Pete Valdez is the head instructor and owner of The Dojo; Valdez Karate & Fitness.  He began his martial arts training during the summer of 1972 under Sensei Kirk Ellis in Madera, California.

In 1981 Mr. Valdez earned his shodan or 1^st degree black belt.  Upon receiving his black belt and as part of Sensei Ellis’s leadership training program, he ran and operated The Kenju Karate School for two years.  In 1983 he received his sandan rank, 3^rd degree black belt, under Sensei Kirk Ellis.   To whom he will be forever grateful! Thank you Sensei.

Shortly after achieving his sandan rank he took a short break to spend time with his son.

From 1988 – 1996 Mr. Valdez owned Madera Academy of Self-Defense teaching the Tracy Kenpo system and Judo.  The school started out with 15 students and grew to 70.  Madera Academy of Self-Defense was involved in many competitions through out the valley.

Upon resuming his training, he began studying under Sifu David Jimenez,  who was first of many black belts under Sensei Ellis.  Mr. Jimenez is a 5^th degree black belt in the Chinese Kenpo Karate Association under the direction of Sigung Steven LaBounty.  While under the direction of Sensei Jimenez, he also had the privilege of training with Marty Zininovich and Mike Remine, in addition to many other outstanding instructors.

Mr. Valdez’s journey continues with his current instructor, Professor Graham Lelliot.  Mr. Lelliot received his 1^st – 4^th degree black belt from Senior Grand Master Edmond K. Parker and continues his training under the direction of Master Lee Wedlake.  Professor Graham Lelliot is currently a 7^th degree black belt.

From 1997 through today, Mr. Valdez has been involved in the fitness industry in the Madera and Fresno area as a group fitness instructor, motivating and encouraging club members in classes such as Cardio Kick Boxing, Pain in the Butt, Kwando, Power Flex and many other strength and core training classes.

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Trinidad Valdez has been in the martial arts for the past 26 years. He has committed himself to passing on the art and discipline that was taught to him and does it in a way that is both exciting and motivating for young to old, male or female. He is dedicated to helping you reach your highest level of fitness. Trinidad received his 1st degree black belt January 1994 under Sensei Pete Valdez. In August 1995 , he recertified his black belt ranking with Sigung Steve LaBounty. After his recertification, he taught as an instructor at Madera Academy of Self-Defense. Trinidad is currently progressing his training with Professor Graham Lelliott at GL Kenpo in Fresno, California.

Trinidad teaches a cardio boxing routine that deals with all the angles of the boxing sport. He has been an assistant coach, certified by USA boxing for the Ringside Boxing Club in Fresno for the past 5 years. Ringside Boxing Club uses Trinidad’s knowledge and experience for the strength and conditioning training for all their fighters.

Trinidad is currently a Fitness instructor at one of our well known gym’s in Fresno County. He has devised a hip hop x routine that targets cardio dance moves done to the beat of the latest hip hop music with the flavor of Trinidad's style of dance. Trinidad has been on stage and performed as well as taught choreography with some of the most well known artists known today like C&C music factory, STEVIE B, MISSY ELLIOT, and GENUINE just to name a few. His exercise routines will definitely challenge any one on any fitness level. If exercise and fitness are what you enjoy doing, then don't miss out! Come join us today!