My daughter attends the 2021 summer camp. She loves the senseis and the camp. Will definitely be resturning for the regular classes
On a continual journey for spiritual and physical betterment, and after many twists and turns in my life, I finally found my way to Florida Aikikai, and am now blessed and honored to call this place home.Aikido, in its broadest sense, is the way of harmony that one should strive to attain in all aspects of life. Im not going to get into the technicalities of the philosophy here, but as I understand it, the practice of aikido and spreading of its teachings will ultimately help to create a peaceful world for all.Luckily, there are many high level practitioners at this dojo who can provide more insight about this incredible martial art, beginning with Senseis Penny and Peter who are members of the USAF board. Because of the many teachers that students have access to, there are many different teaching styles that we experience, which greatly benefit growth in the art.There are classes available at various times, for individuals of every skill level and most age groups, and even specialised classes, teaching weapons, internals, and overall wellness. Class provides an opportunity for high intensity and dynamic movement, but also teaches you to be calm and focused in difficult situations. Both being things that we all need in our everyday life.One of the best things that has happened since attending is that I have also built a great sense of community with the students and teachers, many of whom have become close friends outside of training.There are usually special offers when you first join. You can sign up and give yourself time to try it out and see if you like it. For me, it took one meeting with Sensei Peter and one trial class, and I was hooked and wanting more. I think you might feel the same way if you tried it. Feel free to come in and take a look, talk to someone, and hopefully join us on the mat. See you there.
One of the best dojos
Sensei Peter and Sensei Penny are both amazing teachers! Students are very friendly and everyone will help you get started. Its the best Aikido dojo in FL!
Florida Aikikai offers high quality instruction and training. Ive been training in Aikido for 47 years and feel fortunate to now be with Florida Aikikai. I continue to be inspired by the skill and leadership of Shihan Peter Bernath and Shihan Penny Bernath. Men, Women, young and old train joyfully together at this dojo.
The most friendly place ever,think more as family atmosphere where you can practice with the best teachers.Every students help new comer as best as they can.To train and learn Aikido and make friends, this is the place for you .I did it few years ago and it was one of my best decision .Experience of a life time .
My son has been taking classes, attended summer camp, now winter camp. The program is amazing. The instructors are so truly kind, patient, and loving toward the children. I have 4 kids who have been in numerous programs through the years, never have I experienced such an amazing program and group of people. Highly recommend!
I really love this DOJO. It was over 8 years ago that I attended my first Winter Seminar and was happy to see they got a great photo shot of me practicing beach side with a colleague. I would recommend this team highly as they are really genuinely amazing people that want to help you learn and grow. I feel Aikido was the best fit for me and wish I was still attending. Great prices and flexible schedules too!
Love every moment since I started. No two instructors are alike so you have a wide base to learn from, and Sensei Peter can only be described as AWESOME 😊
This is an amazing school with awesome instructors, and friendly people. People of all ages and skill levels train here. The facility is clean and well organized. The fees are very very reasonable. I absolutely recommend this place....
I have practiced Aikido for 20 years. I started my practice as a way of restoring my body after a liver transplant. Aikido is a full body exercise that improves muscle mass, body balance, and efficient movement. It teaches all the rules of physics and balanced movement in its various technics. In time and practice, Aikido becomes a way of being.
I came to Florida to train in this school after seeing all the great students and teachers they had. They offer classes every day and many different hours throughout the day. I learned so many great techniques from everybody around me. This is a top school for aikido if you want to learn.
Florida Aikikai is an impressive martial arts studio. Their instructors are top-notch, the facility is super clean and theres lots of parking out front.
Hello everyone,In my opinion Aikido Florida Aikikai, is by far the premiere Aikido dojo of the United States. My opinion is based on testimony from others that have traveled extensively around the country, not to mention I myself have traveled and was fortunate to visit several different dojos here and abroad. State of the art facilities, professional instruction of every class, and classes to facilitate every work schedule everyday of the week throughout the entire year. Its tops!!!
My son (6) and I (40+) have both trained here and loved it. Adults and childrens classes are separate. The kids summer camp is also very good.Peter Sensei is on of the highest ranked instructors in the country, and he is kind and patient with his students. My experience has also been great with every other instructor.The dojo is kept very clean. The mats are cleaned after every class.As a martial art, aikido is great in that it is not about fighting or competing. It is purely about protecting yourself, not just when attacked, but in all aspects of life. Something as simple as knowing the right way to fall has kept me and my son from multiple injuries at play and in daily life. I can directly credit my improved reaction time and ability to quickly move out of the way for keeping me from getting hit by a distracted driver in a parking lot. My son has also avoided many bumps to his head by knowing how to fall safely.I highly recommend trying it out for people who want to learn to protect themselves, but hate the idea of stepping into a ring and trading blows with someone else.
My daughter has been doing aikido here since she was 4 ( she is 12 now) We love the caring, family atmosphere, and there are classes for all ages. The summer camp program is awesome!!!
So lucky to live near one of the best Aikido dojos in the US... The dojo is beautiful, people are amazing, and the instructors are second to none... People often stop in when traveling from around the world just to be able to train under Senseis Peter and Penny... The kids classes and camps are awesome too - my kids love it! :)
My son has been studying at the Florida Aikikai dojo for over 2 years now, it’s perfect for him, sensei Helen is AMAZING with kids, my son was a bit shy and she managed to coerce and involve him in all of the activities, and kept him interested and growing. He is now a mid belt and proud of every stripe and belt.I was a martial arts practitioner as a teenager, but have been out of any and all activities for the last 4 year due to a very bad back. I told sensei Peter about this and he encouraged me to do a few test classes and said they wanted to give me a sport to practice the rest of my life, so we would find a way that’s good for my back. All of the black belts respect and are careful of your limits. You can learn much from this school. I highly recommend it.
Im as thrilled as my son is that hes back for another summer at the dojo--the best, most caring instructors and staff give these kids an awesome, safe, fun and creative summer with a balanced mix of martial arts, games and arts and crafts.
One of the best Dojos that I have ever trained. It is a luxury be under Peter and Penny Bernath teaching. The space and the tatami are perfect, and I can bring my kids with me while I train, which is a huge plus after becoming an aikido mother!
My son xavier was enrolled in the summer program at aikido. this place is amazing. the staff is amazing. the kids are so engages and pasionate about the program. What i like about it the most is the life skills that are incorporated in the program. i plan to put my son back asap. this program has improve my son attention span, discipline and self control. thanks ms helen for working with our family. i will see you soon
This an excellent dojo. The facility itself is great, with a large open space that helps the training flow. Thete are classes available everyday (morning, afternoon and evening) which makes incredibly convenient and on top of that you have great Senseis. It is really an incredible opportunity to train under the tutelage of Peter and Penny Bernath sensei.
Florida Aikikai is like a second family. It is a wonderful community of caring people, and the standard of instruction is incredibly high. Peter Bernath Sensei and Penny Bernath Sensei are incredible individuals. The training is energetic and fun.
Very easily one of the best dojos in the country. I have trained all over the US, and Florida Aikikai is one of the few dojos that gets top marks in all categories. Peter Bernath Shihan provides some of the highest caliber instruction I have encountered that is always clear and consistent, and all the instructors do an excellent job meeting those high standards. The senior students are always very friendly and welcoming, and the the dojo as a whole has a friendly family-like atmosphere. You will quickly feel right at home here.The facility is very large for an Aikido dojo, with lots of space for training. There are changing rooms with showers on-site that include lockers, but inside the main training room there is plenty of space to store your gear without the need for a locker. Typical classes have 10-20 participants, so you will get to work techniques with lots of different body types and sizes. There are classes every day of the week, and offered at multiple times, so there are many opportunities for training. Classes have skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced, and whatever your level, you will be challenged and encouraged to improve your technique. Florida Aikikai also is host to one of the largest Aikido winter camps in the country with USAFs top instructors each November.Basically, just stop looking. You found your new dojo. Welcome home. :)
Huge mat and clean facility. Peter Sensei and Penny Sensei are the best. Train with incredible talented teachers who have oodles of experience in a family friendly environment. Most established Aikido dojo in SE United States with most direct lineage to Hombu and O Sensei.
Always a great experience. Thank you Peter & Penny for all you do.
Excellent dojo, really cool people and a great Aikido master teacher Peter Bernath!
Our special needs daughter has spent 3 summers at Florida Aikikai. She has earned every stripe and every belt. Helen Sensei, Keith Sensei, Darius Sensei, Marisa Sensei and Julia Sensei run a beautiful Dojo. Thank you to all of you for all you do!
Peter and Penny Bernath Sensei offer an amazing training opportunity for anyone who is interested in Aikido. Having two Shihans in a single schools gives students a rare opportunity in itself but having a male and female perspective at a Shihan level is an absolute gift for those that can attend their classes.
If you dont have money forget these places in South Florida. Not less the 150 usd monthly. I practiced in Germany. Aikido there is more focus in the man and less in the money. But of course also aikido here is a reflection of the society. For example if Morihei Ueshiba come back here cannot practice here his art. It is sad.
I could not have asked for a better place to train! The people I train with here have become extended family.
A great place to practice Aikido!!!