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Sr
Instructor-Maestro Dan
Arnado (1989)
Senior Instructor-Maestro Dan Arnado is currently living in the
Puget Sound area working for the Boeing Company as a
Manufacturing Engineer. Currently teaching Arnis twice a week,
to a dedicated group of 8--10 students at a Kenpo school.
Started Training with the Cepeda's in January 1986. "I am one
of the few to be fortunate enough to have been promoted to a
Black Belt and a Maestro. By conducting and attending seminars
in Arnis I continue to grow both culturally and skillfully."
Dan was promoted to 3rd Degree Maestro in 2001.
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Sr Instructor Manuel Aguilar
(1986)
Senior Instructor Manuel Aguilar was born in El Centro. He
started his martial arts training at the age of 16 under the
guidance of Ed Castillo, a student of Brian Adams. In 1981, he
resumed training at College Center Karate under Sifu Dan. After a
few years, he earned his Black Belt. He has fought full contact
both in Karate and Arnis De Mano. Sr. Instructor Manuel states, "Sifu
Dan has been one of my greatest influences in the many years I
have trained in the martial arts." |
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Sr Instructor Ira Fefferman
(1994)
Sr. Instructor Ira's interest in the martial arts began as early
as 1971, when as a young boy he used to get his haircut next door
to a karate studio. His parents would not allow him to train
because they said only "ruffians" did that. From then on he knew
he wanted to study karate.
Senior
Instructor Ira Fefferman started martial arts training in 1984
with Master Jong Lee in Tang Soo Do. In 1988, while shopping for
wedding rings with his fiancee, a man pulled a knife on them and
Ira was able to disarm the man and have him arrested. Through his
roommate, he heard about Cepeda Brothers Martial Arts and started
training with the studio, where he achieved the rank of Black
Belt. |
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Sr Instructor Tony Ordas (1996)
Senior Instructor Tony Ordas knew
that he found the right school and was impressed by the quality of
instruction, the character of the students, and the emphasis
placed on respect. It was a challenge for him to balance his
training along with graduate school and work, but seven years
later, he was awarded his Black Belt on September 15, 1995. He
enjoys continuing his training and feels privileged to be able to
give back what he has learned as an instructor. |
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Sr Instructor CJ Johnson
(1992)
Senior Instructor CJ Johnson began his training at Cepeda Bros.
May, 1988. Awarded Black Belt in July, 1992. Continued training
and teaching and received his 2nd degree Dec.29th,
1994. Trained in Arnis. Born in Tuskegee ,Ala. July 27th
19---Came to San Diego via the Navy been here every since. "Always
wanted to take martial arts since I was a child. Training
at Cepeda Bros under Sifu Dan and Sifu Fred was the best time of
my life and the friendships made with fellow students and Black
Belts. I wouldn't trade for the world." |
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Sr Instructor Jeanette Lim-Vargas
(1993)
First met Sifu Dan and Arlene when she was 16 years old. George
Lim, her brother, was training with Sifu Dan at College Center
Karate. Through martial arts demos and family functions, Sr.
Instructor Jeannette formed a personal friendship with Sifu Dan,
Arlene, Sifu Fred, and Sifu Rudy Serrano. She started training in
Kenpo at College Center Karate, enjoying the family atmosphere.
Jeannette obtained her Black Belt in 1993. "A special thanks is
given to my brother, who has always provided me with the love
and necessary confidence in my martial arts training." |
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Sr Instructor Jim Seeley
(1994)
Spent some of the years since 1994 training with Sifu Dan Cepeda
in the daytime. "Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning we
would meet early; go have breakfast; workout until noon, teach a
day class and then go to D.Z. Akins for lunch. This routine ended
when Sifu Dan moved to Las Vegas. I still train by myself and
teach a few students. I'm 68 now and the golden years are
sometimes a little rusty, but I still enjoy myself. I'm looking
forward to the 30th anniversary in 2004".
Sr. Instructor Jim Seeley passed away
January 8, 2001. He is missed by all. |
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Sr Instructor Lee Malin (1997)
Was exposed to martial arts in high school from observing demos at
the San Francisco Japanese Cultural Center and China Town. Went
to Cal State Hayward for one year and competed in decathlon. Went
to work for Defense Industry in 1982 and finished B.B.A and MBA at
night. After college had plenty of time to start training
formally in 1989 learning Shoringi Kenpo under Master John
Olivier. After one year and a purple belt a friend found Cepeda
Bros studio. Intrigued by the full contact concept and hard
physical training, joined Cepeda Bros. in October 1990. The rest
is history. |
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Sr Instructor Jacy Escoffier
(1994)
Senior Instructor Jacy Escoffier started training in 1986 at the
age of five and soon began to look up to one of the youngest
instructors the studio had ever produced, Sifu-Maestro Ricky
Miyahara. When Sifu Dan became Jacy's private instructor, it
motivated him to achieve black belt status. At the age of 12,
Jacy had become the youngest Black Belt ever promoted at the
studio. Jacy says, "I would like to thank my family and Sifu Dan
- for believing in me." Sr. Instructor Jacy now teaches classes
for his studio Imua Ki Martial Arts Institute. Classes are
currently conducted at Lausau Dwight Love's studio in La Mesa. |
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Sr Instructor Mark Palmer (1992)
Mark Palmer first joined Cepeda
Brothers when he was 30 years old and working at Juvenile Hall.
He continued to train even after he left Juvenile Hall because of
the physical challenge, self-discipline, and positive stress
management he learned from Sifu Dan. Mark was promoted to
4th
Degree Black Belt in 2003. |
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Maestro Joe Jimenez
(1997)
In Japan 1982 took up Shorin ji ryu karate. He returned to the
U.S. and trained in Kajukenbo, first with Sigun Gary Forbach then
with Sifu Vince Black. After a few months with Mike Patterson in
Hsing h kung. Joe attended various seminars including Al Dacascos,
Larry Hartsell and Dan Inosanto. After witnessing a demo at
Gold's gym, Joe found Cepeda Bros and in particular, Arnis de Mano
and the intensity of training. Due to his military background,
Arnis de Mano had the realistic combat style training Joe was
looking for. In 1998, Joe was promoted to Maestro. |
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Sr
Instructor Dawn Rosemier (1999)
"I had always been interested in
the martial arts, but between my school and sports involvement I
always seemed to have enough on my plate. In 1992, I met Sifu Dan
and started my training. It has been my training that has taught
me the real important things in life are family, friends, and self
confidence. I attained a stronger sense of self, balance,
humility, and life-long friendships in the journey to obtaining my
Black Belt. For this I truly thank my Mom, Dad, Sister, and Sifu
Dan for their continued support and encouragement. |
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Instructor Dave Wong
(1999)
Started martial arts training in 1985. He trained with Chuck
Hawkins in Tae Kwon Do and achieved his Black Belt in 1989. He
then started Arnis training with Cepeda Brothers that year and,
one year later, he switched to Kenpo training at Cepeda Bros.
From 1992 through 1995, Dave took a hiatus from karate but resumed
training in 1995 working out in the day classes. Guro Dan was his
initial instructor during the day, the Instructor Jeff Martin took
over his training. He wishes to acknowledge the support his
family, wife Maria and sons Brian and Brent, have given him
throughout his years of training in pursuit of his personal
goal. |
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Instructor Mark Janov (2000)
Mark Janov wants to acknowledge
the special bond he has gained while training at the Cepeda
Brothers Martial Arts studio. |
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Instructor Nicole Kim
(2000)
Nicole Kim started training at
Cepeda Brothers in 1995 at the age of 8. She came under the
tutelage of Guro Joe Abueg, and tested and received her Black Belt
in the summer of 2000. She teaches the Jr. Kenpo Pee Wee class on
Saturdays at 11:00am and really enjoys this challenge. Nicole's uncle is
Sifu Roger Ramos. Nicole currently attends SDSU working
toward a degree in English. |
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Instructor Stephen Bell
(1992)
Steve began his training in 1987 at the age of 31. After looking
into several styles, he chose Kenpo and Sifu Dan's studio because
of the full contact fighting and aggressive street style. As the
son of a Marine, Instructor Steve enjoyed the discipline, respect,
and camaraderie that is so much a part of the Cepeda Brothers
Martial Arts experience. In the summer of 1992, Instructor Steve
was awarded a Black Belt and considers this event one of the
highlights of his life. |
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Instructor David "Scooter" Clark
(1999)
Started taking semi-private lessons in Kenpo at Blue's training
Center. "I came to Cepeda Brothers as an orange belt in November,
1994. From that day on I have conquered many challenges and
established mental and physical discipline that has helped me to
succeed and reach all of my goals. Many thanks to all my Sifu's
and Instructors, my parents, and my brother. Sifu Rick, I hope
you are watching. You inspired me greatly." Scooter is now
involved with Golden Gloves boxing. |
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Instructor Kevin Lynds (1999)
Kevin Lynds started his training at Cepeda Brothers in August of
1994. Under Sifu Dan Cepeda, he achieved his green belt in Kenpo,
cross-training in Arnis and full contact fighting until Sifu Dan's
retirement. Kevin then achieved his brown belt with Sifu Richard
Scott before he had to move due to work. During that one year
period he was gone, he was introduced to and trained in Brazilian
Jui-jitsu. When he returned to San Diego, he resumed training in
Sifu Richard's school where he achieved his Black Belt in Kenpo in
1999. |
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Instructor
Jackie Hawkins-Lynds
(2000)
Jackie began her martial
arts training in Tae Kwando and Boxing/Kickboxing. After about
three years she was introduced to Cepeda Bros. She started her
training under Sifu Dan in 1995. Upon his retirement she
continued her training under Sifu Richard. Jackie was awarded
her Black Belt in 2000.
"I am very grateful to all of the instructors who put so much
time and effort into my training: Sifu Dan Cepeda, Sifu Richard
Scott, Sifu Roger Ramos, Sifu Marcia Cruz, Sifu Jeff Martin,
Sr. Instructor CJ Johnson, Sr. Instructor Tony Ordas, Instructor Kevin Lynds, and Instructor Dawn Rosemier.
The friendships I have made over the years in my training will
last a lifetime!" |
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Instructor Frank Luna
(2000)
I began my formal training in the Martial Arts in 1990 with a
private instructor named Matt Taylor. Matt was schooled in
various Arts but his specialty was Boxing. I trained with Matt
for about 2 years then began looking for an art that was realistic
and effective while still continuing to develop my boxing
skills. In the summer of 1992 I attended a Martial Art seminar
in Berkley Ca while I was in a weapons class with some
instructors from San Jose Escrima. I said, “I’m from San
Diego, are there any good schools you recommend for Weapons?”
The instructor scratched his head for a minute and said try
“Cepeda Bros”. As soon as I got home I opened up the phone book
and there it was Cepeda Bros Kenpo Karate. I began training
under Sifu Dan and upon his retirement Sifu Richard continued my
development when finally in the summer of 2000 I was promoted to
1st Degree Black Belt. I feel very fortunate to have
trained and to continue to train with all the Sifu’s, Maestros
and Black Belts, the memories will last forever. |
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Instructor
Robert Pozos
(2000)
Since a kid I liked martial arts. When I was 12, I took a
free 4-month tae kwon do class in a neighborhood center and
wanted to one day continue. After finishing SDSU and
running a graphic design and Illustration business, I was 30 and
ready workout again. I began training in 1992 privately
with a friend, Rick Paredes, in kumite and karate basics (in
garage), 6 months in boxing with Jesse Valdez at the Downtown
Boxing Academy, and other seminars along the way. Inst.
Luna and I also trained in his garage periodically, and when he
joined Cepeda's dojo he advised me to visit. I was his
guest at the open house/demo. I joined right away and
trained eagerly. Sifu Dan and Fred provided my privates and I
will never forget those afternoons. I continued training
under Sifu Richard Scott and received my Black Belt in 2000 from
him, along with Frank and Jackie. In 1996 I began training
with Master Brian Adams in Integrated Martial Arts kenpo/jujitsu
and received my IMA Black Belt in 2002. I have been
assistant instructor in IMA seminars here in SD, Las Vegas, El
Centro, and London. I teach three students (family) once a
week, as well as continue to promote and train. I would
like to thank my instructors who have guided my martial arts
path. |
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Instructor Athena Juarez (2001)
Athena Juarez started training at
the studio when she was 5-years old. Athena's father is Sifu
Adrian Juarez and she is the studio's first 2nd-generation Black
Belt. She is currently attending USD. |
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Instructor/Maestro Nguyen Le
(2001)
Nguyen Le first joined Cepeda-Abueg in 1992. He currently trains
in both arts of Arnis De Mano and Kenpo Karate. In 2005, he was
promoted to the rank of Maestro in Arnis. |
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Maestro Brian Mitchell (2003)
Promoted to the rank of Maestro in
summer, 2003. |
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Instructor Angela Merrill
(2003) |
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Instructor Andrew Celestial
(2004)
The studio's newest Black Belt
promoted in August, 2004. Andrew graduated from Morse high
school. He joined the studio at age 8 along with his
sister, Charlene. His future plans are to attend
Southwestern JC, transfer to SDSU, and teach at the high school
level. "Cepeda-Abueg studio is very family orientated.
I consider everyone at the studio to be part of my extended
family." |
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Maestro Jim Ogle
(2005)
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Maestro Bill Mincey
(2005)
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Maestro Joe Turrango
(2006) |
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Maestro Scott Berry
(2006) |
