July 19 update: The family thanks everyone who helped make the service possible. This was the video shown during the service .
July 9 update: We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from the community. Thank you. 
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JD Sandoval passed away on June 13, 2021 at his dojo, Hayward Aikido. He dedicated his life to Aikido, first as a kenshushei and then as a sensei to hundreds of students over 20 years of teaching. He owned two dojos, Marin Aikikai and Hayward Aikido. He trained and taught almost every day at Hayward Aikido, persisting despite financial hardship, physical pain, and unprecedented world events like COVID-19.

If you were lucky enough to train with him, you felt his amazing Aikido: It was intense, deadly, and always moderated to uke. Sensei was a large man, but his power came from his core, his heart, and his deep understanding of the art. He was determined to share Aikido with the world. He believed everyone who walked into his dojo was capable of Aikido, too. Luckily, he was a charismatic and gifted teacher who knew how to draw the best out of his students, including me.   

Sandoval Sensei is survived by his mother, father, two brothers, two sisters, and one niece. He was always there for the Aikido community, and we humbly ask for your help in honoring his memory and helping his family out.

All funds from this fundraiser will be used to pay for the funeral and the remainder provided to his mother, Virginia Flores, whom he supported.