About Us
Lugo’s Martial Arts & Wellness Center’s mission is to help our community in Odessa and Northwest Tampa by positively influencing the physical and mental growth of our citizens via the rigorous training methods of the Martial Arts … to learn masterful ways to transform our thoughts, feelings and actions in a positive manner … to create a culture of self mastery to build a base of more tolerant, kind, compassionate and loving citizens in our community.
Luis A. Lugo, Chief Instructor
7th Dan Shuri Ryu Karate-Do
Mr. Lugo has been a student and instructor of Martial Arts for over 4 decades. He began his training in 1970’s when the Martial Arts were booming with popularity in North and South America. Throughout his journey as a student he studied Shotokan Karate, Judo and currently Shuri Ryu Karate-Do, an Okinawan method of training. During the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 00’s he competed in hundreds of National and International competitions and has participated in numerous International Seminars in search of expanding his knowledge.
Some of his career highlights include:
- 1976, 77 – “Sensei Cup” Venezuelan National Champion and “Poliedro Cup” Champion
- 1979, 80, 81, 83 – USKA World Championship 3rd Place Bronze
- 1982 – Florida State Championship 1st Place Gold – Heavy Weight Champion
- 1983, 86 – US Open World Championship 3rd Place Bronze, 2nd Place Silver
- 1988 – Tampa Gasparilla Open Championship 1st Place Gold – Heavy Weight Champion
- 1993, 95 – USAKF Florida Regional Championship 2nd Place Silver & Sunshine State Games
- 1997 – Okinawa World Championship U.S. Shuri-Ryu Team
- 2001 – Okinawa World Championship 2nd Place Silver
- 2005 – AAU National Championship 2nd Place Silver
In addition, he has trained and served as a coach for dozens of State, National and World Champions.
Gustavo A. Lugo, Chief Instructor
6th Dan Shuri Ryu Karate-Do
Gustavo Lugo is one of the most accomplished competitors in the history of U.S. Karate. He also began his training in the 1970’s. He has studied Shotokan Karate, Judo and currently Shuri Ryu Karate-Do, an Okinawan method of training. Gus dominated the tournament scene, both National and International, for 4 decades. His versatility and adaptability as a competitor allowed him to win in the open tournament circuit as well as in traditional Karate competitions.
Some of his career highlights include:
- 1975 “Poliedro Cup” Junior International Grand Champion
- 1979, 80, 81, 83 USKA World Champion
- 1981, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86 Florida State Championships – Champion
- 1983, 84, 86, 1987 US Open World Championships – Champion
- Tampa’s Gasparilla Open Championship – Champion for several years
- 1993, 1995 USAKF Regional Championship, National Championship – Champion, 2nd Place
- 1997 Okinawa World Championships in Japan – Member of the U.S. Shuri-Ryu Team
- 2001 Disney Martial Arts Festival – Team Member Champion
- 2001 Okinawa World Championships in Atlanta – 1st Place – Gold Medal Winner
- 2007 Shuri Cup National Champion
- 2011 Shuri Cup National Champion
In addition, Gus was awarded “The Robert Bowles Society Leadership Award” in 2007. This prestigious recognition was given to him for being an accomplished competitor and an outstanding role model for young Martial Artists. Gus has also served as a coach for dozens of State, National and World Champions during his many years of Martial Arts training.
