Aikido Center of Jacksonville

Aikido Center of Jacksonville

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Nineteen Classes Each Week | Children And Adults | No Contracts Aikido is much more than a proven form of self-defense.

A traditional martial art, Aikido is also an effective way to lose weight and reduce stress. For children, Aikido encourages correct behavior, and instills confidence, discipline, and self-respect. At the Aikido Center of Jacksonville, we offer classes for the whole family. With fourteen classes each week, our curriculum is designed to fit your schedule, not ours. And since we are a traditional dojo, we don't require contracts, or ask that you commit to an initial term of membership.

11/07/2023
11/07/2023

I have some sad news to share. Harry McCormick passed away last week at age 81. He is survived by his wife, Miyuki, and his son, Sean. I don’t have many details, except that Dee and I are heartbroken.

For those who never met Harry, he instructed the Wednesday evening adult class. He was a legitimate Aikido pioneer, being one of the first students of Yamada Sensei, and even for a time maintaining a studio upstairs at the New York Aikikai. Harry would tell us stories of those early days, before the uchi deshi program was established, and before other shihan relocated to the United States. He would tell us of his times traveling with Sensei abroad.

Harry was also an accomplished painter. His Wikipedia page provides a glimpse of his art, and the film, “Portrait of an Artist”, takes a deeper dive into his process. The premiere of his film in St. Augustine was a well received and joyous occasion. Several of us attended his gallery opening in Jacksonville and can attest to his passion and skill.

A quick Google search shows his talent. He described his art as realistic, and often chose interior spaces as his subject, especially bars and pubs.

But there was more to Harry than just painting and Aikido, much more. He would tell us stories of New York in the 1970’s, which to my ears were just incredible. I loved every minute of it.

Harry was also a dedicated zazen practitioner, and often spoke about actualizing reality. There’s a story about how he came into possession of his car that would make anyone a believer.

Rest in peace, Sensei.

June 2023 Newsletter: Aikido Center of Jacksonville 09/07/2023

Our June newsletter is published. It's less aggravating than The Password Game!

June 2023 Newsletter: Aikido Center of Jacksonville Learn Aikido at the oldest school in northeast Florida, and the only school in Jacksonville, affiliated with the Aikido World Headquarters in Japan.

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Telephone

+19043988511

Website

Opening Hours

Monday 17:00 - 19:45
Tuesday 16:15 - 19:30
Wednesday 17:00 - 19:45
Thursday 16:15 - 19:30
Friday 16:15 - 19:00
Saturday 09:00 - 11:45