Rokki Richardson

Sensei Rokki Richardson has been training in the art of Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate since 1973. Receiving his 1st degree black belt in 1975 under the direction of Sensei John Dieterle. Sensei Richardson opened his first Dojo (school) in September of 1976. One day prior to the Dojo opening, Sensei Dieterle was killed in a truck accident. Sensei Richardson took over the Dieterle Dojo as well as his own. Working closely with Shihan Timothy Brooks (Sensei Dieterle’s instructor) Sensei Richardson continued to advance in Karate. During this time Shihan Brooks arranged for Grandmaster Hayashi Soke to come to Ohio and teach. Since this time Sensei has trained under Soke Hayashi on several occasions. Most recently at the U.S.A.N.K.F National Karate Tournament in West Virginia where Sensei Richardson and 17 students had the pleasure to train and learn from the Grandmaster.

Sensei Richardson was honored in 1983 with Hatamoto as one of Shihan Brooks’ most dedicated students. This is a traditional Japanese ceremony in which a chosen disciple is given a “Bushi” (warrior) name along with a personal seal and scroll. This new name is the inspiration of the master, and is selected to describe the disciple’s character and presence. Master Timothy Brooks chose for Sensei Richardson the name Rokki, meaning “six trees”.

In 1995 Shihan Brooks founded “Karate Kurokawa Budo Kai” becoming “Soke” and chairman of his own organization. Sensei Richardson continued with Soke Hayashi until reuniting with Soke Brooks in 2002. December 2003 Sensei Richardson was promoted to the rank of Godan (5th degree black belt) and was honored by receiving the title “Shihan”, the first to receive this honor from Soke Brooks.

Shihan Richardson’s most prized accomplishments in karate come from his students and their desire to progress in Karate. The greatest gift you can give someone is the gift of knowledge. Along with his two sons, Andy and Luke, and over 20 active black belts the Bellbrook Karate Club strives to pass the knowledge of Traditional Japanese Karate to all who pass through our Dojo.