Reuven Lirov has been practicing and teaching Aikido since 2007 and currently holds a Yondan, or 4th degree black belt through the United States Aikido Federation and Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan. Reuven spent two years as a full time apprentice, or "uchi deshi" to Rick Stickles Shihan at Aikido Schools of New Jersey. 

 

He has been practicing martial arts since the age of 4, including 4 years of competition level Muay Thai and American Combat Karate, and holds black belt rank in Judo, Hwa Rang Do, and traditional Jujitsu. Reuven brings over 28 years of martial arts training and instruction to students. He has also added Brazilian Jiujitsu to his cross-training, currently holding a purple belt through the IBJJF under Professor Michael Geery at New Port Richey Jiujitsu Academy.

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In 2020, Reuven founded the dojo's Board of Directors with the goal of expanding the dojo through a concerted effort by its most committed members. This group, founded on the Arthurian concept of an equal group of board members, is tasked with regularly analyzing and working on projects that improve the dojo experience for its members and positively impact the wider Pinellas County community. 

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Reuven travels extensively to train around the world with top Aikido instructors, including Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei, the head of the United States Aikido Federation, as well as the USAF Technical Committee, and Hombu Dojo staff. A New Jersey native, Reuven graduated from Rutgers University with a Masters in Clinical Psychology, focusing on marrage and family counseling. He is also the author of: The Aikido Student Manual: A New Generation's Guide To Traditional Martial Arts.

 

Reuven has also been featured in film for his stunt work and martial arts experience.