Arlene Mendibles, 5th Dan Aikikai (3/7/1983)
Mendibles Sensei opened Henderson Aikido in 2009 and has been actively building and advancing the dojo ever since. She has a B.F.A. from UNLV, is a Certified Yoga Instructor, Certified Personal Trainer, CF-OL1, and has multiple Spartan Trifectas. She is always looking for ways to support her students, teachers, friends and family by using movement and Aikido as a way to build peoples confidence, physical ability, relive stress and provide an opportunity to learn.
After meeting Salvatore Sensei in 2001, she enrolled officially in 2002 and immediately began in intensive training schedule which included becoming a long term live-in-student. This responsibility included running and planning seminars, focus on beginners, and care of the school, students and the sensei. As well as being personal assistant and partner to Sensei in classes, demos, and seminars.
Encouraged by Salvatore Sensei to prepare for her Dan examinations she made trips to Japan to train and experience of Aikido with high level teachers from Iwama, Osaka, and Tokyo. Upon relocating to Las Vegas/Henderson she was again encouraged by Salvatore Sensei to share her experience, knowledge and love of Aikido with others. Henderson Aikido was built from the encouragement of Salvatore Sensei, teachers, friends, family, students and other loved ones in 2009.
Her goal is to continue to find a way to share and develop higher levels of Aikido and positive conflict resolution. As well as, continue to move and share her love of Aikido, movement, health and wellness with everyone she encounters on and off the mat.