WHO WE ARE

KAZOKU KARATE

OUR VISION

OUR MISSION

At Kazoku Karate we believe that who you are on the mat reflects who you are in life. Karate is the instrument for the development of mental and physical strength as well as the development of integrity and character.

We are devoted to building a community rich in these qualities both inside and outside of the dojo walls.

"Perseverance, discipline and will are values lost in today's society, we teach our students how to be confident, dedicated and courteous individuals for the future"

Meet our Founders

Kazoku Karate

World Karate Champion

Sensei Pedro Rodríguez

Pedro Rodriguez is an 8th Degree Black belt in Wado Ryu, started boxing and Judo training at the age of 15. At age 17 he started karate and won several national and international karate championships in the Americas. In 1986 he met Tatsuo Suzuki and trained with him until his death in 2011. Pedro has followed Suzuki Sensei’s teachings to the present day.

During the time that he has been a follower of Suzuki Sensei, Pedro has won team kumite in world championships including Gold in Greece, Silver in Orlando, Florida and Gold again in the Dominican Republic. He has trained students for the Venezuelan national team who have won international competitions including the US open, USA nationals and also he has students who have won Panamerican Gold, Central American Gold and individual and team competitions.

He traveled to Japan as part of Suzuki Sensei’s team and he has been involved in local Venezuelan competitions

Pedro was awarded 7th Dan by Tatsuo Suzuki Sensei and also 7th Dan from the Venezuelan National Karate Federation. He is a former technical committee member of the international organisation created by Tatsuo Suzuki Sensei, a title that was awarded to him for life, from Suzuki Sensei himself.

WKF and WIKF Medalist

Sensei Alejandro Rodríguez

Alejandro Rodríguez has been taught under the instruction of Sensei Pedro Rodriguez, his father.

He has been practicing Wado Ryu Karate since the age of four, and is a 5th degree Black Belt. Sensei Alejandro has dedicated his life to the reinforcement and perfection of his technique. He is disciplined and always looking forward to his and his students’ improvement. He was promoted for his first three black belt degrees by Tatsuo Suzuki Hanshi, founder of the WIKF and most prominent student of Hironori Ohtsuka Sensei, the Founder of Wado Ryu as a Karate style.

A family man who loves and is devoted to his children, also very passionate in helping all children through Karate.

Alejandro Rodriguez is also a versatile and successful competitor with international recognition and awards, representing the Venezuelan national senior team for over 7 years. Some of his awards:

Sensei Pedro Rodríguez (left) with Sensei Tatsuo Suzuki (right): Karate legends of Wado-Ruy. Martial Art schools in Greenville, South Carolina

Sensei Pedro Rodriguez with Sensei Tatsuo Suzuki

Legends of Karate: Wado-Ryu originss, pioneers of martial arts. Sensei Pedro Rodríguez with Sensei Tatsuo Suzuki - Greenville, South Carolina Kazoku Karate school

Sensei Pedro Rodriguez with Sensei Tatsuo Suzuki

Sensei Pedro Rodriguez with Sensei Tatsuo Suzuki · portugal 2008 - Kazoku Karate school in Greenville, South Carolina, USA

Sensei Pedro Rodriguez with Sensei Tatsuo Suzuki · portugal 2008

“In the beginners mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few. Master yourself until your questioning becomes certainty.”
Tatsuo Suzuki