“Quitters Never Win, Winners Never Quit!”
Hanshi Jim Rivera
Hanshi James Rivera was born in the Bronx, NY on Oct. 21,1955. His martial arts training began in 1963 at the age of 8 in the art of boxing. In 1966 he moved to Long Island, NY, and continued studies in boxing and “Old school karate” at the Brentwood Rec. Center. In 1970 he began studying traditional combat Ju Jitsu-Judo with O’ Sensei Richard Lazarus, founder of Dai Nan Wan Ryu and Shihan Antonio Pereira, founder of Miyama Ryu. Hanshi Rivera became the chief instructor of DNWR and tested for his blackbelts under both O’ Sensei Lazarus and Shinan Pereira!-
In 1971 Hanshi Rivera began training in Judo with Sensei Ralph Reyes. In 1973 he earned the first Sho-Dan in Goju Ryu Karate ever awarded by legendary Tommy May, in the lineage of the American Lion of USA GOJU - GM Peter Urban. From 1974-76 he taught for the infamous Jerome Mackey’s Martial Arts studio. While also joining the US Judo Assoc. and training with Judo legend Sensei Walter Ing and 1972’ Olympian & Pan Am Judo Champion Gordon Sankies. His matches with Gordon Sankies were amazing and earned him respect in the Judo community. 1977 trained by Boxing legend Sid Martin in Professional Boxing. 1974 he was an instructor for Bay Shore PAL and YMCA. 1976 instructor for Health Unlimited in Hicksville, NY. 1978 instructor for Golds Gym.
1980 opened/founded the first Owaza Ju Jitsu-Judo dojo in E. North Port, NY. In 1990 Relocated to Spring Hill, FL opening a construction business and Owaza Ryu Ju Jitsu-Judo became a “close door system” by invitation only, where research and pressure testing created the Owaza “Full circle System” methodology. It remained an elite private club until 2012, when Hanshi Rivera opened a Owaza Ryu Ju Jitsu-Judo dojo to the public in Spring Hill, FL.
Since that time Hanshi Rivera joined forces with Hanshi Jason “9th Dragon” Velez, retired US Army 10th Mountain Div. Commando, adding Close Quarters Combat, tactical weaponry and more to the Owaza Matrix (OM). Hanshi Rivera has traveled to many events, and his students have won many competitions excelling in kumite, kobudo & self defense! Hanshi Rivera has taught at prestigious seminars in around the world and throughout the United States. He was chosen to develop and teach a self-defense & domestic violence solutions credited course for the Hernando-Pasco State Colleges of Florida.
He was inducted into the Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Honor Awards (this event is the academy awards of the martial arts world) receiving a Golden Lifetime Achievement award and an Ambassador of Goodwill. He also received an award of “excellence In Judo” by martial arts icons at the Salon De Gala event 2015. The American Federation of Martial Arts - Hall of Fame recognized him as a legitimate “Soke” - founder of his own system - Owaza Ryu Ju Jitsu!
Hanshi James R. Rivera has over 50 years of experience in Ju Jitsu, Judo, Karate, Boxing and Self Defense. 22 years experience as a bodyguard, bouncer and VIP security specialist. He is one of the co-founders of the famous World Warrior Alliance, a conglomerate of legendary martial arts masters. Hanshi Rivera’s passion has always remained to teach “Old School NY style” traditional battled tested martial arts and self-defense that can save people’s lives and instill confidence and health to the masses.
Hanshi Rivera is currently working on an Owaza Ryu Ju Jitsu-Judo DVD training series, just started a stunt fight class for films, and is available for seminars worldwide. He continues to serve the martial arts community by working with battered women’s organizations, the DAV, etc. to make the world a safer place. www.owazamartialarts.com
Author : Jason M. Velez, Menkyo Kaiden Shihan/Soke Dai (Owaza Ryu scrolls keeper).