Home
Head Instructor
Student Spotlight
Our Staff
Programs
Class Schedule
School News
Testimonials


 

 

 

 

Video Clips
Contact Us
Email Updates
Our Instructors & Staff Members

Shihan Dennis Hill, Chief Instructor

Dennis Hill began his study of martial arts at the age of seven. Throughout his martial art career, he has studied both eastern and western martial arts. Besides Combat Hapkido, Thai Kickboxing, and Combat Sambo, Dennis has formally studied the following martial arts: Tae-Kwon-Do, Tang Soo Do, Russian Free-style Wrestling, Boxing, Kempo, Aikido, Shoot Fighting, Aiki-Jujutsu and Judo. Dennis Hill has spent many years devoted to training in mixed martial arts. In addition to being a martial artist, he is also a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Kettlebell Instructor.

 

©Inger Schoelkopf

 

Sid Kelly (Master Instructor - Judo)

Sid Kelly holds an 8th Dan Judo rank and a 6th Dan Ju-Jitsu rank.  He has studied, trained and taught Judo for 50 years.  He is a two times world masters gold medalist (1999 - 2003) and a one time world masters bronze medalist (2002).  Sid was a British international player from 1965 - 1967 and coached an under 21 European Champion Gold Medalist.  Sid was the captain of the NHC team, winning the British area championships.  He is a certified USJA coach, certified USJA Rank examiner and certified USJA Kata coach.  He is the author of 4 books and has produced several videos related to Waki-Gatame and Judo Promotion. 

   

Joseph Vigdorchik (Trainer to Dennis Hill)

Master Level Wrestling Coach From Russia

   

Luigi Mondelli (Master Instructor - BJJ)

Aiki Academy is now affiliated with Best Way Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu / American Top Team Connecticut which is located in Danbury. Luigi is a Master Black Belt / MMA Team Manager. He has a very impressive BJJ background as follows:

2009 2nd place US Nationals
2009 Panamerican Champion
2008 World No-Gi Champion
2008 Panamerican Champion
2007 Panamerican Champion
2006 Panamerican Champion
2004 Panamerican Champion
2002 World Champion
2004 North American Champion
2003 North American Champion
2001 2nd National / Brazil
1999 Rio de Janeiro State Champion

With over 15 years of practice, Luigi is a certified 3rd degree black belt with many titles and a lot of experience training amateur and professional fighters.

Aiki Academy offers a BJJ class with Luigi Mondelli on Saturdays. Please check schedule for details.

   

Ken Gonsalves (Boxing Instructor)

Ken began studying martial arts at the age of 10. During his teens, Ken studied amatuer boxing and competited as a Golden Glove competitor under the training of the late John Rice. Currently, he is working toward his certification in Strength & Conditioning and Nutrition through the International Sport Sciences Association (ISSA).

©Inger Schoelkopf

 

Carlos Alicea


Carlos is our academy's coach for folk style wrestling. He also trains with us in Thai Kickboxing and Sambo. Carlos is one of the most skilled folk style wrestlers we have had the priveledge of training with.

   

Michael O. (Head Instructor)


Michael has 26 years of study in the martial arts and has earned black belts in traditional Hapkido, Tang Soo Do and USA Karate-Jitsu. In addition to currently training in Free-style Wrestling, Sambo and Combat Hapkido, he has formally studied in Muay Thai, Wing Chun Kung Fu, GoJu Ryu, Shotokan, Kempo, Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-jiutsu, and Judo. Michael has also completed instructor certification courses in Jim Wagner's Reality Based Personal Protection.

   

Ian, CPT (Full Instructor)

Ian is a black belt in Combat Sambo and a blue belt in BJJ. He has also formally studied Combat Hapkido and Wrestling.   Ian assists in instructing Aiki Academy's Thai Kickboxing and Kettlebell classes.  In addition to being a martial artist, Ian is a certified personal trainer.

©Inger Schoelkopf

 

 

Jennifer (Office Manager & Full Instructor)

Jen is the head of admistrative functions at Aiki Academy.  Jen also is an instructor in Aiki Academy's Kettlebell and Little Ninja classes. She assists the Chief Instructor with the Little Dragons program as well.

©Inger Schoelkopf

 

Paul Bergevin (Assistant Instructor)

Paul was one of the first students at Aiki

Academy and currently assists the Chief Instructor with classes. Paul is a 2nd Dan black belt in Combat Sambo.

©Inger Schoelkopf

 

Mike H. (Assistant Youth Instructor)

Mike assits the Chief Instructor with the children's classes at Aiki Acacdemy. 

Mike with Keith Florian

   

Daniel (Assistant Youth Instructor)


Danny assists the Chief Instructor with the children's classes at Aiki Academy.

   

 

              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information about the Aiki Academy of Self Defense, LLC staff or training programs, please contact us at 203-484-2020 or click here.

Web Site Design by: Two Brothers Web Design06 Aiki Academy of Self Defense, LLC. All Rights Reserve