Instructors
Eliot Rifkin – 7th dan, Shihan
Eliot W. Rifkin started practicing Aikido in 1978 under Sensei Steven House and soon after under Sensei Nelson Andujar, a direct student of Yamada Sensei. When Sensei Andujar moved to Texas in 1996, Rifkin Sensei became chief instructor at the Miami Aikikai. Since then, he dedicated his life to maintaining the same ethics and teaching path to continue his work. Rifkin Sensei trained with direct students of the O’Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, including Yamada Sensei, Tamura Sensei, Sugano Sensei and Kanai Sensei. He believes in constant Aikido growth and continues his training by attending national seminars. Rifkin Sensei has both a B.A. and M.A. in psychology and a J.D. in law. He has his own private practice, which focuses on real estate, family issues, and contractual law.
A message from Rifkin Sensei:
“At the Miami Aikikai, we strive to maintain a dojo that practices the traditional teachings of O’Sensei and his senior students, as well as maintaining an atmosphere of camaraderie between students and an enjoyable experience. We understand that the students make the school and try to focus on everyone’s needs.”
Ayal Joshua, 6th Dan Shidoin
Sensei Joshua started practicing aikido at Miami Aikikai in 1985 under Sensei Nelson Andujar. During the past three decades, he has traveled and trained in many dojos around the world, being exposed to different forms and styles of Aikido. Joshua sensei emphasizes the importance of internal power cultivation while maintaining a martial approach to physical training. He stresses that only by combining internal power and martial strength, one can be prepared for real life situations.
Reynaldo Abreu, 3th Dan Fukushidoin Sensei
Sensei Rey started practicing Aikido in 1988 at Miami Aikikai under Sensei Nelson Andujar. While his style maintains the core teachings of Sensei Andujar, over the years he developed his own unique form, characterized by precision and effectiveness of movements. He attended countless seminars under the guidance of the most prominent Aikido senseis such as Yamada Sensei, Sugano sensei, Kanai Sensei, Takeguchi Sensei, etc., and today he teaches regularly at Miami Aikikai.