Shawna has been studying Chito-Ryu Karate since June of 1994 under the instruction of Kyoshi Lawrence Hawkins Jr. Shawna was promoted to first degree black belt (Sho Dan), by Kyoshi Lawrence Hawkins Jr. at the first regional test board for the US Chito-Kai on June 12th, 2004. She was awarded the title of Shihan (master instructor) on October 12th, 2013 and promoted to fifth degree black belt (Go Dan) on October 23rd, 2021 by the US Chito-Kai Federation. Shawna's rank is recognized by the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (Greater Japan Martial Virtue Society). In addition, the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai awarded her the title of Renshi (polished teacher) on June 10, 2015. She has trained in Japan on several occasions and holds rank in RyuKyu Kobudo Hozon Shinko Kai as taught by Sensei William Jansak, fifth degree black belt (Go Dan). Shawna has been extremely dedicated to Chito-Ryu Karate-do enduring three pregnancies during her 20 plus years of training. As a result, she continues to keep herself busy with her three children, Jacob, Peter and Samantha. As she balances the needs of the children, she is also very active in Yoga, which has had a nice benefit to her karate instruction. Improved stretching and proper body mechanics play an important role in Chito-Ryu Karate.
Mark began studying Chito-Ryu Karate in October of 1992 under Kyoshi Lawrence Hawkins Jr., 7th degree black belt. Kyoshi Hawkins Jr. is the Chairman Emeritus of the US Chito-Kai, as well as the head instructor of Yoseikan II Cincinnati. Prior to the passing of Hanshi William Dometrich, 9th degree black belt and co-founder of the US Chito-Kai, he worked hand-in-hand on all technical matters within the US Chito-Kai. Mark is a 3rd degree black belt (San Dan), promoted to his current rank on October 19, 2007. Mark also holds rank in RyuKyu Kobudo Hozon Shinko Kai, an Okinawan weapons style founded by Taira Shinken.
Other than martial arts, Mark is very active with his three children, following them to various baseball, basketball, soccer and swimming events. In addition to karate, Mark is an avid basketball and soccer player.
Professionally, Mark runs his family's business, Lingo Manufacturing in Florence, KY. Mark is the 4th generation of Lingos to manage the company. Lingo manufactures Point of Sale displays primarily from sheet metal, tubing and wire.
Chris joined the US Chito-kai in April of 2002 and began studying Chito-Ryu Karate under the direction of Hanshi William Dometrich at the honbu dojo in Covington, Kentucky. In 2007, he joined Yoseikan Anderson as a student of Shihan Shawna Lingo and continues to maintain a dual-student status with the honbu. Chris was promoted to first degree black belt (Sho Dan) by the US Chito-Kai Regional Test Board on March 13th, 2010 and most recently to third degree black belt (San Dan) by the US Chito-Kai National Test Board on October 12th, 2018. He is a certified member of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (Greater Japan Martial Virtue Society). Prior to joining the US Chito-kai, Chris was a student of Charlie Williams in the 1980's studying both Chito-Ryu and Shotokan Karate. Chris is a Cincinnati native that currently resides in Anderson Township, Ohio.
Guy joined Chito-Ryu Yoseikan Anderson in 2012 and was awarded Sho Dan by the US Chito-Kai National Test Board in 2016 and most recently he was awarded San Dan by the US Chito-Kai National Test Board in 2022. Guy began his karate as a teen in 1973 to 1977 training in Shito-Ryu at the Miami University campuses. He is a member of USCK; United States Chito-Kai, DNBK; Dai Nippon Butoku Kai, and USAF: United States Aikido Federation. Guy also currently trains at Aikido of Cincinnati.
Zach initially joined the US Chito-kai at the honbu in Covington, Kentucky as a kid in the late 80's and began studying Chito-Ryu Karate under the direction of Hanshi William Dometrich. Other sports commitments won out at the time, but the seed was planted. Zach returned to the honbu as an adult in June of 2009. In 2013, he joined Yoseikan Anderson as a student of Shihan Shawna Lingo and continues to maintain a dual-student status with the honbu. Zach was promoted to first degree black belt (Sho Dan) by the US Chito-Kai National Test Board on October 16th, 2015. Zach was promoted to second degree black belt (Ni Dan) on October 12th, 2018 by the US Chito-Kai National Test Board. Zach grew up in Covington, Kentucky and currently resides in Anderson Township, Ohio with his wife and daughter.
Brian began his study of Chito-Ryu Karate in March of 2011. He is a student of Renshi Shawna Lingo at Yoseikan Anderson. Brian was promoted to first degree black belt (Sho Dan) by the US Chito-Kai National Test Board on October 20th, 2017. Prior to joining the US Chito-Kai, Brian was a student of Shorin-Ryu from 1990-1992 and Taekwondo from 1992-1995. Brian is a native of Cincinnati but has lived in many other countries. He currently resides in Anderson Township with his wife and two sons.
