Staff of Florida Aikikai

Chief instructor Peter Bernath is an Shichidan (7th degree black belt) and Shihan (master teacher) awarded by Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, and a member of the Technical Committee of the USAF. Sensei Bernath also holds a Shodan in Iaido.

Sensei Bernath started his Aikido career in 1972 under the direction of Shihan Yoshimitsu Yamada, 8th dan, chief instructor of New York Aikikai and Chairman of the USAF. Yamada Sensei was an uchi deshi (live-in student) of O Sensei and is one of the most respected and influential Aikido teachers in the world today.

Sensei Bernath was an instructor at New York Aikikai prior to being sent to open Florida Aikiaki by Yamada Sensei. Mr. Bernath has traveled extensively throughout the world including Japan and has been fortunate to study under many of O Sensei's most famous disciples, including Kisshomaru and Moriteru Ueshiba, the second and third Doshu (leader of Aikido).

Sensei Bernath is one of the highest ranking teachers of Aikido in the United States. He regularly conducts seminars throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe.

Penny Bernath is a Rokudan (6th degree black belt) and Shidoin (certified instructor) of the USAF. Penny is an instructor at Florida Aikikai and travels conducting seminars. She is also a member of the Board of Govoners of the USAF.

Florida Aikikai has one of the most experienced Aikido teaching staffs in the country. Many Florida Aikikai instructors have practiced Aikido for over 20 years. The breadth of knowledge and experience available at Florida Aikikai make it one of the foremost dojos in the country.