100%. Congratulations on your new rank, Abbey!


November 2010 Charlottesville Yoseikan is celebrating it's 9th year! On Saturday, November 19, 2010 students joined at the Charlottesville downtown mall to participate in the Second Annual Holiday Heritage Parade. Chito-Ryu Karate Students and Muso Jikiden Iaijutsu students demonstrated kihon and kata to the community. Pictured: Charlottesville Yoseikan with Charlottesville Derby Dames!

October 2010

The annual Chito-Ryu Fall Clinic and Black Belt testing were held on October 22 and 23. This year the attendance by Charlottesville Yoseikan was evidenced by over 8 students testing before the National Test Board as well as more the 25 karateka and family attending the annual awards banquet. Please view this site for a complete article on the clinic as well as the festivities of the weekend.

We are very pleased to announce the promotions of Mr. William Bailes, Ik-kyu, Mr. Chris Meslar, Ik-kyu, John Grammer, Ik-kyu and Megan Payne (the youngest person to be awarded this rank before the USCK National Test Board) Ik-kyu.

The promotions of black belt were awarded to: Mr. Wes Grammer, Shodan, Mr. Yuri Chirithin, Shodan, Matthew Fornaro, Shodan and Patrick Keese, Shodan

September 2010

Congratulations to all students who tested and received new ranks!

The Kyu Testing on September 25, 2010 was a success. Many students stood before the Charlottesville Yoseikan testboard to receive new kyu ranks. Lolita Bland was promoted to Go-Kyu (green II belt). Jacob Temple, Teaugean Crickenberger, and Lucasz Marcinewiz were promoted to Roko-Kyu (green III belt).Pawell Marcinewiz was promoted to Shichi-Kyu (orange belt). Mark Gresge and Conner Stephenson were promoted to Hachi-Kyu (yellow belt).

Saturday, September 18 was an exciting day at Charlottesville Yoseikan. The following students were promoted to new kyu ranks: Frank Lepage was promoted to Roko-Kyu (green III belt). Pam Grosch, Peter Grosch, Analie Grosch, Aaron Cole, and Ethan Cole were promoted to Shichi-Kyu (orange belt). Jake Thompson, has shown tremendous dedication and effort in his training all summer and was also promoted to Shichi-Kyu (orange belt), having bypassed the rank of Hachi-Kyu. Tye Thompson was promoted to Hachi-Kyu (yellow belt).

August 2010

While many people look forward to Saturday as a chance to sleep in, members of the Charlottesville Yoseikan look forward to Saturdays as a chance to train harder and longer than week days allow. Twenty plus karate-ka join in this experience, moving through Kihon, Kata, and Kumite. Several students continue their training with Iaijutsu. Next Saturday when you're reaching for that second or third cup of coffee, think of these dedicated karate-ka, and perhaps come join us.

July 2010

The Charlottesville Yoseikan Annual Awards Banquet was held July 18, 2010. We are very proud to recognize the achievements of students, who have given outstanding contributions throughout the year. Congratulations to all Charlottesville Yoseikan members for your work during the past year.

This year’s banquet was a great success with many students and their families attendance. Organized by Helen Payne, who is truly the backbone of our get-togethers, the banquet was held at the dojo under the covered patio. A big thank you to Helen, to all who brought food, and to all who attended on this hot summer day.

This year's award recipients were Adult Karateka of the Year: Anne Patton, Most Improved Adult Karateka: Steve Edwards. Youth Karateka of the Year: Jake Rike, Most Improved Youth: Teaugean Crickenberger. The Honbu Awards were given to Yuri Chirtihin, Erin Hagedorn, and John Grammer.

CONGRATULATIONS to each of you! Keep up the great work and thank you for your dedication - it shows!

July 2010

We are proud to recognize Doug Gellman as our 2010 Iaijustsu-ka of the year. Mr. Gellman is an Assistant Instructor at Charlottesville Yoseikan. Having earned the rank of 4th kyu, Mr. Gellman always strives to go that extra mile. He is always willing to work with students outside of class and has established a beginner’s class. For your tremendous dedication and spirit in Muso Jikiden Eishen Ryu, Thank You and Congratulations!

June 2010

CONGRATULATIONS !!! are in order. We now have four new Ni-kyu ranks. Anne Patton, Fred Seibenmann, Buck Bailes and Erin Hagedorn. Next stop the USCK National Test Board! Good luck folks. We are also proud to announce four new San-kyu ranks. Debbie Little, Betty Groth, Micky Davis and Collin Davis. The Davis youth come to us from North Carolina. They are both very talented young karate-ka and we look forward to some super accomplishments from them in the future.

May 2010

Saturday, May 22, was an exciting day as the dojo prepared for a kyu test. Nathan Hinton was promoted to Shichi-kyu(orange belt). Joanna Hinton, Pam Grosch, Peter Grosch, and Analie Grosch were promoted to Hachi-kyu(yellow belt). Congratulations to all students on reaching your goals!

June 6, 2010 Kyu Test - Please remember your application and examination fee must be paid at the time of the test. Review your syllabus, study your manuals, and meet with your mentor prior to testing. Also, you must present your current Chito-Ryu Passport at the time of the test.
Summer Session begins the week of June 14, 2010. During Summer Session all karate-ka are welcome to attend mixed rank classes on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

April 2010

Charlottesville Yoseikan welcomed Kyoshi Carl Long this past weekend, March 26-28, 2010.

All of our Iaijutsuka were treated to eleven hours of training this past weekend with this esteemed Instructor and Director of the Jikishin Kai of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaijutsu.

The entire weekend we were enthralled with Long Sensei's abilities but also kept amused by his lightheartedness and humility.

So much was covered and everyone who attended came away exhausted but totally excited and ready to make all the improvements and move on a head!

We are now an official study group under the Jikinshin Kai and the attendees were all tested and now hold the following rank under this august organization:

Ethan Cole, 7th kyu, Erin Mc Cabe, 7th kyu, Carrie Hodgkins, 6th kyu, Thomas Canavan, 6th kyu, Erin Hagedorn, 5th kyu, Fred Seibenmann, 5th kyu, Brendan Ventura, 5th kyu, Doug Gellman, 4th kyu, John Grammer, 4th kyu, and Adam Hamza, 4th kyu.

Congratulations to all of these hard working students and a most heart felt thank you to Kyoshi Carl Long!

March 2010 - Newest Shodan!

Gus Monge was awarded his first degree black belt on March 13,2010 before Hanshi Dometrich and the Test Board at the Honbu dojo in Covington, KY. Congratulations to a wonderful budo-ka!

March 2010

Charlottesville Yoseikan is proud to announce the new kyu ranks that passed their test this Saturday as well as several other promotions that were made within the past several weeks.

Jenny Kuzjak and son Matthew, Camille Kielbasa, Jacob Jordan were all promoted to Hachi-kyu(yellow belt). Teaugean Crickenberger passed his shichi-kyu (orange belt test ) with flying colors. Brendan Ventura was promoted to san-kyu (3td degree brown belt) after training for more then four and a half years. Jacob Temple, one of our most talented students, was promoted to shichi-kyu(orange belt) as well as Jake Rike, our little "mighty might" earning Roku-kyu (3td degree green belt) after training steadily for the past two and a half years. In addition, "Frank the tank"LaPage was promoted to orange belt while his brother Sam earned his yellow belt. They will both be out for the baseball season but look forward to their return after Spring.

Steven Edwards was awared his Roku-kyu unexpectedly last week. Steven is one of Charlottesvile Yoseikan's up and coming karate-ka. He trains more then three times a week on a regular basis and his attitude exemplifies the true bushido nature. We look forward to Mr. Edwards as well as all of our newly promoted karate-ka to work even harder in the years to come.

Congratulations to one and all!

February 2010

Promotions are a time to celebrate and recognize all the hard work and progress each student has made in his or her training. Congratulations go out to everyone that worked hard to get to the next belt level. These belts where not easily given out but were earned with a lot of hard work and dedication. The promotions are: Erin Hagedorn to San-Kyu, Will Edwards to Hachi-Kyu, and Mike Temple to Hachi-Kyu. Congratulations to all!

Our next belt test will be held March 6, 2010. If you are testing be sure to fill out the necessary paperwork and pay before your test date. Good luck and remember to practice!

January 2010

The new year has brought many new faces and we would like to welcome each of you to our dojo. Charlottesville Yoseikan’s Inaugural Kangeiko was a success. Karate-ka from 11 to 68 years old attended this winter training, during the coldest time of the year in the wee hours of the morning. The snow did not stop us!

December 2009

We hope you enjoyed your holidays! Session 3 has begun at Cville Yoseikan and our teaching teams are off to a great start.

November 2009

Congratulations to Richard Rike, promoted to Sho-dan (1st Degree Black Belt) by Hanshi Dometrich at the annual United States Chito-Kai banquet November 7, 2009 held in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. Additional congratulations go to Linda Hexter and Danny Monge who were promoted to Ik-Kyu by the USCK. Seven years after Charlottesville Yoseikan first opened its doors, it is exciting to see a number of students now pushing towards higher ranks. Congratulations to each of you!

October 2009

Congratulations to all who tested in October 2009. Everyone did exceedingly well and should be proud.

Chris Meslar promoted to Ni-Kyu. Buck Bailes and Fred Siebenmann promoted to San-Kyu. Erin Hagedorn and Brendan Ventura promoted to Yan-Kyu. Veronique Siebenmann and Lolita Bland promoted to Ro-Kyu. Steve Edwards, Jake Rike, and James Keese promoted to Shichi-Kyu. Frank LePage, Jacob Temple, Teaugean Crickenberger, and Michael Donaldson promoted to Hachi-Kyu.

All students displayed great determination, focus, and spirit. Their effort and perseverance were evident to the Charlottesville Yoseikan Test Board. Congratulations go to those who earned a new rank.