Aikido (Aiki-Kai) is a sports club located in Melbourne, Australia. The club is part of the Aiki Kai Australia National Aikido Association of Australia and is dedicated to promoting and practising the Japanese martial art of Aikido.
Aikido is a comprehensive system of throwing, joint-locking, and pinning techniques rooted in a philosophy of non-aggression. It is not a sport but rather a traditional martial art that focuses on harmonising with an opponent's energy and redirecting it to neutralise attacks. The art emphasises fluid movements, blending with an attacker's motion, and using their energy against them.
The Aikido club in Melbourne offers classes for students of all ages and skill levels. They believe that Aikido's versatility makes it suitable for everyone. The training approach in Aikido emphasises technique and skill rather than physical strength, allowing both males and females to work together on equal terms.
The club is actively involved in various national and international events within the Aiki Kai community. They host the Aiki Kai Australia Summer School, which is one of their largest events held annually in January. During this six-day event, students from all over the country come together to train. The summer school offers dozens of classes taught by their most senior instructors, as well as guest instructors from other Aikido schools.
The club also participates in international events such as the World Combat Games. Selected members of the club represent Australia and Aiki Kai at these prestigious events, showcasing their Aikido skills and demonstrating the fundamentals of the art.
The Aikido club in Melbourne is led by Marie Petery Shihan, who holds a pivotal position as the National Area Representative within Aiki Kai Australia. Their dedicated team of instructors and staff members strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
To facilitate efficient communication and record-keeping, the club has launched a national attendance app. The app allows all dojos within the association to log and track the daily attendance of every Aiki Kai Australia student. It also provides individual training records and personal reports for each student, including the number of training days accrued since their last grading.
In addition to training and events, the Aikido club in Melbourne also provides resources for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Their online shop offers a full range of Aikido training items, including uniforms, at reasonable prices. They also cater to children by offering low-cost beginner uniforms specifically designed for smaller kids.
For those interested in joining the Aikido club in Melbourne, they welcome students of all ages and experience levels. Aikido offers numerous physical and psychological benefits, and the club is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive training environment. Whether one is a beginner looking to start their martial arts journey or an experienced practitioner seeking to expand their skills, Aikido (Aiki-Kai) in Melbourne is the ideal place to train and grow.