Dr. Juan Otero Jr. is a Psychoanalyst/Behavioral Health Specialist formerly in private practice in New Jersey and Florida. He has been the Chief Instructor and Owner/Operator of the Center For Karate & Family Fitness School in New Jersey since 1995.
He began his martial arts training in 1966 studying Japanese Goju-Ryu at the Bronx Goju-Kai School in New York. In 1968, he directed the very first Goju Karate club at the City College of NY after earning his Black Belt under Sensei Arturo Aviles and East Coast Goju-kai.
While continuing his Karate-Do training, he became a 1st Generation student in Swai-Jiao Kung-Fu under Sifu Jeng, Hsing Ping in NYC. In 1975, he joined the Goshin-Ryu Karate Association in Kearny, NJ, training under Grandmaster Alfred E. Gossett. He served as President of the association from 1992 until 2003, having under his leadership numerous notable chartered schools and outstanding Black Belts from Shodans to Shichidans.
Certifications & Ranks
Instructor Certifications
- • Master Instructor - GRKA, 1996
- • National Certified Instructor - ACMA, 1998
- • Certified Cardio-Karate Instructor - NAPMA, 1999
- • Certified Master Instructor for the Handicapable - MAH, 2000
- • Senior Master Instructor/Hanshi - AFMA, 2005
Martial Arts Rank
- • Grandmaster - Okinawan Goju-Ryu
- • Grandmaster - Goshin-Ryu
- • Honorary Grandmaster rank worldwide
- • Shihan License - Okinawa, Japan (2004)
- • 60 years of martial arts training
Leadership & Organizations
In 2005, Dr. Otero established the Okinawan Goju Goshin-Ryu Karate-Do Association. He is affiliated with numerous prestigious martial arts organizations worldwide:
- Founding Headmaster - Okinawan Goju Goshin-Ryu Karate-Do Association (NJ/FL, 2005)
- President - Goju Alliance International (Italy, 2009)
- International Board Council - World Martial Arts Council of Elders (Philippines, 2007)
- Executive Board Member - Society Of Black Belts of America (SOBBA)
- Senior Advisor/Board of Directors - Owaza Martial Arts (Spring Hill, FL, 2025)
Achievements & Recognition
Although he has completed 60 years studying, learning, teaching, and sharing the martial arts, Sensei Otero considers himself a "Student For Life" — with a Lifetime Pursuit...