Visitors are welcome to observe class anytime.
Train as many classes as you like for one monthly fee.
| Adults | $100.00/month |
| Adult College Students(with 12 units) | $90.00/month |
| Children, ages 13 to 18 | $80.00 |
| Children, ages 7.5 to 12 | $55.00 |
| 2nd Child | $45.00 |
| 3rd Child | $35.00 |
| Private Classes | $65.00 / Hour (can be shared by 2 students) |
The word "Aikido" is made up of three Japanese characters known as Kanji. The first "ai" means to meet, to come together, to harmonize. The second "ki" means energy or spirit. The third "do" means the way of. When combined the meaning is: The way of harmonizing with the Spirit of Universe.
Aikido's founder Morihri Ueshiba, was born in Japan on December 14, 1883. He devoted himself to hard physical conditioning and eventually to the practice of martial arts, receiving certificates of mastery in several styles of jujitsu, fencing, and spear fighting.
In spite of his physical and martial abilities, he felt very dissatisfied. He began delving into religion in hopes of finding a deeper significance to life, all the while continuing to pursue his studies of the martial arts. By combining his martial training with his spiritual studies, he created and named "Aikido" in 1942.
Gallo Sensei has been teaching adult Aikido for 20 years and training in Martial Arts for over 46 years. He currently holds the rank of rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt) in Aikido issued by Aiki Hombu Dojo (Aikido Head Dojo) in Tokyo, Japan. His training in other martial arts includes Shotokan, Aiki Jujitsu, and Kenpo Karate, as well as a number of weapons arts. In addition, Gallo Sensei is an Acupuncturist, CPT (Certified Personal Trainer) and HHP (Holistic Health Practitioner).
Gallo Sensei's initial interest in the martial arts began in 1967, when he started training with Tsutomu Oshima's Shotokan Dojo in Santa Monica, CA. Later, he studied with Ed Parker in Kenpo Karate. During this time, Gallo Sensei worked as an intern Federal Parole Officer at Terminal Island prison, in conjunction with his study toward a Bachelors of Science degree in Criminology, Law Enforcement.
In 1987, Gallo Sensei began his training in Aikido. During his training, he studied under Gerald Gemmell Sensei, a student of Kazuo Chiba Shihan, and Walter Muryasz Sensei, a student of Fumio Toyoda Shihan. Gallo Sensei made numerous trips to Aikikai Hombu dojo in Japan during his Kyu and Dan ranks, staying for an extended visit of 10 weeks during his third trip to study at several dojos.
Gallo Sensei founded Hidden Valley Aiki Kai dojo in 1993. The dojo has been in continuous operation ever since.
In 2000, Gallo Sensei changed affiliations to AHI (Aikido of Hawaii International) to study under Tsutomu Kubo Shihan (7th Dan) Aiki Kai. Gallo Sensei earned his 4th,5th and 6th Dan ranks from Kubo Sensei, in 2002, 2005 and 2013 respectively.
Gallo Sensei has been teaching Aikido for 26 years and training in martial arts for over 46 years. He currently holds the rank of rokudan (6th degree black belt) in Aikido issued by Aiki Hombu Dojo (Aikido Head Dojo) in Tokyo, Japan. His training in other martial arts includes Shotokan, Aiki Jujitsu, and Kenpo Karate, as well as a number of weapons arts.
Phil Cruz started training in the martial arts in 1982. He studied Goju-ryu karate, earning the rank of shodan (1st degree black belt). In 1990, while a graduate student at Stanford University, he began to study Aikido with Frank Doran Shihan. He continued his training at Aikido West until he relocated to San Diego. Phil joined Hidden Valley Aikikai, Aikido of San Marcos, in 2012. He was awarded the rank of yondan (4th degree black belt) by Doran Shihan in April 2010.
Lori Niitani started taking martial arts classes in 1988 and began her study of Aikido two years later. She trained for many years under Doran Shihan of Aikido West until her family moved to San Diego County. Lori joined Hidden Valley Aikikai, Aikido of San Marcos, in 2012. She is thankful to the many instructors and students-locally, regionally, and internationally-that have influenced her Aikido over the years. She was promoted to yondan (4th degree black belt) by Doran Shihan in July 2010.
Aaron Villa has been actively training in Martial Arts for over 20 years. He currently holds the rank of sandan (3rd degree black belt) and is a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do. As a promoter of Aikido, he focuses his attention on the family classes Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Thomas Stuppy began studying martial science with the art of wing chun, and then with some side work in Shorin-ryu. He has always been interested in fencing, and studied the Japanese sword extensively, as well as the western swords. These interests led to the circular art of Aikido, which he has been studying for the last 16 years. He currently holds the rank of nidan (2nd degree black belt).
Doug Stead has been training in Aikido for over 12 years and currently holds the rank of shodan (1st degree black belt). He is also training to become an instructor and currently is an assistant instructor.