Testimonials
現成公案 空手 協会
Genjōkōan Karate Organization©
Monday, January 24, 2011
To Whom It May Concern,
Please let me introduce to you, Sensei Rivera. I have studied under him
at the World Oyama Karate Organization Honbu (headquarters') dojo since
1999, as he was the Senior Instructor directly under the Chief
Instructor and Founder of W.O.K.O., the famed Grand Master Soshu Shigeru
Oyama.
Sensei Rivera not only competed in knockdown full-contact tournaments
representing Soshu and W.O.K.O., but also taught most of the daily
classes, such as the noon class, in which I took part in everyday,
children’s class (afternoons), and adult evening classes, as well as
kata, weapons, and sparring/fight classes.
As an uchideshi (live-in disciple) for Soshu Oyama and his organization
World Oyama Karate, he was responsible for teaching all types of
beginner and advanced classes, which are mentioned above.
Professionally, he countenance or demeanor was engaging and his ability
to teach transcended the classes for all who partook. His
pure love and joy to and of teaching is infectious and enthusiastic for
the participating students. I also did partake in some evening classes,
when time allowed, and know firsthand, in these bigger classes that his
style was venerated and always made for a wonderful class/session.
Moreover, he assisted in several after-school programs that he helped
establish, as well as the Annual Japanese Festival, and assisted in all
organizational promotion tests, especially the Black Belt exams, not to
mention special clinics run my Grand Master Soshu Oyama.
Currently, I hold the rank of Ni Dan (2nd Degree Black Belt)
in the World Oyama Karate Organization, my former style, and the same
rank in my current style Kanrei Kan Karate. Presently, I am periodically training, but also intend on training once again with Sensei Rivera.
Sincerely,
Sempai Alessandro D’Andrea
alessandrodandrea@hotmail.com
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Friday, December 10, 2010
To whom it may concern,
I am writing on behalf of Sensei Rivera. I studied with him for many years at the World Oyama Karate Organization’s Headquarters dojo in New York City. He was a senior instructor there under the legendary Soshu Oyama.
Sensei Rivera was responsible for teaching all types of beginner and advanced classes including; adult, children, kata, weapons and also advanced fighting classes. His demeanor, ability to engage the class, enthusiasm and overall sense of professionalism was above reproach. His teaching style always made for a great class.
In addition to taking countless classes taught by Sensei Rivera, I also had the opportunity to train with him 1:1. I truly learned a lot from him during this time. He has a great way of breaking things down so they make sense! Sensei Rivera was also extremely active at the schools semi-knockdown tournaments and competitions, not only as a fighter himself but also responsible for training & coaching children.
As an Oyama Karate uchideshi (live-in apprentice), he learned from the Master, trained all the time, taught, and competed in knock-down tournaments and was champion, representing the style and the Master. Sensei Rivera has always been very accessible, humble, conscientious and well respected by his peers and students.
I am a Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) in the World Oyama Karate Organization. I am not training at this time, but I intend on returning to the dojo and look forward to working with Sensei Rivera again!
Sincerely,
Sempai Gary C. Huff
gary@garyhuff.com
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To whom it may concern,
I have had the pleasure of training under the guidance of Sensei Rivera for the past 10 years. I began as a white belt and under his careful preparation, reached the distinguished level of black belt. There are numerous instructors I have worked with in the past 10 years and I will say without a doubt Sensei Rivera ranks among the top. I always looked forward to training with him. He has a unique energy and enthusiasm that permeates his teaching methods. He combines this passion with a unique ability to tailor the classes to the individual needs of the students. I have trained with him privately, in large classes, as well as specialty classes such as fight training classes and weapons. He stands out among instructors in that he brings a thoroughness and clear instruction to all the different classes he teaches. I always felt in his instruction that he was being sensitive to all the students in the dojo training at the time and would always take extra time to explain something or help a student after class. And perhaps most rarely, he was always in a great positive mood to teach, which lifted the spirits of the class immensely.
Finally, I have seen him teach children in the dojo and he has the special ability to get across to the young children the ideas of discipline, work ethic, self-respect (and respect of others) and he is very light and funny with the children at the same time. They love him.
If you have any questions, please contact me at kensalaz@yahoo.com, thank you.
Sincerely,
Sempai, Ken Salaz
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Friday, December 10th 2010
To Whom It May Concern:
I have had the privilege and honor to train with Sensei Rivera for two years. In the time I have known Sensei Rivera, his passion and commitment to our work in the Dojo has served as an inspiration to me. His gift for teaching is presented every time we bow onto the mat. Sensei Rivera is selfless when training his students, deeply respectful of the teachers before him, and grateful for the lessons preserved generations before us. This humility and clarity is present in every drill we execute.
Sensei Rivera’s considerable physical and mental strength runs deeper than my own. His patience and awareness has helped me to focus on fundamental body mechanics generating more speed and power in my technique. In training, he has a keen sense of his students’ skill level, which allows him to gently lead each person down their own path. When teaching, his spirit is alive; when training, his focus is in wavering; in kumite, his presence is humbling. Sensei Rivera is one of committed Martial Arts instructors I have worked with in 10 years of training and I hope to work with him for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Sempai Kieran Dunn, First Dan, WOKO (Manhattan, NYC)
Kieran.dunn@gmail.com
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To Whom It May Concern:
I trained with Sensei Rivera for several years in New York and loved the experience. I look for two things in a karate instructor: the first is the authenticity of their own training, and having been an uchideshi (live-in disciple) under Shigeru Oyama, Sensei Rivera’s credentials in this respect are second to none. More important than this, though, is the spirit of the martial art embodied in the teacher, and it is in this area that Sensei Rivera was special. He was tough without being too tough, and set a set a standard in class that all of the students aspired to. I can thoroughly recommend Sensei Rivera as an instructor.
Osu,
Sempai Mo Saito
mosaitophoto@gmail.com
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My name is Spencer Weisbond, and I hold a 3rd degree black belt in Seido Karate under Grandmaster Kaichō T. Nakamura, under whom I have studied since January of 1991.
I recently had the pleasure of observing a class in Sensei Rivera’s Genjōkōan Karate.
Sensei Rivera’s teaching style is very easy to digest. He breaks down movement into its basic motions. This makes complex movements seem much less overwhelming. The students in the class I observed really seemed to “get” it, as well as enjoy themselves.
Fighting in karate can be very intimidating, but Sensei Rivera had the student do contact drills, which gave the students the ability to practice fighting techniques without putting themselves at risk. Fighting of course does occur in karate, and that always carries some risk, but it’s important that all precautions be taken to insure that students are at the lowest possible risk. In watching Sensei Rivera, I possess this impression.
I was very impressed by Sensei Rivera, and would recommend his karate to others.
Sincerely,
Spencer Weisbond (Sempai / Goshi)
SkateNYC@aol.com
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To whom it may concern,
I've been taking classes at World Oyama Karate for many years as a teenager and an adult. As a student at the dojo, Sensei Rivera has not only been a passionate instructor, but also very considerate to every student's needs, and helps students reach their maximum level.
I have watched him grow as an instructor, and what I really like about training with him is that he teaches you genuine martial arts, not the watered down versions taught at in many other dojos or styles. I recommend Sensei Rivera to anybody looking to obtain self-discipline, get in great shape and learn traditional martial arts.
His commitment to his craft and thus, his students is unwavering and inspiring.
Moreover, he was great with the younger students and taught all the children’s class in the Headquarters’ dojo, at his dojo in Williamsburg, and in several established after-school programs.
Furthermore, I have had the opportunity to train one on one or privately with Sensei Rivera and this helped me a lot in refining my techniques overall and we prepare me for my next rank of ni-dan (2nd degree black belt).
Alexander Dienstag, Senpai
adienstag@my.devry.edu
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To Whom it may conern:
Sensei Rivera is a true educator and mentor. Taking care to maintain and nourish body, mind, and spirit, he is able to bring expertise, clarity of purpose, and patience to the mat. Sensei challenged me to push myself further without allowing me to feel overwhelmed or intimidated. He is able to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere without compromising the respect and solemnity for the dojo space. His knowledge expands different genres of martial arts. This allows him to share valuable insight and various techniques as well as punch-kick combinations. I accredit increased flexibility, combinations, and strength to his ever-present enduring guidance. For the last three decades, he has cultivated his art with Oyama Karate as an Uchi-Deshi (live-in apprentice), a knockdown-tournament competitor, and as one who embraced all of the responsibilities of sensei. Well-rounded and gleaning expertise from multiple walks of life, Sensei Nilo Rivera maintains patience, serenity, and balance in all practices of life.
~Andrea Ardouin
ladypaphian@gmail.com
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December 12, 2011
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter on behalf of Sensei Rivera. I have been his student of for a year at Pearl Studios in New York City. At first, I was quite reluctant to start my first class but with the patience and assurance that he has bestowed upon me, I knew that my decision to become a full-time karateka (a student who practices karate) was one I would never forget.
Sensei Rivera was a student of World Oyama Karate Organization for many years and he has gained, not only physical strength, but an unquestionable amount of knowledge in the marital arts field to venture out on his own and pass on his knowledge to his students. Throughout my trainings, I have come to know how important teaching is to Sensei Rivera. He has taught younger children, teenagers, and adults of all professions, including lawyers and officers. His availability never falters even when students have cancelled classes; his time was our time and training us up to six times a week was no exception.
Although we train under Sensei Rivera, we share many moments outside the traditional teacher student dichotomy, such as dining out, occasional trips to other dojos, visiting each other's homes, and meeting each others families. We have bonded and in our own little way, we have become a family; the very meaning of Interconnectedness. Most importantly, Sensei Rivera's pedagogy to infuse Buddhism into his teachings has helped his students grow mentally, challenging our minds and spirit to see how far we are willing to go to change our detrimental mind-state; we also meditate each session to ensure that this positive change is instilled.
Many people can be a teacher, but to lead by example and not by authority is the epitome of what makes Sensei Rivera stand out. The time he has taken to help us develop a sense of confidence and control is immeasurable, for it is the very thing that I needed to move forward in my life, not only as a karateka, but as a person. My gratitude is extended beyond what I can see and will continue as long as I am able to express it.
I look forward to continuing my training as a student of karate with the guidance of Sensei Rivera.
Tamika S. Thomas
amaonejoy@yahoo.com
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OSU,
My name is Phillip Estaba, and I am 50 years old.
About a year ago I was looking for a way to improve my physical fitness and to find an avenue to improve my focus and spirituality.
I had tried the gyms and the home workouts on CD's but I needed more. So, I searched around and came upon Sensei Rivera's meetup page.
Sensei Rivera advertised a kickboxing format that promised a vigorous workout and a great time. There was nothing to prepare me for what happened next.
I was to discover that Sensei Rivera is an accomplished and skilled
martial artist. Sensei Rivera has fought in tournaments worldwide and
proven himself against many other highly dedicated martial artists.
However, Sensei Rivera is not just a tournament fighter, he is a very
spiritual man. Sensei Rivera is a down to earth human being who has
devoted his life to the martial arts.
I was to discover a man who knew how to lead his students, also how to
respect himself through his own sense of spirituality. I fell in love
with his class instantly.
I was to learn that Sensei Rivera was also teaching a basic Karate class
and I thought that I might be able to learn a few things from him.
My own experience with the martial arts came around high school when I studied Gō-Chun-Do an offshoot of Gōjō-ryu Karate, taught by the late Sensei Steven Aviles. I studied with Sensei Aviles for seven years. Seven years of hard training and fought to the level of Green belt at that time.
Sensei Rivera introduced me to Genjōkōan Karate, an offshoot of Kyokushinkai Kan Karate.
Sensei Rivera began to train myself and about five other classmates of mine in a way that was to change my life forever.
For the next six months or so I was re awakened to the most honorable and dedicated group of persons that I have ever met. The sweat, blood and tears shed together as we performed feats of stamina and combat techniques bonded us in a way that cannot be equaled. Our dōjō became my family and we ate laughed and supported one another in the truest sense of brothers and sisters united in our love of martial arts.
Sensei Rivera is a special man who opens his heart and his arms to embrace all who seek to learn that which he has gained through a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication. Sensei Rivera does not do what he does for glory or fame, but simply because it is a gift to teach for the joy of seeing students blossom and reach their truest potentials (Original face).
I strongly recommend that whoever reads this letter to seek out Sensei Rivera and learn the Spirit of karate from one who knows what he is doing.
I support Genjōkōan dōjō and all of my brothers and sisters no matter where on earth I, or they may be.
"Mizu no Kokoro" (mind like water) and be of "imperturbable mind" and discover Genjōkōan Karate and grow as I have done, and continue to do.
Peace and blessings. "OSU"
PHILLIP ESTABA
goodmunk@gmail.com
Greetings,
Sensei Rivera operates our after-school karate program at the Dwight School.
It is my pleasure to offer my recommendation of Sensei Rivera of the Genjōkōan Karate Organization.
The after-school karate has been an extremely successful program and our students love it. Sensei
Rivera runs a very age appropriate program where the focus is on respect, discipline, exercise and
etiquette. Our parents have been very impressed with how quickly the students have progressed.
As a service provider, Sensei Rivera’s communication is excellent, he has delivered on the program
as outlined and he prepared our student well to past their tests to gain new belt covers.
I unreservedly recommend the Genjōkōan Karate Organization and Sensei Rivera.
Fiona Imboden
Director of Activities
The Dwight School
fimboden@dwight.edu
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***TESTIMONIALS***
NYC Kickboxing Meetup Group & NYC Kihon Karate Meetup Group
"This group is exactly what the description says. A great workout with a
friendly group and be ready to sweat! I am also taking his Genjokoan
Karate class as well."
- Breddy C.
"I keep going back to for a good workout with good group. Come try it!"
- Henry Z.
"It is great, def going back."
- Joey C.
"Great group, Fun, energetic, Knowledgeable, and SWEATY! Had a blast."
- JD
"Nice group....great activity to be apart of."
- Alicia P.
"Nice meeting you all last week... see you Friday."
- Rosalinda R.
" Great personalities. Fighting spirits! Yea, Marvie B - we're awesome ;)"
- Andrea A.
"It is so much more than basic training;
more than just self-defense. Honestly, in the amount of time that I have
been there (less than a month), I can see myself becoming a better
person. It is teaching me about patience, balance and discipline. If you
need guidance in doing so then this the journey that will take you
there."
- Tamika T.
"The instructor is very knowledgeable and
excels on teaching techniques in an approachable manner. The only thing
that adds to the quality of instruction is the caliber of people
attending this meetup to workout together. There are no egos here, only
camaraderie.”
- HZ.
"This class is great!!! You workout and have fun... So good for the body and soul!! Highly recommend it!!! Try it!"
- Daisy T.
"I loved the workout, the teacher, and the
fellow students are really nice and I am gonna make this a part of my
program thanks Sensei Rivera!"
- Phil E.
"Awesome training - the group is as terrific as sensei - great vibe, totally energizing in every way a blessing!”
- Nico
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