By Dr. Linda Alvarado-Arce
Satori Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Muay Thai Fighter Charles Daniel Valdez is the proud father of 2 girls, 1 son, and nephew to Mimi Anna-Reyna Gonzalez of Toledo, Ohio. According to Mimi, “Five years ago, he [her nephew] began his journey fighting with 1 goal in mind, which was to get closer to his daughter!” Over the past 5 year’s Satori MMA has allowed for Valdez to gain a strong relationship with his daughter, his wife, and his other children who all are active at Satori.
Valdez is an active member of his church’s worship team where he plays the bass guitar. During the week, he coaches at Satori and pours into the lives of the youth his passion for Muay Thai. Both church and Muay Thai allow him to clear his mind from the outside world and has made him stronger both physically and mentally as he learns to push through different obstacles and “get out of his head.” On this journey, Valdez has gained discipline, strength, skill, and strategy to get into the ring and take fights. And through all the punches, kicks, pain, and exhaustion, Valdez continues to make his family proud as he continues to fight. On June 19, 2025, he fought in the TBA-SA Classics World Championships in Des Moines, Iowa. He won his first match with a knockout, lost his second match, and won 4th place out of 25. His next fight is for Tap or Scrap 12 in Victoria, Texas, August 1, 2025.
Luchador de Muay Thai Satori MMA: Charles Daniel Valdez
Por la Dra. Linda Alvarado-Arce
El luchador de Muay Thai Satori, Charles Daniel Valdez, es orgulloso padre de dos hijas, un hijo, y el sobrino de Mimi Anna-Reyna González de Toledo, Ohio. Según Mimi: “Hace cinco años, él [su sobrino] comenzó su carrera en el mundo del combate con una mente: ¡acercarse a su hija!” Durante los últimos cinco años, Satori MMA le ha permitido a Valdez forjar una relación con su hija, su esposa, y sus otros hijos quienes participan activamente en Satori.
Valdez es miembro activo del grupo de alabanza de su iglesia, donde toca la guitarra. Entrena en Satori y comparte con los jóvenes su pasión por el Muay Thai. Tanto la iglesia como el Muay Thai le permiten desconectarse del mundo exterior y lo han fortalecido física y mentalmente a medida que aprende a superar diferentes obstáculos y a “salir de sus pensamientos.” En este camino, Valdez ha adquirido disciplina, fuerza, habilidad, y estrategia para subir al ring y aceptar peleas. Y a pesar de los golpes, las patadas, el dolor, y el agotamiento, Valdez sigue enorgulleciendo a su familia mientras sigue luchando. El 19 de junio de 2025, compitió en el Campeonato Mundial Clásico TBA-SA en Des Moines, Iowa. Ganó su primer combate por nocaut, perdió el segundo y quedó en cuarto lugar de 25. Su próxima pelea es para Tap or Scrap 12 en Victoria, Texas, el 1 de agosto de 2025.