Dr. J.M.Gallego , Sensei
Sekai Seito Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kyokai, formerly Neko-Do Systems Goju-Ryu Internationl was founded in 1985 by Dr. J.M.Gallego Kaicho. In the late 1960’s, Gallego Sensei began his martial arts studies in Union City, New Jersey. He first studied the discipline of Judo under Orlando Mesa Sensei. Shortly thereafter, seeking proficiency and technical refinement, he began to practice the combat arts. This led him to martial arts legend, Yoshisada Yonezuka Sensei in Cranford, New Jersey. He apprenticed in Goju-Ryu under the direction of Peter G. Urban, Sensei. After 25 years of research in neo-classical, Japanese and Okinawan Goju-Ryu, Dr. Gallego systematically aligned his organizational katas with the traditional katas of Goju-Ryu to standardize his branches around the world. Beginning in 1999 and ending in 2005, the standardization process was complete. Understanding that the only course to ensure the survival of his art was through standardization, Dr. Gallego aligned the organizational katas with that of traditional, global Goju-Ryu. In addition, he networks with other traditional organizations, most notably with Manny A. Saavedra, Sensei, founder of the Kokusai Koryu Gojukai Karatedo--formerly the World Sansei Goju-Ryu Karate and Kobudo Organization.
Presently Dr. Gallego has chartered schools in Florida, Ohio, Virginia, Texas, Canada, Dominican Republic, India, and Russia. Furthermore, he continues to research technical aspects of Goju-Ryu—self-defense, bunkai, and methods of training.
Dr. Gallego has seven earned university degrees, and three honorary doctorates. Sekai Seito Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kyokai continues to grow into other parts of the world. This organization is not commercial, and many branches throughout the world cater to the impoverished and disadvantaged members of society.