DOJO SPOTLIGHT:
MIAMI AIKIKAI
Say hello to Eliot Rifkin
Chief Instructor, Miami Aikikai
7th dan, Shihan
Some interesting facts about Eliot:
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Eliot was attracted to Aikido because of the non-competitive nature of the art.
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He began his training in 1977 under Jan Fine in Miami, and became Chief Instructor of Miami Aikikai after it's founder, Nelson Andujar, 7th dan, Shihan, re-located to Texas in 1997.
Tell us something about yourself/profession/background:
I have had numerous 'careers' but the latest is a Civil Attorney. I have been practicing law in the south Miami area for over twenty years. My office handles a variety of legal work including Real Estate and Title; Family Law; General Commercial Contracts & Litigation.
What do you consider some of your greatest achievements as dojo cho?
Maintaining the quality of practice while allowing senior members to teach ensures that expertise is passed down consistently, preserving high standards and knowledge. Senior members act as mentors, offering practical insights while also staying engaged and motivated. This dynamic accelerates learning, and bridges generational gaps, encouraging continuous improvement and collaboration across the art. By integrating experience with fresh perspectives, the practice is kept dynamic, ensuring its quality and sustainability over time.
What have been some of your biggest challenges as dojo cho?
Certainly, there were times that dues were not sufficient to cover costs. With limited classes per week, it is sometimes difficult to get everyone to practice.
What works best for you to attract new students?
What works best for us to attract new students is fostering a welcoming environment. We ensure that newer members have the opportunity to practice with more experienced practitioners from the start, which helps build their confidence and skill. Additionally, we host at least one annual seminar with an instructor who can provide valuable insights to both new and experienced students, enhancing the overall learning experience for everyone.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
The Miami Aikikai has been a member of the USAF since 1978 and looks forward to many more years.
Miami Aikikai
How many days per week does your dojo have classes?
How many classes are available per week?
Do you have a children's program? If so, what are the ages and what else would you like to share?
Do you have specialized classes, such as no falling classes, Veteran's classes etc?
We have classes 4 days per week
There are 4 classes available per week
Yes we usually start with ages 15 or above but make exceptions if the parent practices as well.
Our Saturday class focuses on weapons, and Sunday class focuses on Fundamentals. We believe that basics are crucial to everyone's practice, regardless of rank.
Date posted: October 2024
