Instructors
Chief Instructor (J.D. Sandoval Sensei)
Assistant Instructors
Chief Instructor
Sandoval Sensei has over 22 years of experience in Aikido. He holds a 5th degree black belt (Godan) and is a certified Aikido instructor. He began his Aikido training in 1989 with I. Shibata Shihan (7th degree black belt, Master Teacher) at Berkeley Aikikai and became a kenshusei (apprentice for teacher certification) in 1991.
Sandoval Sensei’s title and rank are recognized through both the IAF (International Aikido Federation) by Hombu Dojo and Birankai International. He has also trained extensively in USAF (United States Aikido Federation) while it was under the direction of T. K. Chiba Shihan (8th degree black belt). Sandoval Sensei received his teaching certification (shidoin) in 2001 after many years of dedication to Aikido.
Hayward Aikido is Sandoval Sensei’s second dojo. Sandoval Sensei is proud to bring Aikido to Hayward and the East Bay. Between 1998 and 2003, he owned, operated and was the Chief Instructor of Marin Aikikai School.
Watch videos of Sandoval Sensei on our media library.
Click here to contact Sandoval Sensei.
Assistant Instructors
Dmitriy Panasenko began his Aikido training in 1992 in Moscow, Russia with V. Matveev Sensei. 
From 1998 to 2004 he trained in Aikido and Iaido in San Diego Aikikai under the guidance of T.K. Chiba Shihan (Master Teacher), founder of Birankai International. Dmitriy obtained his fukushidoin (assistant instructor) certification in 2006 under the guidance of Diane Deskin Sensei in Sonoran Aikikai.From 2007 to 2009 Dmitriy studied in Alameda Aikikai with Elmer Tancinco Sensei. Dmitriy currently holds the rank of sandan (3rd degree black belt) and is an assistant instructor at Hayward Aikido.
Dana Bush is an accomplished martial artist, and has over 16 years of experience in Aikido. He holds a 3rd degree black belt in Aikido (sandan), is also CPR and First Aid Certified. He has also taught self-defense to law enforcement and security personnel in special seminars.
Bush Sensei teaches both Adults’and Kids’ Classes. In the Kids’ Classes, the kids learn aikido techniques and practice forms with the wooden sword (bokken). He encourages the kids to develop their safety awareness, self-confidence, and physical fitness in a non-competetive, cooperative and fun environment. In the Adults’ classes, Bush Sensei emphasizes the practical application of aikido principles and techniques. Students will improve their martial awareness and movement, and be better prepared against realistic attacks.
Watch this video of Dana Bush’ Sandan test. (Ukes are Melissa Miller, Bernardo Sandoval, and Nico Sandoval)
Mario Chavez has been training in Aikido for over 7 years. He was a member of the U.S. boxing team in the 1992 Goodwill Games. He holds a 1st degree black belt (shodan) and teaches the Kids’ class for 5-8 year olds.
Kenshushei (teacher’s apprenticeship)
Students in the kenshusei program assist in the teaching of the Kids’ classes.
Isaiah Fernandez has been training in Aikido for over 2.5 years. He has also trained in Shotokan Karate for 13 years. He currently holds 1st degree black belts in both Aikido and Karate.
Melissa Miller has been training in Aikido for over 4 years and holds a 2nd degree black belt in Aikido