Instructor
Michael Kaiser
Dojo Founder, Shodan
Michael began his Aikido journey in 1993 after discovering Aikido and the Harmony of Nature by Saotome Sensei. Soon after, he found his first dojo, led by Chris Rozett in Jacksonville, FL (Shodan at the time, USAF), whose calm presence and experience in Japan created an environment that felt deeply rooted in tradition. The dojo practiced Hombu-style Aikido and Iwama-style weapons, drawing influence from both Saito and Nishio Sensei.
From 1993 to 2003, Michael trained intensely, attending nearly every class and seminar He could. In 2000, he began training under Ishikawa Takashi Sensei (Misasagikai Dojo, Osaka), earning his Shodan December 5th, 2000.
Then life happen, Ishikakwa Sensi moved back to Japan and it got hard to keep up with Dan testing. Michael then spent the last two decades preserving Aikido in Jacksonville practicing in garage dojos and outdoor classes. While he has never claimed to represent a specific style, his training has been shaped by years of practice, deep mentorship, and a commitment to transmitting Aikido’s spirit as a path of awareness.
He now teaches beginners and intermediate students, focusing on accessibility, humility, and the joy of discovery. He loves playing Gomoku and losing at Hanafuda.
