Growing up in San Francisco, CA, I spent countless afternoons helping my mom at our family bakery on 24th Street, off Mission. It was a hub of creativity, where local artists like Michael Roman often stopped by. Roman, a celebrated silk-screen artist, became my mentor, teaching me the art of printmaking. Through him, I met Carlos Santana, and I had the unique experience of creating cultural t-shirts for the iconic musician and releasing my own music and performing for Cinco De Mayo and Carnaval.
These interactions opened my eyes to a world of artistry I hadn’t known existed. Riding the #14 Muni bus home, I found myself noticing every detail—billboards, business signs, and TV ads. One day, I saw something that changed my perspective entirely: a karate class at the Mission Cultural Center.
Drawn to the discipline and movement, I quickly signed up. I would wait for the capoeira dancers to finish their rehearsals for Carnaval while dreaming of mastering martial arts. Those classes planted the seed for what would become a lifelong appreciation of martial arts.
A Life-Changing Move to Madera
When my parents separated, my life took an unexpected turn. Moving to Madera, CA, with my dad and brothers was a culture shock. Gone were the lively streets of the Mission District; in their place were the quiet roads of a small Central Valley town. Adjusting wasn’t easy, and being a “city kid” led to a few scuffles.
That’s when I met Pete Valdez II “ZUR The ARTIST” at Madera High. Pete was a gifted artist whose sketches were nothing short of incredible. Whether it was a detailed animal portrait or a made-up character, his work showed a mastery beyond his years. Our shared love of art brought us together, and soon, we were spending weekends hanging out.
Meeting Sensei Pete Valdez
One weekend, Pete invited me over to help mow his family’s yard. When I arrived, I noticed a shirtless man in the garage, intensely focused on a stack of bricks balanced between two chairs. Before I could say hello, he struck the bricks, shattering them in one blow. Standing there with his brother Trinidad “Trini” Valdez.
“Hello, mijo,” he greeted me warmly, extending a firm hand. “I’m Pete’s dad, Pete Valdez Sr—but don’t call him Jr.” Before I could respond, Trinidad, mid-rep with a set of weights, chimed in with a playful laugh, “Oh no, he won’t!” The moment was unforgettable. Back then, Sensei Pete Valdez was just “Pops,” but even then, Valdez Sr exuded a quiet intensity, a mix of discipline and focus that commanded respect. Those same qualities became the foundation of his teachings and the lifeblood of The Dojo / Valdez Karate & Fitness, his martial arts school in Madera.
A Journey Back to Martial Arts
After high school, life took me in different directions. I pursued a career in Broadcasting for TV and radio, working as a promotions director for Univision and later collaborating with major brands like PepsiCo. Through these roles, I worked with athletes and fighters, eventually connecting with the UFC while coordinating events like Aldo vs. Faber in Sacramento for Creative Artists Agency (CAA).
It was during one of these events that I came across the name Trinidad Valdez. The mention of “Trini” brought back memories of my time with the Valdez family. Curious, I returned to Madera, hoping to reconnect. Though 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
Walking into The Dojo felt like stepping into a sacred space. Sensei Pete’s teachings extended far beyond self-defense; they were a masterclass in harmonizing the mind and body. His philosophy struck a chord with me, seamlessly blending the precision of martial arts with the creativity I had grown to cherish in music and art.
As a teen, I was often captivated by the dynamic training sessions of Pops and Pete’s uncle, Trini Valdez. Watching them work with ninja stars and nunchucks was like witnessing an art form. Their movements were a hypnotic blur of speed and precision, punctuated by the sharp, whooshing sounds of spinning nunchucks—reminiscent of UFOs slicing through the air. I’d catch myself daydreaming about what would happen if one veered off course and came flying toward me.
But Trini was more than a martial artist. He was also a talented breakdancer and a member of The Wild Boyz, a Latin house music group signed to BMG Latin under the guidance of Argentinian-American music executive Luis Pisterman. Trini and his group seamlessly fused martial arts, music, and dance, creating a unique and electrifying synergy. Their tracks found a home on prominent radio stations like KWILD Wild 94.9 in San Francisco and KHTN Hot 104.7 FM Modesto. They even graced the stage of Univision’s Caliente with DJ Nino.
Watching Trini in action taught me an invaluable lesson: discipline and creativity aren’t opposites—they’re complementary forces that, when united, create something extraordinary.
Reconnecting with Sensei Pete
Stepping into The Dojo years later was like coming full circle. Sensei Pete welcomed me with the same energy and focus I remembered from our first meeting. His teachings had only grown richer over time, emphasizing not just the technical aspects of martial arts but also its philosophical and artistic sides.
Through Sensei Pete, I rediscovered the importance of discipline, focus, and respect. His dojo wasn’t 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, artistry, and discipline. His teachings have shaped countless students, myself included, into individuals who value hard work and self-expression.
For anyone seeking growth, The Dojo isn’t 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, blending discipline with creativity to create something truly extraordinary.
