Joe Mattia

2nd Dan, Junshidoin

Community Leader & Passionate Practitioner of Chito-Ryu Karate

I was born and raised in Nutley, where I attended kindergarten through High School. Afterwards, I graduated from Montclair State University, and currently work as a Project Manager for a real estate development company. Beyond my professional career, I am a father of two boys, one of whom enthusiastically participates in our kids’ karate classes almost every week.

My journey with Chito-Ryu Karate began in my youth, inspired by my father, who introduced me to this remarkable martial art. Over the years, Chito-Ryu has been more than just a practice—it has become a cornerstone of my life, shaping both my skills and my values.

Chito-Ryu Karate, recognized as one of the original Okinawan styles, is internationally accredited for its rich history and unique approach. Its founder, Tsuyoshi Chitose, whom we respectfully call O’Sensei (Grandmaster), was a medical doctor. He blended the principles of Okinawan karate with his medical expertise to create a style that is both combat-effective and anatomically correct, prioritizing the health of its practitioners.

I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors of USA-ICKF, INC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is the Governing Body for the International Chito-Ryu Karate-Do Federation in the USA. Alongside my wife, Necole, who is also a Board member, we are committed to fostering the growth and development of Chito-Ryu Karate in our nation.

In August 2023, Necole and I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Kumamoto, Japan, where we competed in the prestigious Soke Cup, a Chito-Ryu tournament held every three years. This journey also allowed us to visit the Chito-Ryu global headquarters and train under the guidance of Nidaime Soke and Sandaime Soke, the supreme masters of Chito-Ryu Karate-Do.

Our passion for martial arts extends beyond competition. My wife and I have been running a private karate school since 2022, which laid the foundation for our current school, Kazoku Karate School, located at 800 Bloomfield Avenue in Nutley, NJ. Since 2024, our school has hosted multiple Continuing Education Clinics led by the highest-ranking Chito-Ryu instructors in the USA and Canada. We are dedicated to further developing our facility as a hub for martial arts education, cultural enrichment, and community engagement.

It is both a privilege and an honor to contribute to our community through the art of Chito-Ryu Karate. By promoting cultural education, fostering community enrichment, and advancing martial arts, we hope to inspire others to embark on their own journeys of growth and discovery.