Hanshi Devorah “Yoshiko” Dometrich 1951-2024!

Dometrich Hanshi, head of Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai passed away on April 17th, 2024 after a brief battle with stomach cancer. It is with profound sadness that I report that my kobudo instructor for the last 25 years, Devorah Yoshiko Dometrich, passed away April 17th. Her organization, Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai United States General Headquarters, will continue under the leadership of Steve Kabboord sensei. It is our obligation and duty to pass her teachings on to the next generation to the best of our ability. In many ways she was larger than life, a phenomenon. There will never be another one like her. Sensei, thank you for teaching us! Carolina Martial Arts Center held training in her honor on April 20th with participants from N.C., Florida, Ohio, Canada, and Germany! Thank you to all who came! Sensei’s military style funeral was held on April 30th with hundreds in attendance. “I will truly miss jumping over your bo! When God goes to the garden he only picks the best roses.” Kevin Gurganus