OUR SCHOOL

We were founded as a Martial Arts School by Harry Ishisaka who studied under Koichi Tohei. Sensei Tohei who was one of O-Sensei's star pupils, and was the only one that he ever officially gave the rank of 10th-dan.

After learning and practicing Judo at a young age and then throughout his military career, Sensei Ishisaka began his studies in Aikido after having been introduced to Sensei Tohei. Sensei Ishisaka started the dojo in 1964, making us one of the oldest Southern California Aikido Dojos. After the passing of our founder, the dojo was setup as a California non-profit organization, and we continue as a non-profit today.

Our Dojo combines the traditional feel of a Japanese Dojo with the welcoming “Aloha Spirit” of our founder.

This is some rare footage of the founder, Sensei Ishisaka doing some kokyu nage techniques.

What is Aikido?

Aikido is a martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), also known as O-Sensei (great teacher). Aikido literally means "the way of energy harmony".

Sensei Ueshiba had a reputation of being virtually invincible in many traditional armed and unarmed fighting arts, including jujitsu and swordsmanship. O-Sensei was troubled with the way in which the traditional martial arts dealt with conflict. He believed that winning at someone else’s expense did not represent an ultimate solution. He began to study, examine and practice movements that would lead to the development of a new and more harmonious martial art. This new martial art envisioned the right of every living creature to grow and develop in their own way. The result of O-sensei’s study was the birth of Aikido.

In practice Aikido is a flowing art that can be used for defensive purposes (it is used by many police forces around the world) while enabling its adherents to remain balanced and in control, choosing to neither submit nor overpower their oponents. Aikido practitioners literally use their oponents energy against them while protecting themselves.

INSTRUCTORS

Chief instructor

Brandon Ishisaka-Guadan

Brandon Ishisaka-Guadan Sensei is the Chief Instructor of OC Aikido and a 5th degree black belt (GoDan) with over 40 years of experience in aikido. His journey is deeply rooted in traditional Japanese martial arts and enriched by the values of Hawaiian culture -aloha (compassion), pono (righteousness), and ohana (family).

Since 2012, Ishisaka Sensei has led OC Aikido with a balance of technical precision and heartfelt teaching. His approach honors the spiritual depth and discipline of aikido’s Japanese origins while fostering a warm, inclusive dojo environment shaped by the spirit of his Hawaiian heritage.

Ishisaka Sensei is married and a proud father of two daughters who also train in aikido, continuing the family’s connection to the art. Together, they embody the spirit of ohana both on and off the mat, helping build a community where tradition, growth, and respect flourish.

Instructor

Michael Padilla

Michael Padilla Sensei has been studying martial arts since the age of 8 and began his Aikido journey in 2002. He started teaching Aikido in 2014 and brings a diverse background in other martial arts, including Goju Karate, Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method, and Iaido. In addition to teaching Aikido, he also serves as one of the assistant instructors for the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class at the dojo.

Outside the dojo, Padilla Sensei is a licensed acupuncturist and also teaches Qi Gong at UCI Medical Center through the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute.

Instructor

Eugene Matsuda

Eugene Matsuda Sensei is a 4th degree black belt in aikido and a long-standing senior instructor at OC Aikido. Originally from Hawai‘i, his martial arts journey began with judo before discovering aikido – a practice that would become his lifelong path.

Matsuda Sensei began training at OC Aikido in the 1970s under the guidance of Harry Ishisaka, the dojo’s founder and a pioneer of aikido in Southern California. As one of Harry Ishisaka Sensei’s direct students, Eugene carries forward the spirit and philosophy of aikido as it was introduced during the art’s early days in Orange County.

Though now retired, Eugene remains an integral part of the OC Aikido community, teaching Friday evening classes and continuing to mentor students and instructors alike.

He is especially known for his emphasis on the development of Ki—the internal energy and connection that lies at the heart of aikido.

Instructor

Tyson Rath

Tyson Rath Sensei is an Aikido instructor with over 35 years of experience in the art. Known for his approachable and engaging teaching style, Rath Sensei blends traditional training with a strong focus on practical self-defense.

He encourages students to explore the deeper connections within Aikido, using fundamental techniques as a bridge to understanding the entire system. Whether you're stepping onto the mat for the first time or refining your practice, Rath Sensei brings a sense of curiosity, clarity, and fun to every class.

Instructor

David D.

David D. Sensei is a highly accomplished martial artist, legal professional, and instructor at Orange County Aikikai. With over four decades of experience, he holds senior dan ranks in Judo/Jujitsu, Kyokushin-kai Karate, Police Defensive Tactics, and Aikido, and is a certified instructor in each discipline. He is also a certified instructor under the late Robert Koga and an expert in the Koga Method – an acclaimed system of police control tactics rooted in Aikido principles. His training includes time with martial arts legend Wally Jay, further deepening his expertise in joint locks and transitional movement.

Outside the dojo, David Sensei currently serves in the Judge Advocate General’s Office and acts as general counsel for several major government agencies. A military veteran with multiple overseas tours, he is also a respected instructor and speaker for national law enforcement organizations, where he shares his extensive knowledge on use-of-force, tactical control, and officer safety. His teaching at OC Aikido emphasizes precision, control, and the practical connection between martial principles and real-world application.

Instructor

Mitch Maeda

Mitch Maeda Sensei is a lifelong martial artist whose journey began with judo, influenced by his father, a dedicated judoka. His introduction to aikido came through his uncle, an aikido instructor in Hawai‘i, sparking a lifelong dedication to the art.

Maeda Sensei began his formal aikido training under Rod Kobayashi in the early 1970s and deepened his practice under the guidance of Harry Ishisaka at Orange County Aikikai (OCAK) around 1974–75. His decades of training reflect a strong connection to the foundational years of aikido on the West Coast and a deep respect for traditional Japanese martial arts values.

Beyond aikido, Maeda Sensei has explored multiple disciplines, including boxing, karate, jeet kune do, iaido, and jiujitsu – an experience that broadens his understanding of movement, timing, and martial philosophy. His well-rounded background brings depth to his teaching, blending aikido’s principles of harmony with a practical awareness of other martial systems.

Instructor

Aaron Magabilin

Aaron Magabilin Sensei is a dedicated instructor at OC Aikido, where he shares his passion for the art of Aikido with students of all levels. With a focus on harmony, balance, and mindful movement, Aaron Sensei brings a supportive, patient teaching style that encourages growth both on and off the mat. He is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment where students can develop confidence, self-awareness, and resilience through consistent practice.

Outside the dojo, Aaron Sensei enjoys quality time with his family, his energetic corgi, and his curious cat—always striving to live the values of Aikido in everyday life.

Instructor

Sora Leung

Sora Leung Sensei is a 1st degree black belt (Shodan) at OC Aikido and has trained in the art since the age of six, achieving his black belt rank at age fifteen. As an instructor, Sora Sensei focuses on helping students deepen their understanding of traditional Aikido principles and movement. He specializes as an Aikido weapons instructor, guiding students through fundamentals, conditioning, and technique through weaponry. Seeking to expand and develop a wide array of skills for the school, he also supplements training with insights drawn from other martial arts and weaponry.

While Aikido is Sora Sensei‘s primary foundation, during his martial arts journey, he extended into other disciplines for further knowledge. With formal training in Shaolin Kung Fu and Chinese weaponry, Sora Sensei brings unique perspectives to Aikido both in practice and philosophy. He also shares experience from Brazilian JiuJitsu, boxing, and continues to study historical and modern weapon arts including Japanese swordsmanship and European fencing. Much of this training comes from independent study and dedicated self-practice, which reflects Sora Sensei‘s commitment to evolving as an instructor and martial artist, as well as bringing his teachings to Aikido.

Assistant Instructor

Filipe Vosough

Filipe Vosough Senpai began training at OC Aiki Kai over 20 years ago, drawn by its traditional roots and philosophy. A 1st Kyu and longtime member of the dojo, he previously served on the Board of Directors for seven years and has taught both children’s and adult classes.

Today, he leads the Fundamentals class—designed to help beginners build a solid foundation while giving advanced students a space to reconnect with the core of the art. Filipe Senpai blends his deep experience in Aikido with his professional background as a master trainer and owner of The Lab Fitness Training.

His teaching aims to help every student find strength through structure, fluidity through focus, and confidence through connection; drawing from the diverse styles of the many instructors who helped shape his own journey.

Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

Professor Jonathan Mendiola

Professor Jonathan Mendiola is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with over 25 years of experience and a lineage rooted in the art’s most respected pioneers. He earned his black belt under Professor James Boran, a direct student of Joe Moreira, who trained under Grandmaster Francisco Mansur—one of the few men awarded a red belt by Helio Gracie.

Over the years, Professor Mendiola has also trained with renowned instructors such as Ken Gabrielson (one of the first American BJJ black belts), Rigan Machado, and 10th Dan Judo Sensei Nori Bunasawa, whose influence is seen in his integrated approach to grappling and takedowns.

Known for his technical depth, thoughtful instruction, and strong emphasis on fundamentals, Professor Jon blends traditional BJJ with modern competition strategy and judo-based takedown systems. His teaching style prioritizes efficiency, leverage, and continuous personal growth—both on and off the mat—making his classes valuable for practitioners at all levels.