Meet Our Instructors

Decades of experience. Real-world expertise. Dedicated to your growth.

Hanshi Jim Rivera

Founder & Head Instructor

Hanshi James Rivera founded Owaza Ryu Ju Jitsu-Judo in 1979, drawing from his training under O'Sensei Richard Lazarus in the Dai Nan Wan Ryu system. A 9th Dan Soke Dai with over 60 years of martial arts experience, he has dedicated his life to teaching authentic, combat-tested techniques.

Dr. Juan Otero Jr., Hanshi

Grandmaster, Okinawan Goju Goshin-Ryu

Dr. Juan Otero Jr., Hanshi, is a Psychoanalyst and Behavioral Health Specialist with 60 years of martial arts experience. He began training in 1966 at the Bronx Goju-Kai School and founded the Okinawan Goju Goshin-Ryu Karate-Do Association in 2005. A Grandmaster in Okinawan Goju-Ryu and Goshin-Ryu, he joined Owaza as Senior Advisor and Instructor in 2025.

Sensei Steven Reyes

Senior Instructor

Sensei Steven Reyes served as a Major and Long Island-Metropolitan District Commanding Officer for the New York State Park Police, and in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. A 9/11 first responder and FBI National Academy graduate, he began training in 1973 under O'Sensei Richard Lazarus and Sensei James Rivera. In 2022, he reunited with Hanshi Rivera at Owaza and earned his Sandan (3rd Dan) in 2025.

Sijo Jason M. Velez

9th Dan • Soke Dai

Sijo Jason M. Velez is a Senior Grand Master (9th Dan) and Vietnam-era Marine combat veteran. Founder of Special Forces Hapkido and 9 Dragons Martial Arts, he serves as Soke Dai (Keeper of the Scrolls) for Owaza Ryu. He joined forces with Hanshi Rivera in 2013 and together they host the legendary Camp Owaza Survival & Self-Defense camps.

Master Ric Klemme

5th Dan • Co-Founder, Kenjutai Bujutsu

Master Ric Klemme is a Navy combat veteran and co-founder of the Kenjutai Bujutsu System. With over 40 years of martial arts experience, he holds a 5th Dan in Jujitsu and additional black belts in Ninjutsu, Aiki-Jujutsu, Judo, Kenpo, and Goju Ryu Karate. His ship, USS Samuel B. Roberts, earned the Presidential Unit Citation during Operation Earnest Will.

Our Black Belts

Continuing the tradition of excellence.

Leadership & Advisors

Guiding Owaza's vision, operations, and digital presence.

Cassandra Rivera

Chief Information Officer

Daughter of Hanshi Jim Rivera and a longtime dojo advisor, Cassandra became Owaza's Chief Information Officer in 2025. She works alongside dojo leadership to ensure a streamlined digital presence that carries forward the dojo's mission for our students, families, and community.

Join Our Family

Experience training under our world-class instructors. Start your martial arts journey today.

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