Eliot W. Rifkin – Roku dan, Shihan
Eliot W. Rifkin started practicing Aikido in 1978, briefly under Sensei Steven House and then with Sensei Nelson Andujar, a direct student of Yamada Sensei. He assumed responsibility of The Miami Aikikai in the 1990s, when Nelson Andujar moved to Texas.
Rifkin Sensei believes in constant Aikido growth and continues his training by attending national seminars. He has been fortunate to have trained with direct students of the founder including Yamada Sensei, Tamura Sensei, Sugano Sensei and Kanai Sensei.
Rifkin Sensei has both his B.A. and M.A. in psychology and his 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.”
Gustavo Ramos – Roku dan, Shihan
Gustavo Ramos began his martial arts career studying Shotokan Karate under Masaki Ueki from 1966 to 1969. Later he studied Five Animal Kung Fu under Master Moc Kan Sent from 1969 to 1979. During that time he received his black sash in Kung Fu.
Ramos Sensei began studying Aikido with Sensei Nelson Andujar at the Miami Aikikai in 1979. Ramos Sensei together with Rifkin Sensei also manages and assumed responsibility of The Miami Aikikai.
Ramos Sensei is an architect with his own private firm. He is also an avid athlete and enjoys surfing, boating, diving, and golf. He is happily married to his wife, Patty, and has a daughter, Nelani, who trains with him at the dojo sporadically.
A message from Ramos Sensei:
“Train hard, take the falls, and your aikido will develop. In any situation, the correct ma-ai and hamni will always protect you.”
Gustavo Ramos – Roku dan, Shihan
Gustavo Ramos began his martial arts career studying Shotokan Karate under Masaki Ueki from 1966 to 1969. Later he studied Five Animal Kung Fu under Master Moc Kan Sent from 1969 to 1979. During that time he received his black sash in Kung Fu.
Ramos Sensei began studying Aikido with Sensei Nelson Andujar at the Miami Aikikai in 1979. Ramos Sensei together with Rifkin Sensei also manages and assumed responsibility of The Miami Aikikai.
Ramos Sensei is an architect with his own private firm. He is also an avid athlete and enjoys surfing, boating, diving, and golf. He is happily married to his wife, Patty, and has a daughter, Nelani, who trains with him at the dojo sporadically.
A message from Ramos Sensei:
“Train hard, take the falls, and your aikido will develop. In any situation, the correct ma-ai and hamni will always protect you.”
Ayal Joshua – Roku dan, Shidoin
Entered the Miami Aikikai in 1985 under Sensei Nelson Andujar. Upon Andujar’s relocation to Texas, Ayal has studied with Eliot W. Rifkin and Gustavo Ramos. Ayal has traveled and visited many dojos around the world, studying the many different forms and styles of Aikido.
Reynaldo “Rey” Abreu– San dan, Fukushidoin
Rey started practicing Aikido in 1988 under Sensei Nelson Andujar and later with Eliot W. Rifkin and Gustavo Ramos. Rey has attended many seminars in the past, including those taught by Yamada Sensei, Sugano Sensei, Kanai Sensei, Takeguchi Sensei and Konigsberg Sensei.
Reynaldo “Rey” Abreu– San dan, Fukushidoin
Rey started practicing Aikido in 1988 under Sensei Nelson Andujar and later with Eliot W. Rifkin and Gustavo Ramos. Rey has attended many seminars in the past, including those taught by Yamada Sensei, Sugano Sensei, Kanai Sensei, Takeguchi Sensei and Konigsberg Sensei.
Reynaldo “Rey” Abreu– San dan, Fukushidoin
Rey started practicing Aikido in 1988 under Sensei Nelson Andujar and later with Eliot W. Rifkin and Gustavo Ramos. Rey has attended many seminars in the past, including those taught by Yamada Sensei, Sugano Sensei, Kanai Sensei, Takeguchi Sensei and Konigsberg Sensei.
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