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.
, Gold Coast Aikikai has been a leader in martial arts instruction in South Florida for over 20 years. Parents looking for martial arts instruction in South Florida should consider Gold Coast Aikikai Miami. With over 20 years of experience, this martial arts school offers Aikido and Tai Chi classes to help students develop strength, balance, and flexibility. As a member of the United States Aikido Federation (USAF) since 1997, Gold Coast Aikikai has established itself as a leader in martial arts instruction in the South Florida area. Gold Coast Aikikai Miami offers martial arts classes for students of all ages. From children to adults, all students benefit from the physical and mental training that comes with Aikido and Tai Chi instruction. The classes teach strength, balance, and flexibility, while also providing skill development for self-defense. Gold Coast Aikikai’s instructors have years of experience and are certified members of the United States Aikido Federation (USAF). With over 20 years of experience, Gold Coast Aikikai Miami is an excellent choice for parents looking for martial arts instruction in South Florida. The school offers Aikido and Tai Chi classes and is a leader in the field. Certified instructors offer skill development and physical and mental training to students of all ages. Gold Coast Aikikai’s membership with the United States Aikido Federation (USAF) since 1997 is a testament to the quality of the instruction it provides.
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.
At South Miami Martial Arts, we strive to create a safe, family-friendly environment for everyone. We offer a free trial period and unlimited classes so you can get a feel for the school before committing. We believe martial arts can be a powerful tool for self-improvement and self-defense, and our instructors are here to help you build the skills and confidence you need to succeed. Our martial arts school is focused on much more than just the physical aspects of martial arts. We strive to help our students find their inner strength and self-discipline, to learn how to control their fear and to live a more fulfilling life. We understand the importance of building a strong foundation and that's why we offer a free trial and unlimited classes, so our students can have the opportunity to really get to know the school and its instructors before committing.
At Aikikai International, Inc., we strive to honor the vision of O'Sensei, the founder of Aikido. O'Sensei believed that peace was preferable to war and that love was superior to hate. We invite all people, regardless of their gender or background, to join us in our mission to seek internal peace and promote peace throughout the world. We believe that this journey should be enjoyable, and it is a gift that O'Sensei has given us. At Aikikai International, Inc., we have a number of connections to the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, the World Headquarters of the largest Aikido organization based in Tokyo, Japan. Takashi Ishikawa Sensei, 6th dan, of the Misasagi-Kai Aikido Federation based in Osaka, Japan, is the direct supervisor of Aikikai International, Inc. Additionally, Aikikai International, Inc. is a member of the California Aikido Association, Division I, that was founded by Morihiro Saito Sensei, a 9th degree black belt. Today, Pat Hendricks Sensei, 7th dan, a senior student of Saito Sensei, leads Division I. At Aikikai International, Inc., we are dedicated to fostering a peaceful and loving environment. Our mission is to bring peace to the world, and we strive to do this through having fun on the mat and developing life-long friendships. We believe that this is an incredible gift from O'Sensei, and we are proud to do our part to honor his vision.