Aikido Kokikai Australia (AKA) is a renowned martial arts school located in Caulfield, Melbourne. Established in 1989 by Shuji Ozeki sensei at the University of New South Wales, AKA is deeply rooted in traditional Japanese Aikido teachings. Shuji Ozeki, who resides and teaches in Seki, Gifu prefecture, Japan, visits Australia every year to conduct training sessions at the Autumn camp in April/May.
With over 200 members across 10 clubs, Aikido Kokikai Australia has earned a strong and reputable history in the country. It has dojos in major cities like Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Lismore, and Tamworth, ensuring that Aikido training is accessible to passionate martial arts enthusiasts throughout Australia.
Aikido is an art form that was developed by Morihei Ueshiba (Osensei) in the early 20th century. While its basic movements draw inspiration from aiki-jujutsu, Aikido distinguishes itself by employing circular movements and nonviolent techniques. Unlike most martial arts, Aikido does not focus on aggressive strikes or competition. Instead, practitioners learn to harmonise, evade, and maintain balance, ultimately seeking peaceful resolutions that avoid harm.
Aikido Kokikai places strong emphasis on natural movement, correct posture, and mind-body coordination. The art form adopts a minimalist approach, aiming to achieve maximum effectiveness with minimal physical effort. The guiding principle of this style is “minimum effort for maximum effect.
The school offers weekly classes for both kids and adults at its Belgrave and Caulfield dojos. Everyone is welcome to bring their families along for a free trial session at either location. Students can expect to experience the transformative and challenging nature of Aikido, which melds internal growth with physical prowess.
Class schedules for the two dojos are as follows: In Caulfield, classes are held on Tuesdays from 7:30 pm to 9 pm at Monash University Caulfield Building S, specifically in the Aerobics Room. Transportation options include the Cranbourne & Pakenham Lines Train to Caulfield Station or the Route 900 Bus that runs between Caulfield and Rowville.
In Belgrave, classes take place on Fridays, with separate sessions for junior and senior kids and adults. The timetable is as follows: Kids (Junior): 5 pm to 5:40 pm, Kids (Senior): 5:40 pm to 6:30 pm, Adults: 6:30 pm to 8 pm. The Belgrave Community Hub at 1616/1624 Burwood Highway serves as the venue, conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Belgrave Station.
Membership fees are $90 per year, covering insurance and Aikido association costs. Additionally, class fees are $15 for adults and $10 for kids and adults participating in the Belgrave sessions.
For the first class, participants should wear comfortable clothing, such as tracksuits and t-shirts, and come prepared to train barefoot. It is advised to avoid wearing jewellery or watches during training sessions.
To learn more about Aikido Kokikai Australia, interested individuals can visit the Facebook page “facebook. Com/MelbourneKokikai” or contact the school directly via email at “kivabenton@bigpond. Com. au” or phone at “0405 028 081.
” A comprehensive gallery showcasing the art of Aikido is also available on the school's website developed by MelbourneOnline.
Join Aikido Kokikai Australia today and embark on a journey of personal growth, physical mastery, and harmonious living through the practise of Aikido.