John Rivera has been studying martial arts for over 45 years, most of which was in Shaolin Northern Kung Fu. Many lifetime goals have been achieved through Kung Fu and the guidance of his Chaan Tzu (Master). Mr. Rivera has won numerous competitions ranging in the traditional martial art categories of weapons, form sets, point sparring, continuous sparring, and sanshou (Chinese Kickboxing).
Mr. Rivera has been studying Traditional Northern Shaolin Kung Fu (Shaolin Chuan-Fa) for 38 years, appearing in numerous articles in martial arts magazines, such as Inside Kung Fu and Qigong Magazine. Chaan Tzu Sadaat has taught him the true meaning of martial arts and what hard work and dedication can achieve.
Throughout the time he has been studying the Chinese martial arts, he’s kept up the curriculum in the Korean Martial arts of Tang Soo Do. In February of 2002, while maintaining his studies in Northern Shaolin, Mr. Rivera achieved the title of Master 5th Dan in the art of Tang Soo Do under Ken Reynolds. During his martial arts career, Mr. Rivera has attained Professional World titles in Sanshou (Chinese Kickboxing), and Muay Thai.
Mr. Rivera relocated to South Florida in 2007 and joined American Top Team where he learned the art of Muay Thai under Steve Bruno and Chutiphat Rungsuwang. Mr. Rivera was given the nickname “The Musclebot” shortly after that due to his tenacity and vigorous training sessions - including his fight character - that was said to be indescribable.
In 2008, Mr. Rivera returned home to visit Master Sadaat and was awarded the title of “Sifu.” He says, “Having a title means being a role model, you must uphold high ethics, honesty, respect, and loyalty. A person is what makes a title; a title does not make a person.” Mr. Rivera shortly thereafter began studying the art of Koryu Gojukai Karatedo under the honorable Hanshi Manny Saavedra in 2008. Whose instructor was the great legend Peter Urban (USA Goju Karate). Also, in 2009, he was given the rank of Shihan under the World Sansei Kokusai Koryu Goju-Ryu Karatedo Organization. Mr. Rivera continued his professional career in Muay Thai, Sanshou (Chinese Kickboxing) and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). He retired in 2013 from the sport of MMA but continues the legacy in traditional martial arts, Sanshou and Muay Thai.
One of the most spectacular of all honors Mr. Rivera received, is when Hanshi Manny Saavedra promoted him to the title of Kyoshi under the World Sansai Organization in 2017. With the titles that Mr. Rivera has attained, he is duly known as a martial artist who does not intermix martial styles and keeps the traditional values in his heart.
Mr. Rivera has been studying Traditional Northern Shaolin Kung Fu (Shaolin Chuan-Fa) for 38 years, appearing in numerous articles in martial arts magazines, such as Inside Kung Fu and Qigong Magazine. Chaan Tzu Sadaat has taught him the true meaning of martial arts and what hard work and dedication can achieve.
Throughout the time he has been studying the Chinese martial arts, he’s kept up the curriculum in the Korean Martial arts of Tang Soo Do. In February of 2002, while maintaining his studies in Northern Shaolin, Mr. Rivera achieved the title of Master 5th Dan in the art of Tang Soo Do under Ken Reynolds. During his martial arts career, Mr. Rivera has attained Professional World titles in Sanshou (Chinese Kickboxing), and Muay Thai.
Mr. Rivera relocated to South Florida in 2007 and joined American Top Team where he learned the art of Muay Thai under Steve Bruno and Chutiphat Rungsuwang. Mr. Rivera was given the nickname “The Musclebot” shortly after that due to his tenacity and vigorous training sessions - including his fight character - that was said to be indescribable.
In 2008, Mr. Rivera returned home to visit Master Sadaat and was awarded the title of “Sifu.” He says, “Having a title means being a role model, you must uphold high ethics, honesty, respect, and loyalty. A person is what makes a title; a title does not make a person.” Mr. Rivera shortly thereafter began studying the art of Koryu Gojukai Karatedo under the honorable Hanshi Manny Saavedra in 2008. Whose instructor was the great legend Peter Urban (USA Goju Karate). Also, in 2009, he was given the rank of Shihan under the World Sansei Kokusai Koryu Goju-Ryu Karatedo Organization. Mr. Rivera continued his professional career in Muay Thai, Sanshou (Chinese Kickboxing) and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). He retired in 2013 from the sport of MMA but continues the legacy in traditional martial arts, Sanshou and Muay Thai.
One of the most spectacular of all honors Mr. Rivera received, is when Hanshi Manny Saavedra promoted him to the title of Kyoshi under the World Sansai Organization in 2017. With the titles that Mr. Rivera has attained, he is duly known as a martial artist who does not intermix martial styles and keeps the traditional values in his heart.
