Sensei Dave Armstrong

Biography

Sensei Dave Armstrong is a published Author, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach, and “at-risk” youth expert with over 20 years of experience empowering individuals and transforming lives. Raised in the face of adversity, Sensei Dave grew up in foster care and youth correction facilities after losing his mother, his only family, at the age of 13. Despite a challenging childhood marked by crime and instability, he defied the odds, inspired by two key mentors: his CASA volunteer, Ron Barnick, and his first martial arts instructor, Sensei Otto Johnson. Sensei Dave knows firsthand the power of just one person with the right skills, knowledge, and desire and how he or she can transform not just one life but many to come.

After retiring from 24 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Air Force, Sensei Dave founded Unlimited Potential Network Academy (UPNA), a Life Coaching and Mentoring platform, and published his compelling autobiographies, Why Me My Fight For Life and From Gangs to Greece. His books are a raw, motivational perspective on overcoming challenges, available on Amazon and at www.upna.net/books.

Sensei Dave has mentored thousands of at-risk youth, guided countless Mentors and Foster Parents, and inspired global audiences through his speaking engagements across the U.S. and Europe. As a retired Veteran now living in Greece, he continues his mission to impact lives, helping individuals and organizations achieve personal and professional growth and impact their communities of donors and volunteers.

Toastmasters

Sensei Dave Armstrong is a motivational speaker, author, and life coach whose journey from adversity to empowerment exemplifies the transformative power of mentorship. Overcoming a challenging upbringing in foster care and youth correctional facilities after being arrested for felony armed robbery at age 11 and after losing his mother at 13, he was guided by two pivotal mentors: his CASA volunteer, Ron Barnick, and martial arts instructor, Sensei Otto Johnson. Their influence set him on a path to success, culminating in a distinguished 24-year career in the U.S. Air Force.

After retiring in Greece in 2017, Sensei Dave initially embraced early retirement but soon felt called back to his mission of empowering others. He founded the Unlimited Potential Network Academy (UPNA), a life coaching and mentoring platform dedicated to helping individuals unlock their full potential. He has since mentored thousands, guided professionals in leadership and public speaking, and inspired global audiences through keynote speeches across the U.S. and Europe.

A two-time Toastmasters District 109 Champion in both impromptu and prepared speeches, Sensei Dave has honed the art of impactful storytelling and audience engagement. His compelling autobiographies, Why Me My Fight For Life and From Gangs to Greece, offer raw, motivational insights into resilience and personal transformation.

Now residing in Greece, he continues to speak, coach, and mentor globally, proving that with the right guidance, any obstacle can be overcome. Learn more about his work www.upna.net, or follow his journey on Instagram (@daveingreece).