Professor Carlos J. Lopez Ruyol Ph. D.

     Professor Carlos Ruyol was born in 1951, in Puerto Rico. Although he has been related to karate since 1967, his formal training began in 1969 in Garyu Rico Do, a parallel system to Kyokushinkay with Professor Gilberto Rodriguez, a leading karate icon of that time in Puerto Rico. Professor Lopez achieved 1st degree Black Belt in 1972. since then, he is well known as an instructor, top competitor of the "Blood and Guts" era of Karate (1970's) and author. In addition, his achievements have been published throughout Puerto Rico by the leading newspapers, magazines and the book Karate-Do in Puerto Rico.
     Among many victories, he has won in the following renowned events in Puerto Rico: Caribbean Cup in 1975, First Caribbean Teams Championship sponsored by Garyu Rico Do. First place in February 28, 1976, Second Karate Festival. Second Place in the lightweight dividsion in 1977, Puerto Rico Karate Do Kyokushinkay International Championship. And First place in the Masters division, in 1986, International San Ten Karate Association International tournament.
     Professor Lopez contributions to the martial arts are the following: In 1983 he created the Semai Do Karate Association which means karate by the narrow away (discipline way). In 1984 he created the Sogoteki System to enhance the student progression in Sport Karate and Self Defense, also, he contributed to the foundation of the Puerto Rico Karate Do Federation. In addition he wrote the following books: 1986, Semai Do Karate sogoteki System. This is the first and unique book recommended by the Department of Education of Puerto Rico to be used in sport karate courses to all levels of education. The public libraries program of Puerto rico uses this book. In 1987, Semai Do Karate for Kids, re-edited it in 2002, and in 1997, Semai Do Karate, Basic Course of Sport Karate. During the XVII Central American and Cribbean games, Professor Lopez participated in the coordination of the transportation of the Pan-American Karate Union Officiers.
     Among many recognitions, Professors Lopez has been awarded the following grades: 7th Degree in 1986 by the United States of America Goju Association of Grandmaster Peter Urban, 6th Degree in 1989 by the International San Ten Karate Association, 7th Degree in 1995 by by the American Teachers Association of Martial Arts, 9th Degree in 1993 by the World Head of Family Sokeship Council, doctor in Martial Sciences in 1996 by Euothechnical Research University, Hawaii, 9th Degree in 1996 by the Okinawan Karate Federation and in that same year 7th Degree by the World Federation of Karate Do Organizations.
     Professor Lopez has studied nutrition as well as physical fitness. Until 2003, he taught a sport karate course during the evening at Maria Auxiliadora School. Since 1996 he works as an aircraft maintenance Technology instructor for the Puerto rico Education Department and in 1998, the House of representatives of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico presented him a commendation letter for his heart-whole dedication to his students as a aircraft maintenance technology instructor. On May 23 of 1999 he was exalted to the Carolina city Sport Hall of Fame in Puerto Rico. This exaltation included Professor Lopez Ruyol in history, as the first Martial Artist and Karate-Do exponent exalted to any Sport Hall of Fame sponsored by the government of Puerto Rico. Professor Lopez Ruyol distinctive accomplishments reflect credit upon himself and the samurai spirit of self improvement and self sacrifice developed in genuine martial artists.