Shihan Kathrin Siggelkow (Bernaschewice), born in 1977 in Wismar, Germany, discovered martial arts after years in athletics, handball, and volleyball. She began Jiu-Jitsu in 1993 and, after meeting Hanshi Jhonny Bernaschewice in 1995, dedicated herself to Chi Ryu Aiki-JuJitsu. In 2000, she expanded her training to include Matayoshi Kobudo and Iaido, studying intensively under Hanshi Bernaschewice and several renowned Japanese masters (Gakiya Yoshiaki Sensei, Yogi Jyosei Sensei, Yamashiro Kenichi Sensei, Miyazawa Yasutomo Sensei).
Her passion for teaching emerged early. From 1997 to 2010, she led her own dojo in Germany and later completed her degree as a secondary school teacher in Physical Education, History, and English. After moving to Belgium in 2010, she continued teaching at the Honbu Dojo and introduced martial arts into local schools. A highlight of this work was her project at the primary school De Zandkorrel in Hechtel, which ran during 2018 and 2019, where she taught weekly classes in traditional martial arts, introducing children to discipline, respect, and elements of Japanese culture.
In 2011, Kathrin was awarded the title of Shihan by Hanshi Bernaschewice. Following his passing in December 2024, she was entrusted with the leadership of the Federation Geido Tao Chi Chi Kihon (FGTCK) and the Honbu Dojo. Today, she oversees the Federation’s direction and serves as technical authority for Chi Ryu Iaido, working alongside Shihan Sven Gößner (Chi Ryu Aiki-Ju Jitsu) and Shihan Peter Scholz (Okinawa Kobudo) to preserve and carry forward Hanshi’s legacy.
Shihan Frank Sommer
Shihan Frank’s journey in martial arts began at just eight years old, when he took up Taekwondo and Ju-Jutsu. By the mid-1970s, his curiosity led him to explore Chuan Fa and Chan Shaolim Si, where he developed a solid foundation in traditional martial arts.
In the early 1990s, Frank’s path crossed with Hanshi Jhonny Bernaschewice, the founder of Chi Ryu Aiki-JuJitsu. This meeting proved to be a turning point: under Hanshi’s guidance, Frank immersed himself in Chi Ryu and, by the mid-1990s, was entrusted with leading a Chi Ryu Aiki-JuJitsu group in the Heinsberg district of Germany (first in Wassenberg-Myhl, later in Ratheim).
Balancing teaching and learning, Frank traveled frequently between the Honbu Dojo in Hechtel, Belgium, and his groups in Germany. This regular exchange allowed him to strengthen his knowledge not only in Chi Ryu Aiki-JuJitsu but also in Okinawa Kobudo and Iaido. From 2004 to 2007, he further extended his reach by teaching regularly in Brussels. The central location of the Honbu Dojo made it possible for him to manage these commitments with dedication and consistency.
In recognition of his skills and many years of commitment, Hanshi Bernaschewice awarded Frank the title of “Shihan” in 2011 during a ceremonial event.
Today, Shihan Frank remains closely connected to the Honbu Dojo, where he continues to deepen his own practice while sharing his knowledge with students. His teaching reflects decades of dedication, discipline, and respect for the traditions of the martial arts, inspiring new generations to follow the path.
