About OC Martial Arts

A rich martial arts journey spanning 40 years. Sensei David started his martial arts journey at the age of 4 training in Karate under Sensei Bob Pavelski. In Middle School he trained in Aikido, Jodo and Iaido under Master Robert and Elise Simmons. He also played tackle football in Middle School, and was a first string varsity OL as a freshman in High School. While playing football he took private lessons in Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do and Karate under Scott Hennely until he met his fate against Hapkido.

When sparring with a friend in High School at lunch, he threw a roundhouse kick at his friend and found himself flat on his back wondering what happened. What happened was basic hapkido kick defense throw. Sensei David was sold on Hapkido from that point forward. He quit Football and signed up at the California Hapkido Academy in Corona CA under Master Kevin Griswold.

Sensei David trained under Master Griswold until 1999 earning his red belt in Hapkido. Cross training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with students of Pedro Carvalho, Jon Munoz, and Joe Moreira.

Master Griswold’s lineage starts with Jang Mu Won Hapkido under Great Grandmaster Chong Song Kim, then Kwang Sik Myung and finally Great Grandmaster Ho Jin Song of Songs Hapkido in LA.

Sensei David trained a group of fellow High School students in submission grappling, and challenged a local CIF State wrestling team to a submission match-emerging victorious. With his passion for martial arts and successful teaching, he went on to teach martial arts at local parks and community programs.

In the early 2000s, Sensei David continued his martial arts training under Grandmaster Jackie Cotton in Shaolin Goju-Ryu, through the Shinjimasu Martial Arts Association in Pasadena, California. In 2002, he earned his 1st Dan Black Belt after winning the 3rd Generation Martial Arts Championship in Texas and being victorious in WKO Extreme Fighting in Burbank.

With more success Sensei David trained fighters in MMA at the Westminster High School wresting gym. And taught Kickboxing at Chaffey Community College. Sensei David’s fighters competed in LA at Antonio McKee’s fight promotions. He also assisted in training fighters in LFA, King of the Cage, and K1 Kickboxing.

In 2009 after having kids, Sensei David shifted his focus to private lessons and training with friends in order to devote time earning a Bachelor of Science in IT and balancing time with his kids. After earning his degree and having a successful career in Software Development, he felt called to return fully to his martial arts path—this time with renewed purpose..

Determined to continue his advancement in Hapkido, Sensei David searched throughout Southern California for the right instructor. In 2024 he started training under Master Steven Kim of OC Mudo in Laguna who is also VP of Sugi Hapkido Federation. Master Kim is a Master of multiple styles including Hapkido, Judo and Jiu Jitsu. Master Kim has trained under Grandmaster Bong Soo Han, Kwang Sik Myung and Yon Gul Son in Hapkido.

In October 2024, Sensei David earned his 1st Dan Black Belt in Hapkido under the Sugi Hapkido Federation, tested by Master Steven Kim and Grandmaster Yon Gul Son. Now holding a black belt in both Hapkido and Karate.