Sydney Aikikai Inc is a friendly Aikido Club located on Sydney's Northern Beaches. The club welcomes and encourages new members to join their community. Beginners are introduced to Aikido in a friendly manner with the guidance of instructors or senior members who spend time focusing on the basics. Once students have a good foundation, they are introduced to participating in training with others.
A typical class at Sydney Aikikai consists of approximately 15 minutes of warm-up exercises, followed by Ukemi practise (rolling and falling) and basic foot/body movements known as 'Tai sabake'. The class then moves on to general techniques, with each class emphasising different aspects of the art. The goal is to make training enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their shape, size, background, or physical capabilities.
Sydney Aikikai prioritises a non-competitive environment where members support and work together rather than demonstrating superior strength or abilities. Despite this, training can still be vigorous while maintaining awareness of the person one is training with. Developing an awareness of partners' capabilities is seen as an essential ingredient in training. The club believes that sincere training in this way transcends the ego and should carry over into daily life.
Aikido training at Sydney Aikikai is self-paced and adjustable to individuals' capabilities and partners'. Unlike training at a gym, Aikido techniques involve complex and compound series of movements rather than linear ones. Practitioners of Aikido gain flexibility combined with toughness instead of solely focusing on strength.
Sydney Aikikai is a not-for-profit and independent Aikikai dojo. The club offers classes in two locations on the Northern Beaches, namely Manly and Collaroy. All classes are open to everyone, but currently, there are no children's classes available. The training timetable is as follows: a general training class is held on Sundays from 9 am to 11 am in Manly, and another general training class takes place on Wednesdays from 7 pm to 9 pm in Collaroy.
Any changes to the timetable, such as over the summer break, can be found on the club's website.
For any inquiries, individuals can contact Tiong Chandra, and his mobile telephone number is 0413 302182.
Before becoming a member of Sydney Aikikai, individuals are encouraged to visit the dojo and watch a class to gain an understanding of what the club is about. This also provides an opportunity to ask questions. All new members must sign a waiver form before stepping onto the mat, as it is a requirement for the club's insurance policy. The waiver form must be correctly filled in and legible and is to be witnessed by a senior member of the club.
Online copies of the waiver form are available, or physical copies can be obtained at the dojos. Additionally, new members are required to fill out a membership application form.
New members are allowed their first two classes within a two-week period at no charge as long as they have completed the waiver form and legibly filled it in. To continue training, new members must contact Jon Denly, the club treasurer, to discuss fees and provide confirmation of the completed waiver form and the transfer of the required fees. Jon can be reached via email at treasurer@aikidoaustralia. com.
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Membership fees cover up to two classes per week at both Manly and Collaroy locations. It is important to note that Sydney Aikikai is a not-for-profit organisation, and a significant portion of the fees goes towards dojo rental.
Sydney Aikikai Inc invites individuals to join their community and experience the principles and benefits of Aikido training in a supportive and non-competitive environment.