DAN DEASE SENSEI

The Central Florida Aikikai is an independent aikido group that was founded in 2004 by Dan Dease sensei (3rd Dan). Dan began his training in 1990 in Orlando under the instruction of Robert Lampp sensei (4th dan) and Edward Baker sensei (5th dan). In 1996, he began training under Dennis Hooker sensei (6th dan) at Shindai Aikikai Dojo, a school affiliated with Mitsugi Saotome shihan (8th dan) and the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba organization.

The year 2001 marked a turning point in Dan sensei's training. While visiting a friend in Japan, Dan stayed in Tokyo for three weeks and trained at the Aikikai World Headquarters. While there, he took many classes from the different shihan (master teachers). One in particular made a profound impression on him. 

ENDO SEISHIRO SHIHAN

During the Wednesday afternoon class of Seishiro Endo shihan (8th dan), Dan had somewhat of a personal revelation with regards to his training. Unlike any of his training up to that time, Endo sensei's practice was not focused on being a martial art or even on self-defense. In fact, Endo sensei would later say that his training was not in 'budo" (martial arts) but in "aikido". He would later explain that it was his goal to learn how to connect with people and experience what they have to offer through aikido practice with them. This was in stark contrast to the goal of budo, which is to defend and "protect" one's self from others. Unfortunately, this type of training often results in us closing ourselves off from others, as well as directing us on a path that may develop in us a pre-occupation for conflict and violence. It was Endo sensei's alternative view of aikido that struck a deep chord within Dan, and his vision for his training was changed forever.

From that moment on, Dan has continued to attend multiple seminars every year with Endo sensei, in order to experience and learn his way. These seminars have led him to Europe, Japan, and—more recently—Seattle, Washington and Toronto, Canada where Endo sensei has begun making annual visits to teach seminars. Dan's training with Endo sensei, especially through the personal contact with him when taking ukemi (falls), has given him a glimpse into the true spirit of aikido. Endo sensei once said that, "O sensei was truly free...we should strive to be truly free in our practice as well as in our lives." These experiences have served to broaden not only Dan's perspectives on the art of aikido, but also his views and opinions with regards to experiencing different people, cultures, and contrasting ideals.

 FRANK OSTOFF SENSEI

During Endo sensei's 2003 seminar in Vienna, Austria, Dan met Frank Ostoff sensei (5th Dan) of Aikido Dojo Dusseldorf, Germany. The combination of Frank sensei's in-depth knowledge of Endo sensei's teachings, and his open and sincere personality, began a friendship that later resulted in Dan inviting Frank sensei to Orlando in 2007. Since then, Frank sensei has begun visting each year to share his unique perspectives and has developed a following of aikidoka that have been profoundly moved by his path.

In recent years, Frank sensei has been training in Energy Healing and Qigong by studying with Master Mantak Chia from Thailand and Professor Zhang Guangde from Beijing. In January 2003, he participated at the Teacher Training in Tao Garden, Thailand and was evaluated as a Certified Instructor of the Universal Tao System.  Frank's experience in qigong and energy healing is evident in his unique approach to aikido training.

Through the influence and guidance of sensei's Endo and Ostoff, the Central Florida Aikikai continues to train and develop what we feel is a unique approach to the art. We invite you to come train with us and experience what aikido has to offer you.

Domo Arigato Gozaimashita