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About Sensei Dave
Sensei David M. Armstrong
Qualifications, Honors, and Achievements:
In 1988, at the young age of 14, David M. Armstrong began training in the Japanese styles of Wado Ryu Karate and Judo under Shihan Otto Johnson, 8th Dan. After four years of intense and seemingly non-stop training, David was appointed Black Belt 1st Dan. Shortly thereafter David was appointed Head Instructor for The American Wado Ryu Federation, under Shihan Otto Johnson. Now Sensei (instructor), he began to teach classes on his own. Sensei Dave taught Women’s Self-Defense classes at San Bernardino State University and adult and children’s classes at San Bernardino Valley College while continuing to teach for Shihan Johnson. Over the next two years, Sensei Dave continued to teach and train with Shihan Johnson. He also won many first place championship titles including the annual American Wado Cup and many other California-based national tournaments. Shihan Otto Johnson appointed David to 2nd Dan in American Wado Ryu Karate in 2001. In January of 1993, David entered the U.S. Air Force. Sensei Dave continued his martial arts endeavors while assigned to Hickam AFB, Hawaii. He began his training in Okinawan Kenpo Karate & Kobudo (weapons) at the headquarters (hombu) dojo of DeValentino Shudokan Schools International. DSSI is a reputable Okinawan Kenpo Karate & Kobudo school, which was established in 1992 by Shihan Marcus DeValentino, a student of the late Grandmaster Odo, founder of Okinawa Kenpo Karate.
While in Hawaii, Sensei Dave trained religiously and regularly competed in the Karate, Jujitsu, and Mixed Martial Arts tournament circuit—winning numerous state and national titles. Sensei Dave’s trining in Hawaii afforded him the opportunity to earn yet another Black Belt and the coveted Instructor title, this time in the art of Okinawan Kenpo. In 2003, David was transferred to Colorado; he now serves as the Colorado branch Shibucho (director) for Devalentino Shudokan Schools International, he is a member of the National Karate & Kobudo Federation, and he has started his own organization, Faith Martial Arts (FMA).
David was certified as a Computer Work Group Manager in 1998. He graduated from Advanced Technical Training in 2000, and earned the rank of Technical Sergeant in 2006. He currently holds certifications in Network Security+, A+, MOSS 08’ and Web Page Design, and he also established a Client Support Administrator program for Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station. In addition he’s pursuing his Bachelor's Degree in Information Computer System Security. Since David has been in Colorado he has been afforded the opportunity to work with at-risk youth within the community. He’s also developed a Martial Arts Mentoring Program for troubled teens and is a corporate partner with the Colorado Springs Christian School. Additionally, Sensei Dave serves as VP on the Board of Directors for a local non-profit origination, Two Cor that helps at-risk youth transition out of the court system and become productive members of our community.
Wado Ryu Nidan Rank Certificate
Okinawa Kempo Nidan Rank Certificate
Air Force News Article
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