Meet Our Karate Instructors
Behind every strong student is a dedicated teacher.
At Kanreikai Karate of Connecticut, our instructors are committed to helping every student grow with confidence, discipline, and respect. From beginners taking their very first class to advanced students continuing their martial arts journey, our teaching team is here to guide, encourage, and challenge each student every step of the way.
Our dojo is built on strong leadership, years of experience, and a passion for helping students succeed both on and off the mat. Each instructor plays an important role in creating a positive learning environment where students can build skill, character, and self-confidence.
Whether you want to learn more about the leadership of our school or get to know the team that supports our students in class, we invite you to explore the pages below.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Grand Master
HANSHI MANNY MATIAS, 8th DAN
Hanshi Manny Matias, 8th Dan is the Co-Founder and Grand Master of World Kanreikai Karate, with over five decades of experience teaching across the United States and Canada.
A respected knockdown champion in the 1970s and 80s, he built a strong reputation as both a fighter and technician in Japanese karate. He has since trained numerous champions for international full-contact competitions.
Hanshi Matias is widely recognized in the martial arts community, earning honors such as Shihan of the Year in Japanese Karate (2003) and the Hall of Heroes – Karate Living Legacy / Pioneer Award (2014).
As a direct student of Soshu Shigeru Oyama, he played a key role in the development of World Oyama Karate before co-founding World Kanreikai Karate, where he continues to uphold and pass on the traditions of Mas Oyama and Shigeru Oyama.
Chief Instructor
SENSEI CHRIS GONCALVES, 4ᵗʰ DAN
Sensei Chris Goncalves, 4ᵗʰ Dan brings decades of experience in traditional Japanese contact karate. Training under Hanshi Manny Matias since 1987, he built a strong foundation in Kyokushin and later World Oyama Karate, earning his black belt at a young age.
A former World Knockdown Fighting Champion, Sensei Chris competed locally and internationally before dedicating his focus to teaching. Today, he is committed to helping students grow both mentally and physically through disciplined, adaptable instruction.
Known for his empathetic teaching style and deep expertise, Sensei Chris leads with the goal of sharing authentic karate while guiding each student to progress at their own pace.
