Aikido Kokikai Australia (AKA) is a renowned Aikido club located in Belgrave, offering weekly classes for both kids and adults. Established in 1989 by Shuji Ozeki sensei at the University of New South Wales, AKA has since grown to over 200 members across 10 clubs in Australia. Ozeki sensei, who hails from Seki, Gifu prefecture, Japan, visits Australia annually to conduct training sessions, particularly during the Autumn camp in April/May.
Aikido Kokikai Australia is dedicated to providing a friendly and welcoming environment for Aikido training. The club has earned a strong and reputable history in Australia, with dojos in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Lismore, and Tamworth. The core principles of AKA revolve around keeping one's point, developing calmness, progressively relaxing, finding correct posture in everything, and cultivating a positive mind.
Aikido is a martial art that was developed by Morihei Ueshiba (Osensei) in the early 20th century. Unlike most martial arts, Aikido focuses on evading, harmonising, and taking balance rather than engaging in punching, kicking, or striking. The ultimate goal of Aikido is to create a peaceful outcome where no one is harmed. It is a martial art that emphasises internal as well as physical strength, making it a challenging discipline.
Aikido Kokikai specifically emphasises natural movement, good posture, and mind-body coordination. It is a minimalist martial art that aims to make techniques effective by using minimal physical effort. The style's axiom is “minimum effort for maximum effect.
At Aikido Kokikai Australia, weekly classes are conducted at their Belgrave and Caulfield dojos. Free trials are available for interested individuals and families to experience the art of Aikido. The Caulfield classes take place on Tuesdays from 7:30pm to 9pm at Monash University Caulfield Building S, Aerobics Room on 900 Dandenong Road. The Belgrave classes are held on Fridays, with junior kids from 5pm to 5:40pm, senior kids from 5:40pm to 6:30pm, and adults from 6:30pm to 8pm at the Belgrave Community Hub on 1616/1624 Burwood Hwy.
To join Aikido Kokikai Australia, there is a yearly fee of $90 that covers insurance and Aikido association costs. The class fees are $15 for adults and $10 for kids and adults. For first-time attendees, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing such as a tracksuit and t-shirt. Classes are conducted barefoot, so easily removable footwear is preferred.
Jewellery and watches should not be worn during training sessions.
To know more about Aikido Kokikai Australia, interested individuals can contact Kiva Benton via email at kivabenton@bigpond. Com. au or by phone at 0405 028 081. The club also has a presence on Facebook at facebook.
com/MelbourneKokikai. For further information and updates, visitors can explore the club's website developed by MelbourneOnline.