JD Sandoval Sensei (1970-2021) began his Aikido training in 1989. He held a 6th degree black belt (Rokudan) and was a certified and practicing Aikido instructor (Shidoin). He was also a certified Iaido instructor. In addition to Aikido, Sandoval Sensei earned a 6th degree black belt in Kenpo under Professor Mike Jiminez.

Sandoval Sensei began his Aikido training with W. I. Shibata Shihan 8th degree black belt, Master Teacher (Shihan) and became a direct apprentice (Kenshusei).

Sandoval Sensei’s Aikido title and rank are recognized through both the IAF (International Aikido Federation) by Hombu Dojo. Sandoval Sensei received his teaching certification (Shidoin) in 2001 after many years of dedication to Aikido.

Sandoval Sensei opened Hayward Aikido, first named Hayward Martial Arts, at the end of 2007 with Master Alex France Sr., a respected teacher of Filipino martial arts. Over the years, Master France and the other arts taught in the dojo parted ways from Hayward Martial Arts, and Sensei changed the name to Hayward Aikido. Since opening the dojo, he had several kenshusei (apprentices) and fukushidoin (assistant instructors). Those of his graduate kenshusei who still teach Aikido are Isaiah Fernandez, Chief Instructor of Union City Aikido and current head of Bodaikan, and Melissa Miller, Chief Instructor of Hayward Aikido.

Melissa Espinoza, 3rd Dan, became Chief Instructor of Hayward Aikido in June 2021. She began training Aikido in 2008 under the late JD Sandoval Sensei. Several dedicated years of intense training after becoming kenshusei, she graduated from the program, gaining the fukushidoin title in 2011. 

Melissa strives to teach Aikido as a complete, practical martial art using the principles passed to her by her late teacher. 

Biography in progress

Rena Fourkas, 5th Dan, has over 30 years of martial arts experience. She teaches Aikido, body art and weapons, as well as our Iaido class.