Ku-ring-gai Aikido Dojo is a well-established sports club located on the upper north shore of Sydney, Australia. With a history spanning 40 years, this dojo is proud to be an affiliated club with the Aikido Australia association. The founder of the dojo, who obtained a black belt qualification at the Iwama dojo in Japan, has been providing continuous instruction in the Japanese martial art of Aikido, specialising in Takemusu Aiki and Bukewaza (weapon practise) as taught by Saito Sensei in O’Sensei’s own dojo in Iwama.
Aikido in Australia has a rich history, and the chief instructor of Ku-ring-gai Aikido Dojo has played a significant role in its development. After 5 years of studying with Saburo Takayasu Shihan, a 7th dan Aikido teacher in Australia, the chief instructor had the opportunity to travel to Japan to further his studies. During this time, he practised at O'Sensei's private dojo in Iwama, where he received personal instruction from Morihiro Saito Sensei, a 9th dan Aikido practitioner who had been the live-in student of the Founder of Aikido for 23 years. The primary focus of O'Sensei's final form, TAKEMUSU AIKI, is the integration and practise of both empty hand and weapon techniques, primarily involving the sword and staff.
What sets Aikido apart from other martial arts is its unique combination of physical and energetic responses in its movements. Aikido is not just about self-defence; it is also deeply rooted in philosophy. A video produced by Barry Tuchfeld Sensei of the Aikido Sarasota dojo provides a comprehensive overview of the practise and philosophy of Aikido, including O'Sensei's development of the art and Saito Sensei's practise at the Ibaraki Dojo in Iwama.
The Ku-ring-gai Aikido Dojo has an extensive YouTube channel with over 300 Aikido videos. These videos showcase Takemusu Aiki techniques performed by Saito Sensei and other experienced practitioners. The channel also provides detailed commentary on key points and comparisons related to performing these techniques.
With over four decades of experience in teaching Aikido, the dojo welcomes individuals of all backgrounds who wish to learn harmonious and powerful techniques of self-defence. The club offers a range of Aikido classes each week, including classes for beginners, children, and experienced practitioners. All instructors at the dojo have over ten years of experience teaching Aikido, hold international grading from the Aikikai in Japan, and are committed to lifelong learning and application of the principles of this martial art.
Ku-ring-gai Aikido Dojo encourages individuals to visit and join their practise. The website provides comprehensive information about the dojo's lineage, affiliation, and teaching methods. Additionally, the chief instructor has a corporate coaching website where he shares insights on managing interpersonal conflicts using the principles of Aikido.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, Ku-ring-gai Aikido Dojo offers a supportive and enriching environment to learn and practise Aikido.