Seminars and Related Info

Next Bermuda Seminar:

Shihan Donovan Waite 7th Dan, to Bermuda Aikikai

July 6th, 7th and 8th - Bermuda Aikikai

Donovan Waite 7th Dan-Shihan

Donovan Waite Sensei started practicing Aikido in 1969, at a very young age.  As a 14 year old, he received his 1st Degree Black Belt from Ralph Reynolds Senseiwho was under the direction of T.K. Chiba Sensei in Birmingham, England.  Since then Waite Sensei has spent the last 37 years pursuing a deeper understanding of Aikido.  Along that path, Waite Sensei has had the opportunity to train under many of Aikido's foremost instructors.  In 1984 he apprenticed himself to Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei, chairman of the United States Aikido Federation and chief instructor of the New York Aikikai.  For over ten years he was Uchi Deshi, or live-in student, under Yamada Sensei and he still holds a weekly teaching position at the New York Aikikai.  Since 1997 Donovan Waite Sensei has been the chief instructor of Aikido of Center City.

He currently holds the rank of 7th Dan and is a certified Shihan, or Master Instructor, with both the United States Aikido Federation and the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.  Waite Sensei is one of the few, and one of the youngest, Westerners to reach this milestone.  He also serves on the USAF Technical Committee.  In addition to his duties with the USAF and Aikido of Center City, Waite Sensei extensively travels the world teaching Aikido.  He has conducted Aikido seminars in various cities of North, Central, & South America, Europe, Russia, the Middle East, & South East Asia.  Waite Sensei is a full-time, professional martial artist who has dedicated his life to the practice and teaching of Aikido.

Come join us for this special seminar and get an opportunity to see one of the most beautiful islands in the world at the same time.

Download the flyer here

Class Schedule (tentative)- Date and Time Description

Thursday 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
TBC

Friday 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm  Welcome Class
Waite Sensei

Saturday 10:30 am – 11:30 am Waite Sensei
Saturday 11:45 am 12:45 am  Waite Sensei

Saturday 7:00 pm -  BBQ

Sunday 10:00 am - 11:00 am Waite Sensei

Sunday 11:15 am 12:15 am Waite Sensei

Monday 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Waite Sensei

This schedule may change, so please check back for updates. 

See below for tips and tricks for travel to Bermuda. 

Accommodation

We can try to assist in finding a place to stay but we have found in the past that the best deals and info is always found on the internet or through a travel agent especially if you like major hotels. Hotel accommodation in Bermuda is not cheap and some folks go the guest house route.

If you are interested in staying in a guest house or apartment the following info is very useful and we have had visitors that have been very pleased with the results:

Bermuda Accommodations Inc.

fiona@bermudarentals.com

www.bermudarentals.com(lots of useful links here too!!)

General Info on Bermuda Rentals

Deposits for most properties are 15% paid at point of booking, and 85% paid upon arrival in Bermuda.

They do not include tips in their prices: if there is maid service at the property you rent, it is customary and a kindness to leave a gratuity.

Hotel bookings require a credit card deposit and certain conditions apply.

Please note: Several of the large house rental listings must pay the 7.25% Bermuda Government occupancy tax.

Large house rentals also require a lease and payment in advance. Please read Terms of Service for further details.

Where ever possible will also try to house visitors with members and their families but this cannot always be guaranteed.

Transport

Although we cannot always provide transport for everyone, it would be helpful to know who is arriving on what flight etc. so we can try!! Taxi’s are available directly ahead of you as you exit the airport arrivals hall and can be shared to the same destination.

Mopeds can be rented from a cycle livery and you need to tell them whether or not you want a SINGLE SEATER or a DOUBLE SEATER. We normally recommend the following and depending on bookings MAY be able to arrange a discount:

http://www.oleandercycles.bm/

Warning on Mopeds: They are fun, they are cool, and they can be DEADLY!!! We drive on the opposite side of road here and there is A LOT of traffic. If you rent a bike make sure that you are comfortable with riding on the road-if not take it back!!! Road rash is often considered the “Bermuda Tourist Tattoo” and there is no better way to ruin your holiday. Whilst I am not trying to discourage you from renting a moped, it is the best way the see the island, BE CAREFUL. Don’t try to ride like local (we kill ourselves at a rate of about 1 ½ a month on bikes) and DON’T drink and drive on a moped!!! And after saying all that….have fun!!!!!

Public Transport

Bermuda has a very efficient and reasonable bus and ferry service, the details of which can be found here through the Bermuda Rentals web site links.

Bermuda Tips

I thought that I would write down a few quick notes of things you should know before you arrive in Bermuda.

It is Hot!

Bermuda is hot and very humid in the summer and you will need to drink more water than you expect. Energy drinks etc are helpful too as you will find yourself face down somewhere if you don’t hydrate!!!

The Sun

It is hot!!! You will get a sunburn here in a heart beat if you are not careful (especially you pasty white people-you know who you are!!!) Sunblock is your best friend; wear it everywhere, all the time!!! (Sunblock is expensive here, so bring some with you-30 SPF or above)

Bring a hat or two to keep the sun off of you head (especially you guys with “thinning” hair-WE know who WE are!!!) Bring a light weight long sleeve shirt as sun protection and to help you “beat the burn” and a UV swimming shirt may also be useful as well.

Safety

Bermuda is still relatively safe if you are aware of your surroundings-don’t leave your brain on the plane!!

• Lock your hotel room at night.
• Travel in pairs.
• Don’t leave your stuff unattended on the beach.
• If your moped has basket, make sure your bag is secured in the basket.

The Law

I probably don’t need to mention this but I will: DON’T BRING ANYTHING THAT YOU SHOULDN’T (narcotics) otherwise you may be staying here a LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG time!!! Also guns are ILLEGAL here as is carrying a knife or any “bladed article”.

Cell Phones

Don’t turn it on!!!! Roaming charges in Bermuda are “off the hook”, so if E.T. must phone home, buy a calling card at the local grocery or pharmacy.

Money

In Bermuda, $1 Bermuda is the same as $1 US and US currency is accepted everywhere in Bermuda. But, Bermuda is expensive so bring more money-we need it!!! Spend, spend spend!!!