Instructors/Shidoin

Mike Gallo, President, 6th Dan

Gallo Sensei has been teaching Aikido for 32 years and training in martial arts for over 55 years. He currently holds the rank of Rokudan (6th degree black belt) in Aikido issued by Aiki Hombu Dojo (Aikido Headquarters) in Tokyo, Japan; where he visited many times to train with O’Sensei’s son Kisshomaru Ueshiba, and grandson Moriteru Ueshiba, the third and current Doshu of Aiki Kai. On November 26, 2015 Gallo Sensei received his Menkyo Shihan 7th Dan in Daito Ryu Aiki Jujitsu. On December 6,2021 Gallo Sensei received his Hanshi Dan 8th Degree Certification for Daito Ryu Aiki Jujitsu recognized by three International Organizations. His training in other martial arts includes: Yanagi Ryu Aiki Jujitsu, Shotokan Karate, and Kenpo Karate, as well as a number of weapons arts. He is a NRA certified firearms instructor.

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Villa Sensei, Dojo Cho, 4th Dan

Villa Sensei began his training in Aikido in 1997 under Gallo Sensei. He currently holds the rank of fourth degree black belt ( Yondan ) in Aikido issued by Gallo Sensei from Aiki Kai Hombu Dojo) in Tokyo, Japan on July 2019. In 1996 Villa Sensei received his first Black Belt from Grandmaster Chun in the art of Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do. Villa Sensei has also trained in Judo, and Kendo. He has also been training in Brazilian Jiujitsu since 2008. Villa Sensei’s diverse foundation in Martial Arts makes him an excellent Instructor. He was appointed Dojo Cho and Shidoin by Gallo Sensei March 2020.

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Assistant Instructors / Fukushidoin

Micah Mahelona, Shodan

Micah Mahelona began his Aikido training under Gallo Sensei at age six. His Martial Arts training started in 2006 at Aikido San Marcos. Micah holds a first-degree black belt (Shodan) in Aikido issued by Aikikai Hombu Dojo Tokyo, Japan in 2021.

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