Sand Drift Aikido celebrates 40 years of Aikido in the greater Brevard County Florida.

Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba, O-Sensei who lived a vigorous life studying and developing what we refer today as Aikido. O-Sensei passed his unique style of martial arts to his direct students who were instumental in the expansion of Aikido from Japan to America and other parts of the world in the mid 1960's. 

Mr. George Wilson Sensei brought Aikido to the Brevard County area from his studies while stationed in Japan and at Patrick Air Force Base. Walker Sensei began his Aikido training at the age of 27 after hearing of Mr. Wilson who was known for his ability to subdue multiple attackers with efficiency and ease. Doctor Walker's successful background in college wrestling coupled with his curiosity to learn new things, interested him in Aikido.  After seven years of intense training under Mr. Wilson Sensei, Dr. Walker received his dan rank (black belt). Shortly thereafter, Mr. Wilson turned the dojo over to Walker Sensei.

Due to Mr. Wilson's background as a Brevard County Sheriff, the style of Aikido taught to Doctor Walker was one of efficiency and practicality.  Doctor Walker learned these skills and then dedicated part of his time to train officers for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.  It pleased Doctor Walker to later hear from officers that Aikido helped them stay safe during attacks on the street.   For this reason, Walker Sensei stressed that Aikido is a martial art and clarified its apparent softness as he often said "that Aikido is soft on you (as the defender) not on the them (the attacker)." 

Doctor Walker first met Yamada Sensei and Koichi Tohei Sensei in seminars around 1965. Through these meetings, Walker became an integral contributor in establishing the United States Aikido Federation (USAF) in 1968 acting as Vice President and Secretary. Over the years, some 25 dojo's around the U.S. and world received Walker's kind support of sharing and supporting the advancement of Aikido.  There is little doubt that all of Doctor Walker Sensei's heart, mind, and way of life went toward the practice, continous study, and teaching of Aikido.

Today, after Doctor Walker's passing in 2003, his senior students continue the ancient tradition of Aikido.  With a new large facility, the Doc Ryu Dojo is excited about continuing the advancement and sharing of Aikido in greater Brevard County and Orlando Florida.