Instructors

Chief Instructor, Founder

César is a light brown skinned man with short-ish brown hair. He is wearing a white keiko-gi and standing against a red brick background.

César San Miguel (he/him), 3rd dan Aikikai

César grew up in Oakland, CA (unceded homeland of the Chochenyo Ohlone peoples). His Aikido journey began at East Bay Aikido as a child in 2000. In 2013 César met Jan Nevelius Shihan (of Vanadis Aikido in Stockholm, Sweden) and three years later Nevelius Sensei accepted César as a personal student.

Drawing from his deep and ongoing study of ukemi, César aspires to lead his life with gentle compassion paired with clear, firm boundaries. He brings this combination to his Aikido study and his massage therapy practice. Learn more about the latter at inclusivemassage.com.

a blurry photo (circa 2001) of Cesar as a child, wearing a martial arts uniform and white belt
César (right) during his 10th kyu (purple belt) test, c. 2001, at East Bay Aikido, under Tom Gambell Sensei. Uke unknown.
César demonstrating a detail of a technique, placing his hand on his partner's shoulder. Both parties are in keikogi and hakama.

Pictures, left to right:

  1. A blurry photo (c. 2000) of César as a child, wearing a martial arts uniform and white belt

  2. César (right) during his 10th kyu (purple belt) test, c. 2001, at East Bay Aikido, under Tom Gambell Sensei. Uke unknown.

  3. César teaching at Oakland Aikido’s 1 year anniversary, spring 2025. Uke: Mahika Rangnekar.