DPRCS Martial Arts Program honored at March 9 Township Council Meeting
March 10, 2026The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services’ Martial Arts Program was honored at the March 9 Township Council Meeting.
On December 9, 2025, the program marked a significant achievement as its instructor, Sensei William Ojeda, was promoted to 3rd Degree Black Belt in Michi Budo Ryu. Michi Budo Ryu is a comprehensive mixed martial arts system that blends traditional Japanese karate, judo, and jujitsu, emphasizing discipline, technique, and practical self-defense.
On the same day, all of his students participated in a demanding and hard-fought examination, demonstrating determination, resilience, and skill. Through their efforts, each student successfully earned advancement to higher ranks, reflecting the strength and quality of the program. The following are the successful student’s names: Patty Armstrong, Philip Armstrong, Jim Armstrong, Kairo Lockhart, Kween Lockhart, Dennis Kube III, Mayukha Kalakkattil, Mira Samudrala, and Esha Samudrala.
Sensei Ojeda said martial arts are often misunderstood as simply learning how to fight, when in reality it teaches something deeper.
“Martial arts teach discipline and respect, patience and self-control,” he said. “Students learn how to challenge themselves, how to persevere when things are difficult and how to show respect to others, both on and off the mat. These lessons help shape character and build confidence.”
Sensei Ojeda added that “at its heart, martial arts is not about conflict, it is about harmony.”
“It teaches us how to live in balance with ourselves, with others and with our community,” he said.
The promotions were overseen by Master Joe Pung, who visited the school to personally evaluate the testing. After witnessing the students’ discipline, courage, and fighting ability, Master Pung formally recognized the North Brunswick Martial Arts School as a member of the World Head of Family / Sokeship Council—a prestigious organization whose members include many of the world’s finest martial artists spanning the globe.
This recognition represents a proud moment for Sensei Ojeda, his students, and the North Brunswick community, highlighting the program’s commitment to excellence, tradition, and the development of both martial skills and character.
(Sensei Ojeda) is the original black belt in our style and his promotion to sensei was the ultimate redemptive story and he deserves everything he has gotten and everything he is building,” Master Pung said. “He is a true honor to our system.”
Congratulations to Sensei Ojeda and the DPRCS Martial Arts Program!
