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Shihan William Collazo Jr.
5th Degree Black Belt (go-Dan)
Collazo (b. July 26, 1972) began his martial arts training at age five, studying Uechi-Ryu for almost two
years. At seven, he began his training in Nisei Goju-Ryu with Sensei Bill Wendell and Sensei Robert
Escoto. He has been a student of Hanshi Wendell since that time. Throughout the years, he trained for
extended periods of time with Shihan Frank Ruiz, as well as cross-trained with well-known teachers of
other arts, notably Master Moses Powell and Master Rex Lee. Collazo competed extensively in open
competition from age 8 through 16, winning numerous state and national titles in weapons, form and
fighting. He competed for the world title at the U.S. Karate Association’s World Championships in 1984,
and was the only competitor, child or adult, to win the title in all three divisions. He earned his Sho-dan at
age 17, and a year later competed in the A.A.U. Junior Olympic Games of 1991, winning a gold, a silver, and
a bronze medal. Collazo has since earned degrees from Cornell University (B.A. in Asian Studies and
Religious Studies, ‘94) and Washington University (M.A. in East Asian Studies, ‘00). His studies have
focused on Zen philosophy and its relevance to the martial arts. He also lived in Hiroshima, Japan for two
years (1995-1997) where he practiced Shito-Ryu and began his training with Sensei Masafumi Matsuki in the
art of kendo, in which he currently holds a Yon-dan. While in Japan, Collazo had the honor of being
invited to participate in the 8th and 9th Annual International Seminars on Budo Culture held at the
International Budo University in Chiba Prefecture. In 2003 he was given his Yon-dan, 4th degree black belt,
and title Renshi. He is the current Chief Instructor of Mushin Ryu Martial Arts. He has been honored by the
Gold Coast Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the World Head of Family Sokeship Council.
In 2008 he received his Go-Dan, 5th Degree Black Belt, in Mushin Goju Ryu.
A Few Words About Hanshi Wendell
One may say that the history of martial arts has been one of unrelenting change and adaptation. This
handbook includes a brief testament to that history as it describes how karate developed through time
and across cultures. All the countries involved in the evolution of this art have had its innovators. These
were special people, incredibly insightful in their thinking and impressively effective in their practice.
After a single practice session with Hanshi Wendell, you immediately realize that he bears the torch of this
tradition of innovation. Having been a student of his since about the age of seven, I have witnessed
firsthand how he has changed his training methods according to his personal development as a martial
artist. Through meditation and practice, he has constantly pushed further to understand the true meaning
of technique and the correlation between mind and body. His insights on physical techniques are
grounded consistently in mental discipline. There are very few instructors and so-called “masters” in the
world today that can adapt kata techniques and apply them effectively in kumite.
While Mushin Goju Ryu is still a young karate system by most standards, it is the product of a long
tradition of evolution, via Nisei Goju Ryu, that led to what Shihan Ruiz referred to as “the strongest system
in the world.” His innovative ideas live on through Hanshi Wendell’s practice and teachings. To come in
contact with these teachings is to change the way you view martial arts training and particularly, how that
training is applied to your everyday life. Hanshi Wendell is an inspiration to his students, setting the
example of the modern martial artist who lives the art and does not simply talk about it.
It is out of the deepest respect and sincerity that I write of my sensei’s character and ability. I invite
anyone who wishes to learn a new way of living through “The Martial Way” to train with Hanshi Wendell.
William Collazo Jr.
Chief Instructor, Mushin Goju Ryu
5th Degree Black Belt
5th Degree Black Belt (go-Dan)
Collazo (b. July 26, 1972) began his martial arts training at age five, studying Uechi-Ryu for almost two
years. At seven, he began his training in Nisei Goju-Ryu with Sensei Bill Wendell and Sensei Robert
Escoto. He has been a student of Hanshi Wendell since that time. Throughout the years, he trained for
extended periods of time with Shihan Frank Ruiz, as well as cross-trained with well-known teachers of
other arts, notably Master Moses Powell and Master Rex Lee. Collazo competed extensively in open
competition from age 8 through 16, winning numerous state and national titles in weapons, form and
fighting. He competed for the world title at the U.S. Karate Association’s World Championships in 1984,
and was the only competitor, child or adult, to win the title in all three divisions. He earned his Sho-dan at
age 17, and a year later competed in the A.A.U. Junior Olympic Games of 1991, winning a gold, a silver, and
a bronze medal. Collazo has since earned degrees from Cornell University (B.A. in Asian Studies and
Religious Studies, ‘94) and Washington University (M.A. in East Asian Studies, ‘00). His studies have
focused on Zen philosophy and its relevance to the martial arts. He also lived in Hiroshima, Japan for two
years (1995-1997) where he practiced Shito-Ryu and began his training with Sensei Masafumi Matsuki in the
art of kendo, in which he currently holds a Yon-dan. While in Japan, Collazo had the honor of being
invited to participate in the 8th and 9th Annual International Seminars on Budo Culture held at the
International Budo University in Chiba Prefecture. In 2003 he was given his Yon-dan, 4th degree black belt,
and title Renshi. He is the current Chief Instructor of Mushin Ryu Martial Arts. He has been honored by the
Gold Coast Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the World Head of Family Sokeship Council.
In 2008 he received his Go-Dan, 5th Degree Black Belt, in Mushin Goju Ryu.
A Few Words About Hanshi Wendell
One may say that the history of martial arts has been one of unrelenting change and adaptation. This
handbook includes a brief testament to that history as it describes how karate developed through time
and across cultures. All the countries involved in the evolution of this art have had its innovators. These
were special people, incredibly insightful in their thinking and impressively effective in their practice.
After a single practice session with Hanshi Wendell, you immediately realize that he bears the torch of this
tradition of innovation. Having been a student of his since about the age of seven, I have witnessed
firsthand how he has changed his training methods according to his personal development as a martial
artist. Through meditation and practice, he has constantly pushed further to understand the true meaning
of technique and the correlation between mind and body. His insights on physical techniques are
grounded consistently in mental discipline. There are very few instructors and so-called “masters” in the
world today that can adapt kata techniques and apply them effectively in kumite.
While Mushin Goju Ryu is still a young karate system by most standards, it is the product of a long
tradition of evolution, via Nisei Goju Ryu, that led to what Shihan Ruiz referred to as “the strongest system
in the world.” His innovative ideas live on through Hanshi Wendell’s practice and teachings. To come in
contact with these teachings is to change the way you view martial arts training and particularly, how that
training is applied to your everyday life. Hanshi Wendell is an inspiration to his students, setting the
example of the modern martial artist who lives the art and does not simply talk about it.
It is out of the deepest respect and sincerity that I write of my sensei’s character and ability. I invite
anyone who wishes to learn a new way of living through “The Martial Way” to train with Hanshi Wendell.
William Collazo Jr.
Chief Instructor, Mushin Goju Ryu
5th Degree Black Belt
