Legacy of Chito Ryu Karate

July 2026 Total 360 Karate Blog- Legacy of Chito Ryu Karate.  

Total 360 Karate built its name on the style of Chito Ryu Karate.  Chito Ryu Karate is one of the oldest styles of karate.  Dr. Chitose was the founder of the Chito Ryu Karate and is often credited with the modernization of karate in mainland Japan.  Dr. Chitose decided during World War 2 to train a few Americans in the style of Chito Ryu karate.  The days of Chito Ryu Karate would include long classes, learning one kata a year, and a tireless dedication to the basics.  

This tireless dedication is seen in Total 360 Karate through weekly discipline of the basics. These are done in every class in some form.  Chito Ryu Karate was passed down to Hanshi Dometrich.  Hanshi Domenitrich recognized the continued need for basics and discipline and started Chito Ryu Karate in the United States in Lexington, Kentucky.   The training sessions in Kentucky mirrored the depth and trainings from Japan.  

Hanshi Dometrich and Barbara Domentrich were fundamentally very similar to their original instructors and taught in the same manner.  While the US Chito Ryu Foundation was being created, US Chito Ryu students were winning tournaments in both America and Japan.  The roots of the US Chito Ryu association came from Kentucky and moved to Georgia and Florida.  Multiple dojos opened, but then split over stylistic differences.  

Total 360 Karate took root with Sensei Rodgers as he took instruction under Sensei Carpenter and Sensei Highsmith.  The sessions were long, and fundamentals were learned.  Chito Ryu Karate under Total 360 Karate began to spread back west.  During this time, many Chito Ryu dojos closed on the West Coast. Chito Ryu Karate moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, where the research and structure of the dojo were built.  Total 360 Karate moved to Prescott, Arizona.  The Total 360 Karate dojo opened in 2020.  

Total 360 Karate continues in the legacy of Chito Ryu Karate.  Total 360 Karate is home in Prescott Valley, Arizona.  Total 360 Karate is the only traditional Japanese-based Karate studio in the quad area.  The katas of Chito Ryu are on full display in Total 360 Karate.  The expansion of Total 360 Karate with the Chito Ryu style started with 4 students and one class. The studio now has 6 classes with over 40 students.  

The values and discipline of Chito Ryu karate are a firm aspect that melds well with Total 360 Karate. Total 360 Karate adds a high infusion of fitness and yoga perspectives through the design of personal training aspects.  Total 360 Karate has modernized Chito Ryu Karate to preserve not only the past but also to continue to allow it to prosper in the future. Come see what Chito Ryu Karate is all about.