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. He holds a second-degree black belt in Judo and is a Regional Coach with USAJudo. Reuven brings over 30 years of martial arts training and instruction to students. He has also added Brazilian Jiujitsu to his cross-training, currently holding an IBJJF brown belt under Professor Michael Geery at New Port Richey Jiujitsu Academy, and has competed in the IBJJF at the Open and Pan American levels. Reuven serves the JJP, a non-profit, as a member of the Technical Committee and Board volunteer in his capacity as director of both the Judo and Aikido programs at the dojo.

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Reuven travels extensively to train with top Aikido instructors, the USAF Technical Committee, and Hombu Dojo staff around the world.

 

He is also the author of The Aikido Student Manual: A New Generation's Guide To Traditional Martial Arts.

 

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