DOJO SPOTLIGHT:
PINELLAS COUNTY AIKIKAI
Say hello to Reuven Lirov
Chief Instructor, Pinellas County Aikikai
4th dan, Shidoin
Some interesting facts about Reuven:
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Reuven began aikido in 2007 under Rick Stickles Shihan at Aikido Schools of New Jersey.
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Reuven began Aikido as a transition from competitive Judo. He was also looking to study under a great teacher in a traditional art.
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Reuven opened his dojo January 2014
Tell us something about yourself/profession/background:
I've been training since I was 5 years old, starting with Judo (including competitions) and then dedicating my time to studying and sharing Aikido with my students (three of whom have their own dojos now). I also cross-train in Brazilian Jiujitsu, and continuing to teach Judo. I work professionally in Healthcare technology along with my two brothers.
What do you consider some of your greatest achievements as dojo cho?
Seeing your students become instructors in their own right, opening their own dojos, and seeing them dedicate their time and lives to the study and sharing of Aikido.
What have been some of your biggest challenges as dojo cho?
Navigating the inevitable human emotions involved in any group activity while staying focused on the core: building and maintaining a close group of dedicated Aikido students.
Are you working on any aikido-related projects?
We are planning our first Summer Retreat in Colorado next year (2025), which we hope to turn into a "traveling seminar" circuit where instructors and students gather in cool places to train together.
What works best for you to attract new students?
Having a shared space focused on traditional practice helps create opportunities for students to cross-train and become exposed to other disciplines - this is especially helpful as a way to benefit from currently popular disciplines. So a student who joins the Judo program will see the Aikido program before or after training and be invited to try a class, often joining both.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
All of us at Pinellas County Aikikai continue to be grateful for everything the USAF does, especially the hard work by Sensei's Pavlick and DePaola in ensuring smooth communication throughout the year. We are always looking forward to every opportunity to bring the larger Aikido community together for good training and great community.
A Bit About Pinellas County 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?
What is unique to your dojo space?
We have classes 2 days per week
There are 4 classes available per week
No, we do not have a children's program at this time.
Our dojo is part of a larger non-profit organization tied to a veteran's groups that provides discounted memberships and programs specifically tailored towards our veterans.
Our dojo is home to Aikido, Judo, and BJJ, maintaining a strong traditional etiquette and community, thanks to our shared belief in the traditional aspects/practices that a dojo should provide.
Date posted: August 2024
