For more than 40 years, Shen Dragon Karate Dojo has quietly served as a foundational training ground for youth and families in the Virgin Islands. Located at Buccaneer Mall on St. Thomas, the dojo is led by Grand Master Jerry Otto and nationally ranked martial artist and educator Celine Otto, who, along with Jerry’s son Bryan, also operate its nonprofit arm, the Virgin Islands Martial Arts Development Association Inc.
While the dojo teaches traditional martial arts, its broader mission is character development. Students ages 5 to 65 are taught principles rooted in service, courage, respect, humility, compassion and discipline. Otto refers to it as “life training,” an approach that blends physical skill-building with emotional maturity and moral development.
A seasoned educator with more than 15 years of experience teaching young children, Otto is also an internationally decorated martial artist. At age 55, she earned her second-degree black belt and in 2022–2023 held a No. 2 world ranking in her division with the North American Sport Karate Association. Her leadership blends formal education with martial discipline, providing students with the structure and inspiration they need to succeed in life.
The dojo serves students from all walks of life, including those facing financial hardship, trauma or instability, as well as teens seeking structure and young athletes training for national and world-class competition. Through VIMADA, the Ottos ensure no student is turned away due to cost, providing scholarships, uniforms, transportation, tournament fees and meals. In 2022, 13 of their students competed in four national tournaments, bringing home more than 97 medals and trophies. These achievements were not just athletic wins but personal victories over self-doubt, adversity and life’s challenges.
Grand Master Otto began his martial arts journey in Taiwan in the 1960s and is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished senior competitors in U.S. sport karate history. He is a former dual undefeated national champion in both forms and weapons and a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of volunteer service in youth martial arts education. His experience and mentorship continue to shape the next generation of leaders in the Virgin Islands.
Shen Dragon currently serves more than 120 active students and, through its outreach, has positively impacted hundreds of children and families across the territory. VIMADA has provided over 50 scholarships to date and aims to grow its presence in public schools, youth initiatives and community safety efforts.
The dojo also offers women’s self-defense clinics, youth leadership training and community outreach programs. Its impact has continued to grow despite major challenges. The Ottos adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic by transitioning classes online, creating new teaching methods and working to keep students engaged during a time of uncertainty and disconnection.
VIMADA operates largely through community support. Donations are tax-deductible and directly fund youth development programs, outreach efforts and facility upkeep. With additional support, they hope to expand their scholarship offerings, sustain free programming and increase access to national competition and training opportunities for local students.
Upcoming projects include a children’s book series featuring real-life dojo students and a youth-led full-length feature film aimed at raising awareness about human trafficking. These creative initiatives reflect the Ottos’ continued commitment to inspiring youth through purpose-driven storytelling, martial arts and mentorship.
Community members and businesses are encouraged to get involved by donating, volunteering, sponsoring a student or helping spread awareness. Shen Dragon Karate Dojo and VIMADA remain a vital part of the Virgin Islands landscape, offering young people the structure, confidence and leadership skills needed to thrive.
For more information, visit www.vimada.org, call (340) 642-6840 or email jotto@vimada.org or masterotto@shendragonvi.com. Follow @shendragonvi on Facebook and Instagram.
