John F. Chatwood
Founding Board Member

Sensei John F. Chatwood started his martial arts career after graduating from Bradley University in Peoria, IL. He was twenty-three years old when he began to train with a former neighbor. Only later did he realize that his instructor, Mr. Douglas Grose, was actually the Grand Master of Shinto Yoshin Ryu Jiu-Jitsu, a Japanese style of Jui-Jitsu known for it's blocking and striking.

Sensei Chatwood continued to study under Master Grose and Sensei Vera Harrison, learning both Shinto Yoshin Ryu Jiu-Jitsu and Shuri-Ryu Karate. At that time, his life consisted of training and work. His hard work and dedication continued until 1984, which was a magical year. He was promoted to the rank of Shodan, 1^st Degree Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu and Karate. During that time he also trained with Mr. Kelley O'Keefe in Tae-Kwon-Do. He was promoted to 1^st Degree Black Belt in Tae-Kwon-Do late in 1984. The year was completed by the birth of his oldest son, Christopher. Mr. Chatwood continued to assist his Sensei giving seminars and training. During that period he was active and competed in numerous tournaments in kumite, kata, and weapons. He also assisted Mr. Kelley O'Keefe with a special emphasis on teaching juniors.In 1988 he relocated to Carson City, Nevada and met Sensei Clyde Zimmerman. He helped start Shoshin Ryu of Nevada. This was a Jujitsu club at Garden America, a division of Black & Decker. In 1990 Sensei Chatwood was promoted to the rank of Shodan, 1^st degree Black Belt in Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu. When the company closed he helped establish Shoshin Ryu of Nevada as a commercial dojo. He also coached successful AAU medal winning teams that competed in Jujitsu kata. Sensei Chatwood also successfully competed in AAU competition.During this period he stayed active with Master Grose making numerous trips back to visit his Sensei. Master Grose encouraged him and guided him on his martial arts path. Sensei Chatwood gave and attended numerous seminars and clinics during this time continuing to learn his base art.In 1995 Sensei Chatwood established Sierra Jujitsu & Karate, a dojo that provides instruction for both juniors and adults. In 1996 the school competed in the Okazaki Invitational. He was rewarded with the achievement of winning a school trophy with a brand new school.Currently, he has also been active in converting a style that has an oral tradition to a written rank requirement system. Sensei Chatwood has continued to instruct and is assisted by Sensei Charles D. Carter. Sensei Chatwood is also a member of the Shihan-Ryu Institute.Sensei Chatwood is employed by International Game Technology in Reno, NV as a Senior Buyer.Sensei Chatwood can be contacted at the following:

Sierra Jujitsu & Karate
291 Rhodes #D3
Carson City, NV 89703
775.882.8821

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