David Cardenas

I had only just learned of his passing. I remember Dave Cardenas from the Twin Dragons Kenpo studio on Pearl Avenue in La Jolla. Sensei Dave had a very profound effect on me in a positive way that I realized as I got older. He was very polite to everyone but firm if you got outta line like I did. Not just a martial arts teacher but a teacher of life, many things he said at the old studio I still remember to this very day. I was a student there from August 1973 to the end of December of 1975...

I only just ran across this on 11/2025! "Mr. Cardenas" was my 8th grade teacher 1964 -1965. He deeply impacted my life! I remember him so well. I remember his civics final at the end of the year, which was something like 25 pages and he said he was trying to prepare us for high school!! It's funny because that was one of my hardest finals of my whole life. He was hands down the best teacher I ever had in any school, including college! Until we meet again, Mr. Cardenas!

I was a student of David´s at his Twin Dragons dojo. As a teenager, he taught me not just self defense, but an awareness of everything around me. Being in high school at the time, that was so important. You are missed and rembered.

Mr. Cardenas was an important part of my youth. I spent a lot of time at his house (Lived next door). I dont think I usually knocked , just went in. He spent a lot of time with us neighborhood kids and really liked us. Later in life I studied Kenpo and became a teacher and always wanted to tell him. He took me to mexico an a camping trip. Good sense of humor. Will miss him.

Rest In Peace David. You will be missed by all.

David was my mentor and a gifted counselor. Past graduates and staff at Muirlands Junior High School were fortunate to have had him working at our school. You will be missed. Gracias por todo mi amigo. Descansa en paz. Nos veremos algun dia otra vez. -Rey Hernandez