Valadez Sensei

David M. Valadez is the head instructor at Senshin Center.  He began his martial arts training in 1984.  He is a direct disciple of Kenpo Karate Master Teacher, Michael Robert Pick.  Additionally, Valadez Sensei trained as an Aikido Kenshusei – “disciple trained as an instructor” – under T.K. Chiba, Shihan and Nobuo Iseri, Shihan.  Under Iseri Sensei, Valadez Sensei trained to learn many of the Aikido drills unique to this great teacher.  Valadez Sensei also trained in Japan under Kazuo Nomura, Shihan.

Having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree, Valadez Sensei is a doctorate candidate in the History of Japanese Religious Culture at the University of California, Santa Barbara.  Professor Allan Grapard, a leader in Shinto Studies, has academically mentored him since 1988.

Valadez Sensei has had several articles published on Aikido.  His articles have appeared in Aikido Today Magazine, Aikido FAQ, and Aikido Journal. He is a featured columnist for “The Grindstone” at Aikiweb.com.  Valadez Sensei is a POST certified Arrest and Control instructor for the state of California. He has developed and ran the advanced arrest and control classes at the Allan Hancock Police Academy in Santa Maria, California.

Valadez Sensei is a father of two – both of his children train at the dojo.