Hello, my name is Michael Cardenas lead instructor and owner of the Decuerdas Self Defense Organization. I was born and raised in Stockton, California, which many recognize as the birth place of Western Philippine Martial Arts (or commonly referred to as FMA). I have been a practitioner of martial arts for over ten years. My interest in the arts began at an early age when I enrolled in the art of “VÕ LÂM VIET NAM Kung Fu”.  It wasn’t until I was introduced to Grand Master Arthur Gonzalez that my general interest developed into a passion and a way of life. I was awarded my black belt after 8 years of study under the instruction of GM Gonzalez in the art of Decuerdas Eskrima on May 15, 2005. It is under the tutelage of GM Gonzalez that I was able to learn effective offensive and defensive combative concepts rather then typical systematic techniques found elsewhere. It is through these concepts that I have utilized to further develop responsive movements to numerous assault scenarios. I have trained with such organizations as the Kilohana Martial Arts Association, and Jujitsu of America.  I am currently employed as a Electrical Engineer for the High Energy Density Physics Group at National Security Technologies, I am also the lead instructor for their Martial Arts Club. I have attempted to mesh my over ten years of martial arts training and my formal academic learning to develop common sense reactionary techniques and self empowering workshops that will continue to serve and benefit law bidding citizens.  With criminal activity on the rise I feel that it is important and my duty to share with others self defense tactics that may one day serve to save a life or escape a dangerous situation.

I currently hold the rank of Second Degree Black Belt (Guro), which I was awarded on May 15th 2005 by grand Master Arthur Gonzalez. 

Out of respect for other instructors that I have trained and collaborated with, on more then one occasion, I have listed them below:

Guro Jim Collins of THE KAMATUURAN SCHOOL OF KALI, Livermore CA.

Sifu Jim Mirador, Tribull Kajukenbo, & NSTec Martial Arts Club Instructor

I am currently practicing Kosho Ryu Kenpo under Sensi Jason Cortez of the Mitose Lineage in Manteca, CA.

Community Involvement:

San Joaquin Delta College Puente Club, Mentor. 2006 Mentor of the year Award.
San Joaquin Delta College Puente Advisory Board, 2006, 2007 Advisory Board Chairman.
San Joaquin Delta College Math Engineering Science and Achievement, advisory board member, 2003 & 2004.
League of United Latin American Citizens-2007 Youth Leadership Conference, Guest Speaker. 
University of The Pacific Multicultural Engineering Program, advisory board member 2003, 2004.
Clark County School District, Las Vegas Nevada E-Mentor, 2007
Weber Technical Institute, 2008 Senior Project Judge.
Pleasanton Unified School District Science Fun Fair Judge, 2000 & 2004.

Educational Background:

AA, San Joaquin Delta College: Technical Education
BS, ITT Technical Institute: Electronics Engineering
BS, Charter Oak State College: In Concentration: Management & Leadership 
MA, Ashford University: Teaching & Learning with Technology

Technical Managment Certificate: University of California Los Angeles  

Supervisory Certificate: University of The Pacific