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.  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.
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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. Aikido Today Magazine, Aikido FAQ, Aikido Journal, have published his articles and he is a featured columnist for "The Grindstone" at Aikiweb. He also developed and ran the advanced arrest and control classes at the Allan Hancock Police Academy in Santa Maria, CA.  He is a P.O.S.T. certified arrest and control (ARCON) instructor for the state of Califonia and is a sworn officer for a local Law Enforcement agency.