Gallo Sensei has been teaching Aikido for 36 years and training in martial arts for over 58 years. He currently holds the rank of Shichidan (7th degree black belt) in Aikido issued by Aiki Hombu Dojo 2026(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. On January 8, 2026 Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba promoted Gallo Sensei to Shichidan 7th. degree Black Belt in Aikido.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 an NRA certified firearms instructor.

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. On January 8, 2026 Doshu promoted Aaron Villa Sensei to fifth degree black Belt (Godan). Also, in January 2026 Villa Sensei received his Shodan in BJJ. from Clark Gracie.

Alex started his Aikido training in 2004 under John Dore Sensei in Methuen, Massachusetts. In 2008 he received his first-degree black belt. In 2019 he moved to San Diego, California and joined Aikido San Marcos to train under Mike Gallo Sensei. After rigorous training Gallo Sensei tested Alex for Nidan, second degree black belt on late October
2023 and he received his Shoshu (certificate) from Aikikai Hombu Dojo Tokyo Japan.

Stephanie started Aikido training in 2001 under Gallo Sensei (7th Dan). She was tested by Gallo Sensei and examined by Robert Kubo Shihan (8th Dan) of AHI (Aikido Hawaii International) and received her first-degree black belt (Shodan) in 2011, issued by Aikikai Hombu Dojo, in Tokyo, Japan. She moved soon afterwards, and in 2013 became a regular member at Budo Yoseikan, North America Hombu Dojo located in Torrance, California. Under Patrick Augé Shihan (8th Dan) and his wife, Kaoru Sugiyama Sensei (5th Dan) she trained there for 10 years, following the teachings of founder Minoru Mochizuki. They had strong ties to pre-war (WWII) Aikido, which emphasized tehodoki (escape from grabs). These were techniques utilized by disarmed samurai. After moving back to Escondido at the end of 2023, she received her second-degree black belt (Nidan) in May of 2025. After 25 years on the mat, she continues to enjoy practicing and sharing Aikido.

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.

Evan has been training in Aikido intermittently since the 90’s. Chronologically he has been trained by Coryl Crane Shihan (T.K. Chiba Shihan), BJ Carlisle Sensei (Fumio Toyoda Shihan), Gentil Pennewaert Shihan (Sensei Seiichi Sugano) and now with Sensei Mike Gallo. Although it took over 30 years, he was issued the rank of Shodan from Gallo Sensei in 2024. DON’T GIVE UP! Evan travels extensively for work and trains whenever and wherever possible. This has resulted visiting over 30 dojos over the years! Evan helps with the youth and adult classes.