Sensei Pete Valdez: The Dojo
Growing up in San Francisco, CA, I spent many afternoons helping my mom at our family bakery on 24th Street near Mission. It was a place full of creativity, where local artists like Michael Roman used to hang out. Roman, a well-known silkscreen artist, became my mentor. He taught me the art of printing, and through him I met Carlos Santana. I had the unique experience of designing cultural t-shirts for the iconic musician, as well as releasing my own music and performing at events such as Cinco de Mayo and Carnaval. These experiences opened my eyes to an artistic world I had never imagined, which eventually led me to Sensei Pete Valdez: El Dojo, where I discovered a new passion for martial arts.
While riding the #14 Muni bus home, I began to observe every detail around me: advertisements, signs, and television commercials. One day, I saw something that changed my perspective completely: a karate class at the Mission Cultural Center.
My first encounter with martial arts
Attracted by the discipline and the movement, I quickly signed up. While waiting for the capoeira dancers to finish their rehearsals for Carnival, I dreamed of mastering the martial arts. Those classes planted the seed for what would become a lifelong passion.
A change of life to Madera
When my parents separated, my life took an unexpected turn. Moving to Madera, CA, with my dad and siblings was a drastic cultural change. I left behind the bustling streets of the Mission District to face the quiet roads of a small town in the Central Valley. Adjusting wasn’t easy, and being a “city kid” caused some conflicts. That’s when I met Pete Valdez II, “ZUR The ARTIST,” at Madera High School.
Pete was a talented artist whose sketches were simply amazing. Whether it was a detailed portrait of an animal or an invented character, his work showed exceptional artistry for his age. Our shared love of art brought us together, and soon we were spending weekends together working on art and music and visiting recording studios.
Getting to know Sensei Pete Valdez
One weekend, Pete invited me over to his house to help mow the lawn. Upon arriving, I noticed a shirtless man in the garage, focused on a pile of bricks. Before I could greet him, he hit the bricks and smashed them in one motion. Next to him was his brother Trinidad “Trini” Valdez.
“Hi, mijo,” he greeted me with a firm hand. “I’m Pete’s dad, Pete Valdez Sr-but don’t call him Jr.” Before I could respond, Trini looked up while doing weights and quipped, “Oh, of course he won’t!” It was an unforgettable moment. At the time, Sensei Pete was just “Pops,” but he already exuded discipline and focus. These qualities formed the foundation of his teachings and gave life to The Dojo / Valdez Karate & Fitnesshis martial arts school in Madera.
A return trip to the martial arts
After high school, my life took other directions. I went into broadcasting, working as a promotions director for Univision and collaborating with big brands like PepsiCo. During that time, I worked with athletes and fighters, which led me to connect with the UFC and coordinate events like Aldo vs. Faber in Sacramento for Creative Artists Agency(CAA).
During one of these events, I heard the name Trinidad Valdez. Remembering it filled me with nostalgia and I decided to return to Madera to reconnect. Although Pete and Trini no longer lived there, I discovered that Sensei Pete had opened a dojo near Town and Country Park.
The Dojo: A sanctuary of discipline and art
Entering The Dojo was like entering a sacred space. Sensei Pete’s teachings went beyond self-defense. They were lessons on how to harmonize mind and body. His approach resonated deeply with me, combining the precision of martial arts with the creativity I had always valued in music and art.
As a teenager, I used to be enthralled watching Pops and Pete’s uncle, Trini Valdez, train. Their moves with ninja stars and nunchucks were hypnotic, a blur of speed and precision. The high-pitched sound of the nunchucks slicing through the air reminded me of flying UFOs.
But Trini wasn’t just a martial artist. He was also a talented breakdancer and member of The Wild Boyz, a Latin house music group signed to BMG Latin under the direction of music executive Luis Pisterman. Trini and his group fused martial arts, music and dance in a unique and electrifying way. Their music was heard on stations such as KWILD Wild 94.9 in San Francisco and KHTN Hot 104.7 FM in Modesto. They even performed on Univision’s Caliente with DJ Nino.
Reconnecting with Sensei Pete
Returning to The Dojo years later was like coming full circle. Sensei Pete greeted me with the same energy and focus I remembered from our first meeting. His teachings had only grown in depth over time, emphasizing not only the technical aspects of the martial arts, but also its philosophical and artistic sides.
Through Sensei Pete, I rediscovered the importance of discipline, focus and respect. His dojo was not just a place to learn martial arts; it was a community where students grew as individuals.
The legacy of Sensei Pete Valdez
Sensei Pete’s influence goes beyond martial arts. He represents the fusion of tradition, art and discipline. His teachings have molded countless students, including myself, into people who value hard work and self-expression.
For anyone seeking growth, The Dojo is not just a gym; it’s a place to build character. Sensei Pete Valdez’s legacy is a testament to how martial arts can transform lives, combining discipline with creativity to create something truly extraordinary.
