Aikido , Southernmost Aikikai

08/25/2026

Great class last evening, 88 degrees on the mat, great fan blowing, Tony and Margo did good, John D sensei

08/24/2026

Class this evening, under the chickee, Little Torch Key, basics in movement, irimi (enter) Monday August 24, join us (305) 304-5100

06/15/2026

For sale , 7 mats , dimensions 5' x 10' , 1/12 " thick , velcro connect message for more info

05/22/2026

Mats for sale , $100 each , message us....

05/08/2026

Tenrokan Aikido
Anthony C. Fitts
Lesson from George Ledyard Sensei.
George Ledyard

Painful reality is that most Aikido practitioners, including many with big numbers after their names, do not understand irimi. This is because they do not practice with anyone who is really trying to strike them.
The complete lack of intent and intention combined with unrealistic spacing means almost all entries succeed.
The essence of irimi starts with the intent. It is the mind that enters before physical movement even starts.
The physical movement is not "off the line". The initial movement is always straight on the line of attack, then an off the line movement can take place, if desired.
The point is that the uke should always feel sure he is about to hit you until the split second he doesn't. Irimi is about fooling the partner's perception.
None of this works if either partner has weak intention or doesn't understand how to direct his intent.
So much of Aikido has been toned down to make practice super safe and keep people from being intimidated on the mat. But you SHOULD feel intimidated, at least until you get past it. A punch SHOULD feel dangerous. It Should hurt if you miss your move.
You need to understand how on the entry you don't interfere with the vector of force of the strike. If you attempt yokomen uchi shihonage and you don't join with the attack properly, that strike should rock you. You should have bruised forearms until you figure it out.
When attacking, uke should absolutely "track" nage's movement if he can. That is the only way the practitioner is going to know if his entry is real or not.
We should absolutely practice combination strikes. "Kuzushi on contact" means that no effective second strike is possible. If it is possible, uke should do it. And nage should be trained in how to deal with a second or third strike if uke throws them.
This is the only way Aikido training will actually deliver the "goodies", the experience of real unification, not fake connection.

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04/21/2026

Southernmost Aikikai is looking for a new instructor, ever thought of moving to the Lower Florida Keys, well, we have a great dojo here at the Big Pine Key Community Park and it is time for me to move on to other paths , that include Aikido practice and other goals….There is a time to move forward, I would like to see Southernmost Aikikai continue (1989 to present), so message me and we will talk… Peace! John Duke sensei

02/23/2026

Come to class tonight, move, joint locks, throws, redirect a conflictive attack, great workout, breath control, confidence builder , just show up !
1830 on the mat, come with loose clothing, loose fitting long pants, upstairs at the Big Pine Key Community Park, dojo John Duke sensei
305 304 5100 any questions call

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01/25/2026

Florida Aikikai “Instructors Seminar” with many sensei offering a series of techniques , thanks all !

01/22/2026

Great classes with an Big Pine Key Home School Group, movement, offline, take care of your partner and ones self.😀😀

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12/22/2025

Class this evening , see you on the mat 6;30
Big Pine Key Community Park , upstairs