Karate Trainers Santa Barbara: Meet Our Expert Instructors
Donavin
Sensei Donavin is a Santa Barbara local who has dedicated his life to expert karate instruction. After spending his first ten years in Santa Barbara, he moved with his family to Atlanta for the next nine years. Donavin has gained extensive experience as a personal trainer and a martial arts coach, focusing on self-defense training for all levels. He has studied escrima with Dan Inosanto, the first student of Bruce Lee, and Shaolin Kempo with 9th degree black belt Hanshi Jack Turner, and he is also a current amateur boxer.
Xena
A native of Detroit, Michigan, Xena grew up traveling back and forth between her home on the east side of Detroit, where she fended off bullies, and a nearby suburb called Grosse Pointe, where she found her passion for dance. In Grosse Pointe, she not only trained in classical ballet with her sister but also took up fencing with her brother. As she reached her teenage years, Xena landed several dance jobs, performing with the Macomb Ballet Company, Eisenhower Dance Detroit, Ballet Renaissance, and the Detroit Opera House. Recognizing her talent, she was awarded a dance scholarship to Marygrove College, where she stayed and performed with the company for five years while pursuing her BFA. After graduation, Xena ventured to California, seeking new opportunities and experiences. There, she discovered expert karate instruction at USSD Santa Barbara, which provided her with essential self-defense training and introduced her to karate for all levels.
Aaron
Born and raised in Ventura County, Aaron began his martial arts journey by participating in CAGWA and Tri-County wrestling tournaments, where he achieved state-level success. After wrestling, he continued his involvement in sports and fitness activities, ultimately leading him to Kempo. As a sensei, he offers expert karate instruction, training numerous high-profile clients including All-Pro defensive lineman Andre Carter. He remains committed to his own development through self-defense training with Shaolin Kempo 9th degree black belt Hanshi Jack Turner, ensuring that he provides karate for all levels.