Business Details
Your Trusted Shotokan Karate Academy in Riverview, FL
Founded by Sensei Rafael Oliver, Oliver Martial Arts Academy has been dedicated to teaching traditional Shotokan Karate since its establishment. Our academy emphasizes the core values of discipline, integrity, and leadership, rooted in the philosophy of Shotokan Karate as outlined in the Twenty Precepts of Karate. With over 30 years of combined experience from our instructors, we offer structured programs for students aged 5 to adults, focusing on physical development, self-defense, and character building. Our curriculum includes kihon, kata, and kumite, taught in a family-oriented environment that fosters respect and perseverance. We are affiliated with prestigious organizations such as the Japan Karate Association and the American Federation of Martial Arts, ensuring our students receive authentic training.Our competitive team has represented OMA at national events, promoting sportsmanship and healthy lifestyles. Through summer camps and after-school programs, we extend our commitment to community education and youth development. Our instructors hold advanced degrees in education and theology, blending academic rigor with martial arts expertise. We maintain strict adherence to Dojo Kun principles, ensuring every student earns ranks through dedication and consistent training. Our mission is to cultivate strong, ethical leaders who embody the values of Shotokan Karate in their daily lives.
Services
OMA Cubs
Beginner's Class
Intermediate/Advanced Training
Summer Camp
Competitive Team
After-School Program
Highlights and features
- Family-owned academy with 30+ years of combined instructor experience in traditional Shotokan Karate.
- Affiliated with Japan Karate Association and American Federation of Martial Arts for authentic training.
- Structured programs for all ages with focus on character development and self-defense techniques.
- Competitive team with proven success at national AAU and AFMA events.
- Summer camps and after-school programs emphasizing safety, discipline, and physical fitness.
Associations and certifications
- Japan Karate Association (JKA)
- American Federation of Martial Arts (AFMA)
- International San Ten Karate Association (ISKA)
What people say
Experienced instructors
Family-friendly environment
Excellent character development
Structured curriculum
Competitive success
Services
OMA Cubs
Specialized karate program for children aged 5-7 focusing on attention span development, coordination, and basic martial arts techniques. Classes incorporate fun activities to build physical abilities while teaching group participation and task focus. The curriculum follows traditional Shotokan principles adapted for young learners.
Beginner's Class
Structured training for ages 8-14 covering white to orange belt levels. Combines safety skills, agility drills, and fundamental kumite techniques with character development. Emphasizes body awareness and strength building through age-appropriate Shotokan methods while maintaining traditional etiquette standards.
Competitive Team
Elite training program preparing students for local and national tournaments including AAU and AFMA events. Focuses on tournament techniques, sportsmanship, and physical conditioning. Develops confidence through competition while maintaining Shotokan's philosophical foundations of respect and integrity.
Summer Camp
Full-day martial arts program combining Shotokan training with educational field trips and recreational activities. Teaches self-defense, discipline, and stranger danger awareness for ages 5-13. Includes weekly outings to museums, zoos, and parks with certified CPR-trained staff ensuring safety and engagement.
After-School Program
Transportation and martial arts training service for school-age children. Provides weekday transportation from local schools to the academy with structured karate lessons, boot camp exercises, and leadership development activities until 6:30 PM daily.
People
Rafael Oliver
Owner/Sensei
30-year Shotokan expert with black belt certification from AFMA. Holds degrees in Naval Engineering, Theology, and Education. Ordained minister and national karate judge who established the Riverview academy.
Ian Oliver
Co-Owner/Senpai
Film production graduate with MBA who transitioned from Taekwondo to Shotokan. Specializes in youth instruction with 12 years of library volunteer experience. Manages academy operations and student engagement.
Carolyn Oliver
Instructor
20-year educator with MS in Special Education. Earned black belts in Florida after immigrating from Trinidad & Tobago. Combines classroom teaching experience with martial arts instruction for diverse student needs.
Barbara Oliver
Program Manager
Bilingual administrator with biology degree and theology studies. Oversees daily operations, summer camps, and after-school programs. Provides organizational leadership and community outreach coordination.
Rafi Oliver
Assistant Instructor
Shodan-ranked competitor with AAU coaching certification. Balances academic excellence as an honor student with competitive success in national kata and kumite tournaments. Teaches cubs classes and assists in training sessions.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in Shotokan Karate, focusing on traditional techniques including kihon, kata, and kumite as developed by Gichin Funakoshi.
Do you offer trial classes for new students?
Yes, we provide two complimentary trial lessons for all new students to experience our programs before committing.
What age groups do your programs accommodate?
Our programs serve children aged 5-13, teenagers, and adults with age-specific classes tailored to different developmental stages.
Are there competitive opportunities available?
Yes, our competitive team participates in AAU Florida, AAU National, and AFMA events with structured tournament preparation programs.
Do you provide after-school transportation?
We offer weekday transportation from local schools to our academy with supervised karate training until 6:30 PM.
What are your summer camp hours and activities?
Summer camp runs 8 AM to 6 PM with martial arts instruction, weekly field trips to museums/parks, and recreational activities.
