Iwa Dojo of Virginia - Chief Instructor: Mr. Aric Conto
Born in Malone NY in 1968, Aric has called Culpeper home for the past 40 years.
Aric began his training in Kyokushin Karate in 1976 under Sensei A. Zeno, Chief instructor of The Northern Karate Dojo, Malone NY. At the age of 8 he also began training in the youth boxing program at the local YMCA. Moving to Virginia in 1982, his stepfather opened the very first martial arts school here in Culpeper VA. Aric continued his Karate training, earning 3rd degree Black Belt in 1997.
Aric has trained and competed in martial for over 40 years. Western Boxing, Full Contact Karate, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Praying Mantis Kung Fu. Martial arts and physical fitness are integral aspects of Aric's life. His passion for training is only matched by his love and commitment to his lovely wife Heidi and their four children.
Degrees/Certifications
Sandan (3rd degree black belt ) Kyokushin Karate
Sandn (3rd degree black belt) Okinawan Shorin Ryu w/ Iwa Dojo
Ikkyu 1st Kyu Brown Belt- Judo
Purple Belt - Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Boxing at Elsemere/Tiberi Boxing Gym
Muay Thai Boxing under Kumron Vaitayanon
Level 3 Golden Harmony/Praying Mantis Kung Fu
Iwa Dojo of Delaware's Chief Instructor: Mr. Andy Rodriguez
Andy Rodriguez was first exposed to martial arts in 1980 studying in American Kenpo, but it wasn't until 1984 that his passion for budo was fully ignited by Masaharu Sakimukai Soke when he began his Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate-Do training. During his Karate-Do training under the tutelage of Masaharu Sakimukai Soke and family, he was also introduced and studied Okinawan Kobudo and Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo up until 1994.
He continued his martial arts training studying Aikido with Zenko Okimura Shihan in 1997. Although his exposure with Okimura Shihan was brief, he was thankful for the experience and for the valuable lessons learned. In 2000, he furthered his training in Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo with the Rembukan dojo up until 2002. He decided to open his own private dojo focusing on Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate-Do in April 2002 and eventually became a branch instructor under the Zentokukai from 2003 to 2010. In 2010, he reconnected with Sakimukai Soke and family continuing to support their organization up until August 2021. In August 2021, Andy Rodriguez made the decision, along with his most senior members, to become independent from the SoBudoKai. He credits Sakimukai Soke and family for giving him a extremely strong foundation and passion for budo that continues today. He also is appreciative of Sensei Jim Pizii and Sensei Angel Lemus of the Zentokukai for furthering his understanding of the kata applications, and Master Toby Cooling and the Order of Isshin Ryu for welcoming him in their extended family and sharing their impressive budo. Though he was not a direct student, Iain Abernathy's teaching was a great influence on his future development, as well the Koryu Uchinadi Association. He is also very thankful to all in furthering his budo development.