Aikido Arts South Kingsville is a sports club located in Melbourne, Australia. The dojo, meaning “Place of The Way,” offers a secure and friendly environment for individuals to explore and understand their fears, anxieties, reactions, and habits. Aikido training promotes a non-competitive and cooperative attitude, fostering support among its members.
The training in Aikido requires concentration and discipline, which brings focus into members' daily lives. The practise challenges individuals to improve their skills and try new things, ultimately leading to increased confidence in their ability to navigate through difficulties. The club believes that a positive attitude and thoughts reflect positive results, and thus emphasises cultivating positivity.
Sensei Gess Vella, the instructor at Aikido Arts South Kingsville, possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in various martial arts gained over 40 years. With an open-minded approach to martial arts, Sensei Gess combines a flexible combination of techniques for self-defence. To ensure the purity of his Aikido knowledge, Sensei Gess maintains a direct link to O'Sensei's teachings through Master Koretoshi Maruyama's regular seminars. He also receives training from Master Michael Williams, who was awarded his 10th Dan by Master Koretoshi Maruyama and trained under Master Koichi Tohei, another direct link to O'Sensei.
Sensei Gess regularly attends seminars to keep his Aikido knowledge current.
Aikido Arts South Kingsville is situated at 43 Paxton Street, South Kingsville, backing onto Edwards Reserve. For inquiries, the club can be contacted via the mobile telephone number 0404 028 205. The club also has an online presence, with information available on their website and social media platforms.
In line with the philosophy of Aikido's founder, Master Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido Arts South Kingsville aims to promote universal harmony and world peace. Master Ueshiba believed that Aikido was a means to achieve this goal, diverting violence and aggression through the harmony of spirit. Having excelled in various martial arts styles, Master Ueshiba opened his first full-size Aikido dojo in Tokyo in 1931, attracting students from across Japan.
Master Ueshiba relocated to Iwama in Ibaragi prefecture during World War II to live a peaceful life and engage in agricultural practises. It was during this time that he renamed his art “Aikido. ” In addition to physical mastery, Master Ueshiba immersed himself in religious and philosophical studies, recognising that continued fighting and war could bring about destruction. He taught the Art of Peace as a mind-body discipline, a practical approach to handle aggression, and a way of life that nurtures fearlessness, wisdom, love, and friendship.
Master Ueshiba believed that the principles of reconciliation, harmony, cooperation, and empathy could be applied fearlessly to tackle various challenges we encounter.
Aikido Arts South Kingsville strives to uphold these teachings and provides members with the opportunity to learn and practise Aikido in a safe and inclusive environment. With a focus on personal growth, the club encourages individuals to develop physical, mental, and spiritual strength while fostering a sense of community and harmony.