Frank Calhoun Sensei, 4th dan (right) is the Chief Instructor
for West Florida
Aikikai. Calhoun Sensei has over 20 years experience in Aikido.
Dennis Hooker, Sensei, 6th dan is West Florida Aikikai's Master Instructor. Hooker Sensei who is also a 4th dan in Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaijutsu started the dojo 25 years ago. He is currently the Senior Instructor at Shindai Aikikai Dojo in Orlando, Florida.
In addition to Calhoun Sensei, several students of the dojo also instruct classes. West Florida Aikikai is affiliated with the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba under the direction of Mitsugi Saotome Shihan. Saotome Shihan remains one of the few individuals who actually lived with and trained under the founder of Aikido Morihei Ueshiba (O'Sensei).
Aikido Schools of Ueshiba, an international federation of more than ninety dojos. Two thousand students train through these ASU schools. The ASU is affiliated with World Aikido Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
Aikido is founded under the principles of
Ai - Harmony, unity; to be in accord with or to join.
Ki - Spirit; life
force of universal creative energy.
Do - The way or path.
The movement of Aikido is the dynamic movement of the universal energy forces. The power of Aikido is the power of a strong and unified spirit, mind and body moving in harmony with everything around it. Its origin is Budo and its development is the result of two thousand years of a cultural process of change and refinement, a continuing martial contest of natural selection.
Important Links:
Aikido Schools of Ueshiba
World Aikido Headquarters
Training Resources (special
thanks to Aikido of Northern Virginia)