Ogata Sensei (Rokudan)

Founder and Head Instructor

Sensei Mike Ogata endeavors each time he encounters his students to convey the mutual respect and common courtesy that society needs. He has earned the rank of Rokudan (6th degree). He has been an ardent practitioner of Kodokan Judo for several decades. He strives to ensure that all students receive the training they need to succeed in the dojo as well as in life.

Arnaldo Chuster Sensei (Rokudan)

Instructor

Sensei Arnaldo Chuster began Judo at age 10 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil under Sensei Hiroshi Kazuokon (4th Dan, Kodokan) and later trained intensively with Sensei Mitsugu Iwafune (5th Dan, Kodokan), competing nationally and internationally until age 24. He earned his black belt at 18.

After completing medical school, he moved to Rio de Janeiro to study under Sensei George Mehdi, a student of Sensei Kawaishi in France and later of Sensei Matsumoto at Tenri University in Japan. Sensei Arnaldo trained with Sensei Mehdi for more than 40 years, leading morning sessions until Mehdi’s passing.

Throughout his career, he also trained at Anton Geesink’s dojo in Holland, working with European and Japanese champions including Geesink, Wim Ruska, Dietmar Hötger, Isao Okano, and Yasuhiro Yamashita. He later taught at his own dojo in Brazil before moving to the United States in 2025.

Mestre Thiago Ramos

Owner and Head Instructor at Carlson Gracie Orlando

Mestre Thiago is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) 3rd Degree Black Belt and IBJJF Associated. He kindly shares his gym with our club, making Judo possible for all of us.

Pastor Machado, Sensei (Nidan)

Instructor

Pastor Sensei endeavors each time he encounters his students to convey the mutual respect and common courtesy that society sometimes lacks. He has earned the rank of Nidan (2nd degree). He has been a Judo practitioner for several decades, starting Judo in Venezuela and winning international competitions along the way. He actively engages with students to meet their needs and mentor them to succeed in Judo as well as in life.

Mrs. Juni

Coordinator

Mrs. Juni is active in getting the word out and helping our kids and young adults in the practice of Judo and life. She maintains the social media venues to keep the community aware of upcoming events and all to do with the dojo.

Mr. Alejandro (Yonkyu)

Webmaster

Alejandro practiced Judo as a kid and has now returned as an adult. He volunteers to manage the dojo website.