Efrain “Tato” Rivera began his study of Isshinryu Karate when he was 15 years old. His first instructor was Sensei Eduardo Gonzalez. When Sensei Gonzalez moved to finish his studies in medicine, Mr. Rivera become a student of Sensei Jesús M. Jiménez.
Sensei Rivera added to his knowledge by practicing Judo from 1990 – 1996. In 2012, he was promoted to yondan the Order of Isshin-Ryu. He currently holds the rank of godan in Order of Isshin-Ryu Karate and in addition he trains in Matayoshi Kobudo.