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All Instructor Photos by Larry St. Pierre of St. Pierre Photography - Mystic, CT
Chris Letizio
Assistant Storm/Dream Instructor - Shorin-Ryu Reihokan

Being of Okinawan descent, I believed learning martial arts was an important part of my heritage. I began my formal training in 1983 at the age of 12 studying Tae Kwon Do, a Korean Martial Art, under the I.T.F. (International Tae Kwon Do Federation). I had the opportunity and privilege of studying under Jon Palais, Sensei, under whom I earned the rank of green belt and began my experiences in the martial arts. In 1985, I began studying Tae Kwon Do under the W.T.F. (World Tae Kwon Do Federation) under the instruction of Master S.K. Kim.  Due to a busy school and athletic schedule, I had a break from my training.  I returned to my martial arts training with Sensei Palais when I graduated from college in 1991.  I achieved my 1st Dan (1st degree black belt) in 1995 and my 2nd Dan (2nd degree black belt) in 1997. In September of 2008, I was fortunate to find Mark Spear, Sensei and began my Reihokan Shorin-Ryu training. With Spear Sensei, who is a very traditional instructor, I am able to build on my martial arts foundation. I have had the opportunity to instruct for the State of Connecticut in a wide range of areas, one being a physical intervention program. I am currently certified as an instructor for the following: First-Aid, Adult/Child/Infant CPR and AED since 2003 through ASHI (American Safety Health Institute). My wife and three children also train at the dojo.
Chris holds the following grades:
Sandan (3rd Dan) - Shorin-Ryu Reihokan Karate-do
Shodan (1st Dan) - Karate-do (Dai Nippon Butoku Kai)
Nidan - International Tae Kwon Do Federation
Ni-kyu (2nd Kyu) - Shorin-Ryu Reihokan Kobudo
829 Stonington Rd. Stonington, CT 06378
(860) 574-4788
blackbearkarate@gmail.com