Dear fellow Aikidoka,
On September 23, 2006, the North Florida Aikikai Sho dojo was completely destroyed in a fire. Thankfully, no one was in the facility at the time. There has been no official word on the cause of the fire.
Although North Florida Aikikai was established in 1993, the Sho dojo was built in 2001 by dojo members who generously devoted their finances, time, and materials. During construction, we quickly recognized that our efforts would result in something very special. Mitsugi Saotome Shihan generously allowed us to associate his "Sho" calligraphy with the dojo to celebrate our "new beginning." Dennis Hooker Sensei performed a ceremonial dojo opening in June of 2001. Since that time, North Florida Aikikai has more than doubled in membership and has hosted numerous seminars. Photographs of the dojo before and after the fire are available on our website (
www.nfa.asu.org). In the wake of this disaster, we have been forced to search for a temporary training location.
The members of North Florida Aikikai are currently developing a program to build another dojo. However, the costs of this project are heavy. Since everything inside the dojo was destroyed by the fire, we are forced to start over completely. This involves, among other things, furnishing the new dojo with mats, weapons, a shomen, and various related items -- not to mention construction costs. Although our members are willing to contribute all they can to the construction efforts, the costs remain staggering. Therefore, we at North Florida Aikikai are reaching out to the larger Aikido and martial arts community for help in the rebuilding efforts. We are asking for financial contributions of any amount to raise the capital required to complete this endeavor. We also welcome any equipment donations (or price reductions from retailers) to replace the items destroyed in the fire. Since North Florida Aikikai is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, all donations are tax deductible (for more information on not-for-profit donations, contact Rich Moore at (richardm@moore-pr.com). The website mentioned above will provide regular updates on our progress and any other fundraising activities.
Please send any contributions to:
North Florida Aikikai
c/o Tracy Wucjik, Financial Manager
913 Alliegood Court
Tallahassee, Florida 32303
We at North Florida Aikikai are determined to overcome this tragedy. The spirit of our dojo has proved invulnerable to the devastating effects of the fire. With your help we will be able to re-establish the North Florida Aikikai dojo.
With Sincere Appreciation,
The members of North Florida Aikikai