In 1968, Gallego
Sensei began his martial arts studies in Union City, New Jersey. He first
studied the discipline of Judo under Sensei Orlando Mesa. Shortly thereafter,
seeking proficiency in distance fighting principles, he began to practice the
combat arts. This led him to martial arts legend, Yoshisada Yonezuka, in
Cranford, New Jersey. He also apprenticed in Goju-Ryu under the direction of
Grandmaster Peter G. Urban. Since 1981, Dr. Gallego had been in the USAGA
network until 2001, and still kept regular communication with the Founder—Urban
Sensei until his death in 2004. In addition, he keeps regular communication with
his confidant—Grandmaster Manny A. Saavedra, founder of Sansei
Goju-Ryu.
In 1987, Dr. Gallego founded Neko-Do Goju-Ryu. Presently Dr.
Gallego has chartered schools in Florida, Ohio, Canada, Dominican Republic,
India, and Russia. Furthermore, he continues to research technical aspects of
Goju-Ryu—self-defense, bunkai, and methods of training.
Neko-Do Goju-Ryu
continues to grow into other parts of the world. This system is not commercial,
and many branches around the world cater to the impoverished and disadvantaged
members of society. The organization continues to work closely with other
Goju-Ryu organizations.
Dr. Gallego is a researcher, philosopher, and
author. He presently holds a 10th Dan under Maestro Peter G. Urban, and has a
7th Dan in Judo and Ju-Jitsu under O’Sensei Philip Porter. He continues to
research the area of Goju-Ryu, in addition to a myriad of
responsibilities.
In addition, Dr. Gallego has been inducted into several
halls of fame. They include: The World Martial Arts Hall of Fame (1994); The
Eastern United States of America International Martial Arts Hall of
Fame-International Black Belt Hall of Fame (1996 and 1998); The United States
Martial Arts Association International-Soke (1998); The Florida Cosmopolitan
Hall of Fame (2000); The United States Grandmaster's Council (2001); and The
United States Martial Arts Association Grandmaster's Council (2005).
You can check out Dr. Gallego's website at:
http://www.nekodokarate.com/
Career Highlights