In Fall 2005, Joe Benedito enrolled in a the PHYE 233 - Kickboxing at San Diego Mesa College taught by Coach Heidi Sarmiento-Wilson.
In Fall 2007, Joe Benedito enrolled in the PHYE 232 - Martial Arts class at San Diego City College taught by Coach Jim Colbert. In the class description that the course stated that it included Eskrima. The same system of Eskrima that Joe Benedito trained in and was a certified instructor. Joe Benedito helped Coach Colbert’s with the PHYE 232 - Martial Arts course as an Assistant Coach until Coach Colbert’s retirement after Spring 2013 semester.
On May 12, 2008, renovation of the Physical Education Complex, the “P” building, at San Diego City College began. The “P” building project involved the complete renovation of the existing two-story concrete gymnasium building. Facility upgrades included new work-out rooms, locker rooms, classrooms, and faculty and staff offices and workspace. Renovations were completed in Fall 2010.
On January 25, 2010, ready for the Spring 2010 semester, the expanded and renovated Physical Education Complex, the “P” building, at San Diego City College opened. Coach Jim Colbert was instrumental in creating a start-of-the-art Martial Arts workout room, P-101, as part of the renovations. The equipment available in this room is comparable to those found in Martial Arts schools outside of SD City College.
In Fall 2012, Coach Heidi Sarmiento-Wilson was recruited by Coach Jim Colbert to teach both the PHYE 232 - Martial Arts & the PHYE 233 - Kickboxing courses at SD City College. Coach Colbert already knew Coach Sarmiento-Wilson as a Physical Education & Health instructor from San Diego Mesa & Miramar Colleges; and Grossmont & Cuyamaca Colleges. She was highly recommended to Coach Jim Colbert by his long time assistant in the PHYE 232 - Martial Arts course, Asst. Coach Joe Benedito.
In June 2013, after the Spring 2013 semester ended, Jim Colbert retired from teaching at SD City College. A career that spanned over 23 years. On September 18, 2013, Jim Colbert passed away from brain cancer.
San Diego City College
Martial Arts & Self Defense
Coach Jim ColbertNovember 26, 1939 - September 18, 2013
In June 2014, construction began on the Exercise Science Center at San Diego Mesa College. The Exercise Science Center will be a two-story, 27,200 square feet steel structure to be occupied by the Mesa College Athletics Department. Program elements included in the Mesa College Exercise Science Center are an aerobics studio, weight training room, spinning room, free weight training lab, athletic training room, a ‘wet lab’ with whirlpools and icing stations to treat injuries, cardio fitness training lab, and an office suite. Coach Sarmiento is striving for the creation of a start-of-the-art Martial Arts workout room, similar to the one at SD City College, with comparable equipment. Construction is scheduled for completion in Spring 2016.
In Fall 2014, Coach Heidi Sarmiento-Wilson developed and founded the Martial Arts and Self-Defense Program at SD Mesa College. Similar to the program to the one at SD City College. Also, the designation for the Kickboxing course changed from PHYE 233 (Physical Education) to EXSC 147A-D (Exercise Science) and the Martial Arts course changed from PHYE 232 to EXSC 148A-D.
In Spring 2015, she started the EXSC 148 - Martial Arts course at SD Mesa College. Asst. Coach Joe Benedito came with Coach Sarmiento-Wilson to SD Mesa College to co-teach the EXSC 148 - Martial Arts course. The course is geared toward Taekwondo, Hapkido, Arnis De Mano and retains elements of Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate Do. Emphasis is placed on self-defense.
In June 2014, construction began on the new SD Mesa College Exercise Science Center. Following the example set by Coach Jim Colbert, Coach Heidi Sarmiento became involved with the planning and development of the Exercise Science Center at San Diego Mesa College. The Exercise Science Center will be a two-story, 27,200 square feet steel structure to be occupied by the Mesa College Athletics Department. Program elements included in the Mesa College ESC are an aerobics studio, weight training room, spinning room, free weight training lab, athletic training room, a ‘wet lab’ with whirlpools and icing stations to treat injuries, cardio fitness training lab, and an office suite. Coach Sarmiento is striving for the creation of a start-of-the-art Martial Arts workout room, similar to the one at SD City College, with comparable equipment and services to be included with the other programs offered. Construction was completed in February 2016.
On February 29, 2016, ready for the Spring 2016 semester, the new San Diego Mesa College Exercise Science Center opened.
Department Chair
Exercise Science, Dance, & Athletics
San Diego Mesa College
(2012 - August 2015)
Professor Jan EllisDeceased August 30, 2016
