Who We Are

The dedicated instructors and practitioners behind Owaza Martial Arts

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.

Hanshi Billy Diaz

Puerto Rico Representative

Hanshi Billy Diaz is the founder of Kenseikan Kempo Karate Jutsu and headmaster of the Mulos Karate Club in Juncos, Puerto Rico. With over 44 years of martial arts experience across multiple styles, he serves as the Puerto Rico Representative for Owaza Ryu Martial Arts, extending our reach to the Caribbean.

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.

Malcolm Sr.

Black Belt Instructor

Malcolm Jr.