Aikido Florida Aikikai

Specialties

Florida Aikikai is one of the foremost Aikido dojos in North America. Led by Chief Instructor Peter Bernath Sensei, 7^th Dan, Shihan, our program offers classes for beginner to advanced students.

AIKIDO

Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art based on the principles of universal harmony and non-​violence. It is a highly effective form of self-​defense that requires minimal force because it uses an attacker’s own size and strength against them. Aikido can be practiced by men, women and children of all ages. Aikido uses dynamic throwing and pinning techniques to subdue even a much larger aggressor using minimal force.

KIDS

Camps and year-​round classes. Classes Self defense, weapons training, Japanese, Bushido challenges, and meditation are incorporated into an interesting and exciting curriculum. Classes start with stretching, fitness, tumbling, and Aikido movement exercises which promote mind/​body, hand/​eye coordination.

History

Established in 1980.

Florida Aikikai was founded in 1980 and is a member of the United States Aikido Federation and Hombu Dojo, the Aikido World Headquarters in Japan. Chief Instructor Peter Bernath Sensei is a 7^th dan Shihan (master teacher) and a Technical Director of the USAF. Penny Bernath Sensei is a 6^th dan Shidoin (senior instructor), and serves on the Board of Governers of the USAF.

Bernath Sensei started his Aikido career in 1972 under the direction of Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan, 8^th dan, Chairman of the USAF. Yamada Sensei was an uchi deshi (live-​in apprentice) of O Sensei, and is one of the most respected Aikido masters in the world. Bernath Sensei has studied under many of O Sensei’s most famous disciples and regularly conducts seminars throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Latin America.

Meet the Business Owner

Peter B.

Business Owner

Chief instructor Peter Bernath is a Shichidan (7^th degree black belt) and Shihan (master teacher) awarded by Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, and a member of the Technical Committee of the USAF. Bernath Sensei also holds a Shodan in Iaido.

Bernath Sensei started his Aikido career in 1972 under the direction of Yoshimitsu Yamada, 8^th dan, Shihan, Chief Instructor of New York Aikikai and Chairman of the USAF.

Bernath Sensei was an instructor at New York Aikikai prior to being sent to open Florida Aikikai by Yamada Sensei. He has traveled and trained extensively throughout the world including Japan and has been fortunate to study under many of O Sensei’s most famous disciples, including Kisshomaru and Moriteru Ueshiba, the second and third Doshu (leader of Aikido). Bernath Sensei is one of the most highly respected Aikido instructors in the United States and regularly teaches seminars throughout the USAF, Canada, Latin America and Europe.