Business Details
33 Years
experience
Aikido Training in Tallahassee, FL | North Florida School of Aikido
Established in 1993, North Florida School of Aikido (NFA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to teaching Aikido, a martial art emphasizing harmony, self-defense, and personal growth. Our instructors, holding ranks of Sandan (third-degree black belt) or higher, bring decades of experience and international affiliations with the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU) and Hombu Dojo in Japan. We foster a welcoming community where students of all ages and backgrounds learn to resolve conflict through discipline, patience, and respect.Our curriculum combines physical conditioning, martial arts skills, and philosophical principles, empowering individuals to enhance their lives and contribute to a more harmonious society. NFA also collaborates with local organizations to host diverse martial and non-martial arts programs, reinforcing our commitment to community enrichment.
Services
Aikido Classes
Jiujitsu Training
Community Martial Arts Programs
Self-Defense Workshops
Beginner Aikido Instruction
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- Our instructors hold ranks of Sandan (third-degree black belt) or higher with decades of teaching experience.
- We follow internationally recognized testing standards from the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU) and Hombu Dojo.
- Our inclusive environment welcomes all ages, genders, and physical abilities.
- We emphasize practical self-defense techniques that rely on finesse over brute strength.
- We actively contribute to community harmony through collaborative martial arts programs.
Associations and certifications
- Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU)
- International Aikikai Federation
Services
Aikido Classes
Our Aikido classes teach techniques that harmonize with an opponent's energy to resolve conflict peacefully. Students develop physical strength, mental focus, and self-defense skills through structured practice. The curriculum emphasizes lifelong learning and personal growth for all ages and experience levels.
Self-Defense Workshops
These workshops focus on practical Aikido techniques for real-world safety scenarios. Participants learn to deflect aggression without confrontation while building confidence and situational awareness. The training emphasizes de-escalation strategies and empowering nonviolent responses to threats.
Beginner Aikido Instruction
New students receive foundational instruction in Aikido principles, including proper stances, movement, and basic techniques. Our experienced instructors guide beginners through safe, progressive training to build competence and familiarity with martial arts practices.
Community Martial Arts Programs
We host partner organizations offering diverse martial and non-martial arts classes at our facility. These programs foster community engagement while providing access to specialized instruction in disciplines like Jiujitsu and Tae Kwon Do.
Instructor Development
Experienced practitioners can pursue higher-ranking certifications through our ASU-affiliated curriculum. Training includes mentorship opportunities, seminar participation, and adherence to international standards set by Hombu Dojo in Japan.
People
Richard Moore
Chief Instructor
Richard Moore, a 5th dan black belt, founded NFA after 16 years studying Shotokan, Yoshukia, and Tang Soo Do. He emphasizes Aikido's philosophy of resolving conflict through harmony and has trained under renowned instructors like Dennis Hooker and Saotome Shihan.
Dan Evans
Head Instructor
Dan Evans, a 5th dan black belt, began Aikido training in 1980 and has taught at NFA since 1984. His instruction focuses on breathing techniques, martial awareness, and applying Aikido principles to daily life challenges.
Tracy Wujcik
Dojo Cho
Tracy Wujcik, a founding member and 5th dan black belt, has practiced Aikido since 1992. He prioritizes being a lifelong student while helping others develop their skills and understanding of Aikido's peaceful conflict resolution methods.
Johnny Richardson
Assistant Head Instructor
Johnny Richardson, a 4th dan black belt, has trained in martial arts since 1997. He emphasizes Aikido's role in self-cultivation, teaching students to stay centered during physical or emotional conflicts through discipline and patience.
Jean-Marc Wise
Assistant Dojo Cho
Jean-Marc Wise, a 3rd dan black belt, joined NFA in 2005 after studying Judo and Wing Tsun. He specializes in beginner instruction and incorporates self-defense elements into his classes while managing administrative responsibilities.
Questions
What is Aikido and how does it differ from other martial arts?
Aikido focuses on harmonizing with an opponent's energy to resolve conflict peacefully. Unlike striking-based martial arts, it uses throws and joint locks to redirect aggression without relying on physical dominance.
Are classes suitable for beginners?
Yes, our curriculum accommodates all experience levels. Beginners receive foundational instruction in basic techniques, movement principles, and safety practices to build confidence gradually.
What should I wear to my first class?
New students can wear comfortable workout clothing. Traditional Aikido uniforms (keikogi) become available after initial training sessions, with guidance on proper attire provided during orientation.
Do you offer family or group discounts?
While we don't advertise specific discounts, our nonprofit status allows us to maintain affordable membership rates. Scholarships are available for students facing financial barriers to participation.
How are instructors qualified?
All instructors hold minimum Sandan (third-degree black belt) rankings with decades of experience. They train under internationally recognized standards from ASU and Hombu Dojo, with regular seminar participation for continued development.
Can donations to NFA be tax-deductible?
As a 501(c)3 organization, donations to North Florida School of Aikido are tax-deductible. Contributions support community programs, facility maintenance, and scholarships for students in need.
Reviews (3)
Richard Morgan
Jun 11, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
This dojo is fantastic. These instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and patient. I've been training with them for about a month and I'm so infatuated with this style of marital art and these folks are the real deal. Definitely worth checking out if you're in to a beautiful and spiritual self defense system.
This dojo is fantastic. These instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and patient. I've been training with them for about a month and I'm so infatuated with this style of marital art and these folks are the real deal. Definitely worth checking out if you're in to a beautiful and spiritual self defense system.
Alan Abelson
Feb 14, 2016
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I visit North Florida School of Aikido every time that I'm in Tallahassee. Whenever I do, I'm greeted with warmth. The teachers and students here are incredibly kind people and great martial artists.
Kyle Salas
Apr 15, 2015
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I Have trained here at North Florida School of Aikido for several months now, and have trained several other styles for a few years to compare and contrast - the North Florida School of Aikido has 4 different main instructors, and there may be a different main instructor teaching class every time you go, maybe not, but usually a mix of the different instructors teaching the classes - this gives you the student different perspectives and allows to train on a variety of techniques. A very kind, family-type atmosphere, without ego or bravado. Also a great art for women and physically smaller individuals
