Team
Modern Samurai Academy of San Antonio
To add a team layout to this page, visit the Team folder in the section library. There are seven designed options available:
- Basic Team Layouts (4 options) – Display a photo, name, title, and (if needed) a call-to-action such as email or phone number. Do not include bios in these layouts.
- Team Layouts with Bios (2 options) – Display a photo, name, title, and a short bio. You may also include a call-to-action (email, phone, or social icons). If no image is provided, the layout can still be used without one.
- Standalone Profile (1 option) – A full page dedicated to a single team member (e.g., doctor, lawyer) with one long bio.
Choose the design that best fits the client’s content.
Meet our mental health specialists
We pride ourselves on our team of compassionate specialists who are dedicated to helping you navigate through mental disorders and anxiety. Our experts are highly trained and experienced, providing personalized care to ensure that you receive the support you need. Meet our specialists and start your journey towards better mental health today.
Sensei Scottie C. Jackson
Head Instructor
Sensei Scottie C. Jackson is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Ju Ki Do who has trained directly under Kyoshi Ivan Ujueta since 2001. A U.S. Air Force veteran and successful entrepreneur, he brings real-world experience to his teaching. He specializes in working with children and revamped or restructured, and wrote the new SWAT curriculum. He is living the “Gentle Powerful Way” and is helping others to do the same.
- 4th Degree Ju Ki Do Black Belt
- 1st Degree Judo Black Belt
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from American Intercontinental University
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor
- NASM Certified MMA Conditioning Specialist
- NASM Certified Performance Enhancement Specialist
- U.S. Air Force Veteran
- Youth Specialist
Sensei Isabella Castellanos
Instructor
Sensei Isabella Castellanos is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Ju Ki Do who has trained under many instructors, but mainly Kyoshi Ivan Ujueta and Sensei Scottie Jackson since 2008. Recently a graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, she uses her knowledge to connect and understand every individual. Her interests are in Sports Psychology which allows her to comprehend the mindset of athletes and wants to help them improve physically, mentally, and emotionally.
- 2nd Degree Ju Ki Do Black Belt
- First Female Sensei in Ju Ki Do
- Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University-San Antonio, Magna Cum Laude
- Academic Distinguished Award: Outstanding Senior within the Department of Health & Behavioral Sciences
- Published Researcher
- Member of the International Honor Society in Psychology
- Psi Chi Grant recipient for research
- Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative certified
Ivan Ujueta, Kyoshi
Founder of Ju Ki Do
Kyoshi Ivan Ujueta founded Ju Ki Do in 1988 after 50+ years of martial arts study. His journey began at age 13 in Queens, New York, studying Judo, Jujutsu, and Aikido. He lived 11 years as a Zen Buddhist monk before accepting Christ in 1984, transforming him into a "godly warrior." He has mastered 14 martial arts styles and worked as a bodyguard for high-profile dignitaries.
Experience & Credentials
Ju Ki Do Founder
50+ Years Experience
Ordained Pastor
Pastor and Founder of Family
Vision Center Church
Published author of the
Champion's Edge: The 12 I Ams
Certified Special Forces and
Personal Security trainer
Sensei Isabella Castellanos
Instructor
Sensei Isabella Castellanos is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Ju Ki Do who has trained under many instructors, but mainly Kyoshi Ivan Ujueta and Sensei Scottie Jackson since 2008. Recently a graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, she uses her knowledge to connect and understand every individual. Her interests are in Sports Psychology which allows her to comprehend the mindset of athletes and wants to help them improve physically, mentally, and emotionally.
- 2nd Degree Ju Ki Do Black Belt
- First Female Sensei in Ju Ki Do
- Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University-San Antonio, Magna Cum Laude
- Academic Distinguished Award: Outstanding Senior within the Department of Health & Behavioral Sciences
- Published Researcher
- Member of the International Honor Society in Psychology
- Psi Chi Grant recipient for research
- Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative certified
DeWayne Banks
Sensei
Sensei DeWayne Banks is a dedicated martial artist and instructor who brings over a decade of training, competition, and leadership experience to the Modern Samurai Academy. A 1st Degree Black Belt in JuKiDo, he began his journey in 2015 and has since evolved into a skilled, patient, and inspiring coach for students of all levels. With a foundation in traditional JuKiDo and a deep commitment to the values of discipline and respect, Sensei DeWayne combines classical martial arts training with real-world experience.
Experience & Credentials
- 2nd Degree Black Belt in JuKiDo
- Competitive Judo practitioner
- Amateur cage fighter background
- 10+ years of martial arts training and competition
- Youth & Adult Mentorship specialist
- Character Development Through Martial Arts
- Mixed Martial Arts (Striking & Grappling Strategy)
- Judo (Takedowns, Groundwork, Competition Prep)
Ashley J. Sepulveda
Assistant Instructor
Ashley J. Sepulveda began her martial arts journey in 2011 in Toledo, Ohio where she received teachings in Shotokan/American Karate, ChukidoKwan, and Taekwondo. She earned her first degree Black Belt in 2015 and afterwards spent time leading special education youth classes, adult classes, and competing both nationally and internationally. Her training under PKIMMA began in 2024 and she has since quickly climbed the ranks, recently earning her red belt.
Experience & Credentials
First-degree black belt in Shotokan/American Karate
10+ years of martial arts experience
Assistant instructor for the special Ninjas Therapeutic Martial Arts program
Three-time World Karate Commission Champion
Published children's author: The Wacky World of Autism, Pre-Nursing Background, Associate of Science by the Alamo College District
Current student with UTHSCSA
Jorge R. Garcia Jr.
Assistant Coach
Jorge R. Garcia Jr. brings a passionate, athlete-first mindset to the Modern Samurai Academy coaching team. With over four years of experience coaching youth sports, Jorge focuses on building athletes from the ground up—emphasizing fundamentals, skill development, and personal growth both on and off the mats.
Purple Belt in JuKiDo
Bilingual: Spanish – English
Experience with youth development, multi-sport youth coaching, skill fundamentals, and character building
Over 4 years of youth coaching experience
Over 10 years in entrepreneurship and leadership training
Over 25 years in the music industry and 5 years in sound engineering
Experience with digital media production, live broadcasting, and audience engagement
3 years of college education at Texas A&M University
Sensei Isabella Castellanos
Instructor
Sensei Isabella Castellanos is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Ju Ki Do who has trained under many instructors, but mainly Kyoshi Ivan Ujueta and Sensei Scottie Jackson since 2008. Recently a graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, she uses her knowledge to connect and understand every individual. Her interests are in Sports Psychology which allows her to comprehend the mindset of athletes and wants to help them improve physically, mentally, and emotionally.
- 2nd Degree Ju Ki Do Black Belt
- First Female Sensei in Ju Ki Do
- Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University-San Antonio, Magna Cum Laude
- Academic Distinguished Award: Outstanding Senior within the Department of Health & Behavioral Sciences
- Published Researcher
- Member of the International Honor Society in Psychology
- Psi Chi Grant recipient for research
- Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative certified
