Once upon a time, in the sunny, palm-studded state of Florida, there lived a group of extraordinary kids. These weren't just your everyday, run-of-the-mill, ice-cream-chasing, videogame-loving kids. Oh no, these youngsters were different. They were Aikido wizards. Aikido, my dear friends, is not a dish served with sushi, but a fascinating martial art that combines mind, body, and spirit. It's like yoga, but with a little more action, like a ninja turtle doing the downward dog. These Florida Aikido kids were led by their hilarious and loved sensei, none other than Captain Gator - a six-foot tall, green-skinned, black-belt-holding alligator with a sunshine-yellow surfboard under his arm. Captain Gator was so cool, he could make a snowman in the middle of a Florida summer. His motto? “No gator ever won by biting faster, but by being smarter!” Our Aikido kids trained under the glorious Florida sun, amidst the scent of orange blossoms, and the occasional, not-so-welcome visit from a curious seagull. Their agility was like that of frolicking dolphins, their movements as graceful as the herons in flight, and their focus as sharp as the eagle's gaze. Every roll, pivot, and pin was a sight to see, and quite often, a cause for belly laughs if Captain Gator got his tail tangled. The Florida Aikido kids didn't just learn martial arts, but also the art of being kind, respectful, and mindful. Here, in this Sunshine State, they learned to shine, not just under the sun, but under the moon and the stars, and within their own little hearts. And they lived, rolled, and laughed, happily ever after.
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For over 50 years, Frontier Camp has been dedicated to making disciples of Jesus by sharing God’s Word amidst the beauty of His creation. Since our founding in 1969, we’ve been licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and are proudly accredited by the American Camping Association. We’re also a member of the Christian Camping and Conference Association. Our mission is to use Christian camping and outdoor recreation as a means to support local churches in fulfilling the Great Commission—evangelizing people of all ages and discipling believers toward deeper maturity in Christ. Frontier Camp offers a dual ministry: during the summer, we host a 10-week youth camp, and throughout the rest of the year, we serve as a retreat facility for churches and like-minded religious organizations. Whether through summer camps or retreats, our goal remains the same: to expose people to Christ and encourage their spiritual growth through His Word and by reflecting His character in everything we do. While we provide top-notch recreation and exciting programming, the heart of our camp is the spiritual impact, rooted in the truth of God’s inerrant Word.
Aikido Chuseikan of Tampa Bay is the premier school for traditional Japanese martial arts in Tampa. Our teachers provide experienced, safe, and serious instruction for individuals of all ages and skill levels, offering instruction in Aikido, Shotokan Karate, and Koryu Bujutsu. We strive to provide practical defense while simultaneously cultivating mindfulness, composure, and calmness to apply to everyday conflicts. At Aikido Chuseikan of Tampa Bay, we prioritize finding students who are looking for more than just sport or violence. We create an environment that encourages fun, fitness, and community, while showing the purpose martial arts can bring to one’s life. All new adult members receive an introductory session with a black belt or instructor to introduce them to the etiquette, exercises, and rolls, and to help them feel comfortable in the Dojo.