Kyoshi Ivan Ujueta
Kyoshi Ivan Ujueta is the founder of Ju Ki Do and Professional Karate Institute Mixed Martial Arts (PKIMMA), with over 50 years of experience in martial arts training, study, and instruction.
His journey began at the age of 13 at the Japanese Kodokan Dojo in Queens, New York, where he trained in Judo, Jujutsu, and Aikido. By age 14, he expanded his training in Manhattan, studying Nisei Goju Karate under Grandmaster Frank Ruiz and Grandmaster Chaka Zulu. At 17, he moved to California, where he studied Shaolin Kung Fu, including the discipline of traditional weapons training.
Over the years, Kyoshi Ujueta has studied and taught a wide range of martial arts systems, including:
Five Animal Shaolin Kung Fu (with emphasis on Wing Chun)
Kyokushin Karate
Kenpo
Okinawan Karate
Tae Kwon Do
Tang Soo Do
Tai Chi Chuan
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
His training also includes specialized disciplines focused on practical, real-world self-defense and adaptive combat.
A Life of Discipline and Study
For 11 years, Kyoshi Ujueta lived as a Zen Buddhist monk, dedicating himself to study, instruction, and personal discipline. During this time, he also trained with veteran Special Forces in practical hand-to-hand combat. These experiences led to opportunities to serve as a bodyguard for high-profile individuals and dignitaries, further refining his understanding of real-world self-defense.
The Creation of Ju Ki Do
Drawing from decades of experience across more than 14 martial art systems, Kyoshi Ujueta developed Ju Ki Do—“The Gentle Powerful Way.”
Ju Ki Do is built on three major foundational principles:
The moral law
The laws of physics
The spiritual laws
He refers to Ju Ki Do as “The Master’s Blend,” integrating the most effective elements of multiple disciplines into a unified system of training, discipline, and personal development.
Faith and Vision
In 1984, Ivan Ujueta accepted Jesus Christ as Lord, marking a defining moment in his life. This transformation gave him a renewed vision for martial arts—not only as a system of combat, but as a means of building character, discipline, and purpose.
In 1988, he established Professional Karate Institute Mixed Martial Arts (PKIMMA) with the mission of:
Building champions in the home and community.
In 1989, he was ordained as a Pastor, further aligning his life’s work with his faith. Through this integration of faith and discipline, Kyoshi Ujueta embodies the concept of a godly warrior.
Legacy and Leadership
In 2021, Kyoshi Ujueta authored The 12 I Ams, an inspirational work focused on achieving purpose and success in today’s world.
He continues to teach Ju Ki Do through PKIMMA and serves as Pastor of Homeplace Fellowship in Helotes, Texas. Through his leadership and mentorship, he remains committed to helping others live the Gentle Powerful Way—developing balance in body, soul, and spirit.