Ray Feliciano
It all began with an idea. Ray Feliciano stepped on the mats at Pasadena Aikikai in 1988. He rose up the ranks. In 2005, he assumed the role of the chief instructor at Pasadena Aikikai. An opportunity presented itself in 2013, he opened Maru Dojo, San Francisco, where he resides. Ray Feliciano has trained in various disciplines. He is currently ranked 6th Dan Aikikai, a black belt in Shorinji Kempo (SF Branch), and a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (a member of Roy Dean Affiliate). Although Ray’s aikido is based on aikikai style; however, his aikido style is unique and continues to evolve. His movements and his manners are influenced by Filipino Martial Arts (FMA / Kali) and BJJ. He has blended some of the techniques found in Kali and BJJ into his interpretation of aikido.
Robert Hewell
Robert Hewell is the resident instructor at Pasadena Aikikai. He has been a constant presence at Pasadena Aikikai since the mid-1990s. Aside from decades of aikido practice, Robert also trained in Muay-Thai for several years. He offers a different perspective in his aikido interpretation in which an “opening” leads to strikes.
Robert began also training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.