In 1978, Nelson Andujar, 7th dan, Shihan, founded the Miami Aikikai. He was a direct student of Yoshimitsu Yamada, 8th Dan, Shihan, so the school has a strong foundation in traditional aikido. Andujar Sensei moved to Texas in 1996, but his influence still resonates at the dojo.
The instructors at Miami Aikikai are all certified through the United States Aikido Federation (USAF) and Hombu Dojo in Japan. Through their teaching, they focus on both the martial applications and the philosophy of blending and harmony that is integral to aikido.
Classes are designed to provide an atmosphere of learning through constructive practice and application of techniques. Each class begins with a brief warm-up period to help stretch muscles and center one’s focus. A class may cover a single or several related techniques. After a short demonstration by the instructor, students will be asked to pair up and practice the techniques with each other. Techniques are practiced at a speed or level of resistance in accordance with the skill and experience of the practitioners. In this manner, beginners and advanced students may both practice the same techniques and often are able to practice with each other.