{"id":258,"date":"2015-04-01T10:52:30","date_gmt":"2015-04-01T10:52:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hb-themes.com\/themes\/highend\/minimal\/?page_id=258"},"modified":"2025-04-10T14:26:18","modified_gmt":"2025-04-10T18:26:18","slug":"our-dojo","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/floridaaikikai.com\/newest\/our-dojo\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Dojo"},"content":{"rendered":"
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OUR DOJO<\/h4><\/div>

A traditional dojo dedicated to teaching classical Aikido<\/h2><\/div>
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Established in 1980, Florida Aikikai has grown to be one of the largest and most well-respected dojos in the United States. We are affiliated with Hombu Dojo, the world headquarters for Aikido in Japan, and with the\u00a0United States Aikido Federation<\/a>, a not-for-profit organization (501-C3), providing both technical and administrative guidance and support to its members. Our dojo is led by Chief Instructor Peter Bernath Sensei, 7th Dan, Shihan, and Penny Bernath Sensei, 7th Dan Shihan. We are dedicated to teaching Aikido for self defense and personal development through the integration of mind, body and spirit.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text]

History and Lineage<\/h2><\/div>
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Florida Aikikai began as a small dojo with a few dedicated students over 40 years ago and has grown to be one of the largest and most renowned Aikido schools in North America. Over the years, many hundreds of people have entered the dojo with no prior training and have become skilled practitioners and valued members of our community. At Florida Aikikai, we pride ourselves on our dedication to training with enthusiasm and respect, on our openness to people from all individual and cultural backgrounds, and on our pursuit of the ultimate goals of Aikido as taught by the founder, O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba.<\/p>\n

Perhaps the strongest influence on the character of our dojo is the teaching we have received from our Aikido forebears, the most prominent being Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei, T.K. Chiba Sensei, Mitsunari Kanai Sensei, Seiichi Sugano Sensei, Akira Tohei Sensei, and Ichiro Shibata Sensei. These great Aikido teachers trained directly with O Sensei and helped to spread the philosophy and art of Aikido around the world. At Florida Aikikai, our training is characterized by a strong dedication to preserving the lessons of these great Aikido teachers while allowing each individual person to pursue their own unique understanding and expression of the principles of Aikido.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]

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Chief Instructors<\/h2><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”531″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”]

Peter Bernath Sensei, 8th Dan, Shihan<\/h4><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css=””]Chief instructor Peter Bernath is a hachidan (8th degree black belt) and Shihan (master teacher) awarded by Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, and a technical adviser of the United States Aikido Federation (USAF).<\/p>\n

Bernath Sensei has been practicing Aikido for over 40 years under the direction of Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan who was an uchi deshi (live-in-student) of O Sensei the founder of Aikido.<\/p>\n

He was sent to Florida in 1980 by Yamada Sensei to open Florida Aikikai where he met his wife Penny. He has traveled internationally, including Hombu dojo (Aikikai headquarters) in Japan studying under Aikido\u2019s most famous teachers. Bernath sensei is one of the most highly respected Aikido instructors in the USAF and regularly teaches seminars throughout the world.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”529″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”]

Penny Bernath Sensei, 7th Dan, Shihan<\/h4><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text]Penny Bernath is a shichidan (7th degree black belt), Shihan (master teacher), and a member of the United States Aikido Federation Technical Committee.<\/p>\n

Penny Sensei started Aikido in 1973 in Hollywood, Florida with Steve House Sensei. She soon became a student of Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei and also studied under many of O Sensei\u2019s direct students. One of the most senior female teachers in the United States, Penny Sensei regularly teaches at seminars throughout the country and abroad.<\/p>\n

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Penny Bernath is the Education Director of South Florida PBS. She creates, hosts, and oversees programming for the education and entertainment of young children. To learn more, visit: KidVision PreK<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]

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    We are incredibly grateful for everything you\u2019ve taught our son over the years\u2014the skills, discipline, and mentorship have meant so much to him and to us. We truly can\u2019t say enough great things about the program and all of you. We will deeply miss being part of this wonderful community.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tJenn Sparks\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t \n\t\t<\/li>
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    Absolutely the best experience! My children have both taken martial arts previously. I have a background in several martial arts disciplines, however Akido, and in particular this Akido studio is very special!! I highly recommend Akido Florida Aikikai.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSteve\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t \n\t\t<\/li>
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    Super awesome place my 6yo and I love it and go as often as we can! Kid is so excited to get all the belts too.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTiffany\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t \n\t\t<\/li>
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    I’m as thrilled as my son is that he’s 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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAlfonso Manosalvas\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t \n\t\t<\/li>
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    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….<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tA. Andrew OBeidy\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t \n\t\t<\/li>
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    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!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCristina Costanzo\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t \n\t\t<\/li>
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    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! \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCary Bakker\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t \n\t\t<\/li>
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    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!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSilvia Hernandez\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t \n\t\t<\/li>
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    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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBrad Edwards\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t \n\t\t<\/li>
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    My son has been studying at the Florida Aikikai dojo for over 2 years now, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tPeter Solomon\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t \n\t\t<\/li>
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    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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOmar Morales\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t \n\t\t<\/li>
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    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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWilliam Runyan\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t \n\t\t<\/li>
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    Florida Aikikai offers high quality instruction and training. I’ve 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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLynne Morrison\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t \n\t\t<\/li>
  • \t\t

    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!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tDiana Bakker Fahmie\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t \n\t\t<\/li>
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    I could not have asked for a better place to train! The people I train with here have become extended family.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMarissa Wites\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t \n\t\t<\/li>
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    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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tDale Roznowski\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t \n\t\t<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    [vc_row top_margin=”0″ bottom_margin=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1427891685820{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation=”bottom-to-top” el_class=”hb-max-80″] Established in 1980, Florida Aikikai has grown to be one of the largest and most well-respected dojos in the United States. We are affiliated with Hombu Dojo, the world headquarters for Aikido in Japan, and with the\u00a0United States Aikido Federation, a not-for-profit organization (501-C3), providing both technical […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-258","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/floridaaikikai.com\/newest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/258","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/floridaaikikai.com\/newest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/floridaaikikai.com\/newest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/floridaaikikai.com\/newest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/floridaaikikai.com\/newest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=258"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/floridaaikikai.com\/newest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/258\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2170,"href":"https:\/\/floridaaikikai.com\/newest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/258\/revisions\/2170"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/floridaaikikai.com\/newest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=258"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}