Pictured, from left, Andy McCleary, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce; Doug Hanes, First Federal Savings Bank; Dennis Head; Becky Plummer, Staffmark; Karissa Salazar, Owner, Juko-Ryu Toide & Martial Arts Center; Sensei Matthew Smith, Owner, Juko-Ryu Toide & Martial Arts Center; Larry Kanagy, WFRN Radio; Ron Shoemaker, Warsaw City Councilman; Rob Parker, President & CEO, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce.

WARSAW —  The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting Friday, April 13, at the Juko-Ryu Toide & Martial Arts Center, 704 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw.

Sensei Matthew Smith is the dojo headmaster. Smith has been studying martial arts since the age of 7. He has experience in several martial art forms, including taekwondo and wing chun.

Smith joined Juko-Kai International in 2013 and holds ranks in several of the juko-kai arts. He has a 3rd degree black belt in juko-ryu toide and a 2nd degree black belt in goshinjutsu. 

Karissa Salazar is the dojo manager and holds ranks in toide and goshinjutsu. Salazar is a licensed dental hygienist and health advocate. Salazar is a domestic violence survivor and says her personal experience drives her desire to provide safety in the community. 

The martial arts center offers juko-ryu aiki Inyo toide, an elite art form involving throwing, wrist locks and powerful strikes; shorin-ryu karate-jutsu, a non-sport karate for the sole purpose of self-defense; juko-ryu aiki inyo goshinjutsu, a special division of juko-ryu jutsu involving modern day self-defense techniques such as blocking, wrist locks and throwing; and juko-ryu aiki inyo toho, a sword art.  

Youth classes are held from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Adult classes are from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Private lessons are available on Saturdays by appointment.