John Anthony Gambino

6th Dan, Renshi

A Lifetime Dedicated to Chito Ryu Karate Do

It is my honor and pleasure to have been a dedicated student of Chito Ryu Karate Do for over 50 years. Under the leadership of Soke Tsuyoshi Chitose, I continue striving for personal and martial perfection. My unwavering commitment to this art has led to countless accomplishments, experiences, and lifelong fulfillment, which I am grateful and humbled to share.

Early Years & Education

• Born in 1959, Newark, New Jersey
• I attended high school and college in Bloomfield, New Jersey
• Currently Living in Florida, Palm Beach County

Professional Career

• Owner and operator of a family business for over 30 years
• Previously worked in the Printing, Advertising and Marketing industry with Clark Printing Inc (2009–2021)
• Currently working in the hospitality industry with Boucher Brothers as Brand Ambassador and Sandy’s Furniture, Miami Florida

Martial Arts Journey

• Began Karate training in 1973
• Trained under Mike Pollard Sensei (student of Jim Cheatham)
• Studied Fujow Pai Kung Fu under Sifu Paul Vizzio (1980–1982)
• Competed in the Kickboxing circuit (1981–1985)
• Opened first Karate dojo in Belleville, NJ 1983
• Continued advanced training under William Dometrich (1985–1994)
• Student of Soke, Tsuyoshi Chitose Nidai Me 1995-Current

Competitive Achievements

• Competed in the Soke Cup, Japan (1986, Bogu)
• Soke Cup medalist, Vancouver, Canada (1989, Bogu)
• Competed in AAU & USKF Karate circuits, winning numerous local, state, and national divisions
• Competed in Las Vegas International Championship (Ozawa Sensei, 1990–1991)
• Competed in All Hawaii Championship (Sensei Chuzo Kotaka, 1991)
• Team Captain, Soke Cup, Australia (1992, Bogu)
• Represented Team USA-NJ at the Soke Cup, Japan (1995, Bogu)
• AAU-NJ State Tournament, Kata & Kumite (2012)

Leadership & Contributions to Chito Ryu Karate Do

• Opened my first Karate school in Belleville NJ 1984
• Established Yoseikan Karate Dojo, Bloomfield, NJ (1994)
• Accepted position as Chairman of USA Chito Ryu Karate Do
• Became a Certified International Sport Science Trainer (1995–present)
• Earned the title of Shihan (1997)
• Served as an ICKF Board Member representing the USA (2010–present)
• Referee at multiple Soke Cup tournaments, including Japan (2010) and Hong Kong (2013) Canada (2019) Kumamoto, Japan (2023)
• Hosted and facilitated Soke Tsuyoshi Chitose’s North America visits (2012 & 2013 & 2017)
• Assisted in the launch of a Chito Ryu Karate program in NJ
• Formulated USA-ICKF,INC 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization 2015
• Obtained New rank of 6th Dan with Renshi title (2024)
• Started a Community Karate program in Jupiter, Florida 2024

International Training & Seminar Participation & Development

• Trained and competed in the Soke Cup, Toronto, Canada (1998, Bogu)
• Traveled to Japan for advanced training (1995 – Current)
• Kumamoto Japan Soke Cup with team USA 2023
• International Summer Camp Nova Scotia, Canada 2024
• Goodwill Clinic NJ
• Continuing education Clinic NJ
• North America Chito Ryu Clinic, NJ

Personal Reflection

• Karate has shaped my life in ways beyond competition and instruction, it has been a lifelong journey of discipline, growth, and community commitment. Through the guidance of my teachers and the camaraderie of fellow martial artists, I have learned that Karate is not only about technique but about perseverance, respect, and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of life.
• As the President of USA-ICKF, Inc., I am honored to serve as a steward of this tradition, ensuring that Chito Ryu Karate Do continues to thrive for future generations. Leading a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to this art has been a privilege, allowing me to foster relationships, support our students, and uphold the values set forth by Chitose family Karate. Every seminar, tournament, and training session is an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of those who came before us while paving the way for those who will follow.,
• Karate has given me a lifetime of purpose, and I remain deeply committed to sharing its profound impact with all who seek the way.

Martial Arts & Leadership Goals

• Expanding USA-ICKF’s Reach – Strengthen the presence of Chito Ryu Karate Do in the U.S., ensuring more students have access to structured, authentic training.
• Mentorship & Legacy Building – Continue guiding younger martial artists, not only in technique but in philosophy, discipline, and leadership.
• Hosting Seminars & Events – Elevate Karate through larger-scale events, international exchanges, and specialized training opportunities.
• Refining Teaching Methodology – Incorporate modern training insights and sport science techniques while keeping traditional Karate principles intact.
• Earning Higher Rank & Recognition – Continue personal advancement in Chito Ryu through deeper study, mastery, and possibly earning a higher Dan ranking.

Beyond Karate

• Enhancing Community Engagement – Leverage your leadership skills to build stronger connections in martial arts and beyond, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
• Strengthening USA-ICKF’s Structure – Improve organizational governance, fundraising, and communication to sustain its long-term impact.
• Educational Initiatives – Create programs or resources to teach Karate philosophy, history, and discipline beyond physical training.
• Personal Growth & Balance – Continue evolving in areas beyond martial arts—whether through business, creative endeavors, or personal fulfillment

Community & Educational Initiatives

• Developing Youth & School Programs – Expand Karate instruction into schools, ensuring accessibility and cultural enrichment for younger students.
• Strengthening Leadership Training – Create structured leadership pathways for senior students to uphold the discipline and philosophy of Chito Ryu Karate Do.

Personal Vision & Balance

• Fostering Global Karate Relationships – Strengthen ties with international Karate organizations and practitioners for ongoing learning and collaboration.
• Balancing Leadership & Personal Training – Maintain personal growth in Karate while continuing to lead with precision and vision.
• Leaving a Lasting Martial Arts Legacy – Ensure that USA-ICKF thrives beyond my leadership, paving the way for future generations to uphold the art.