Central Auckland Aikido Club

The Central Auckland Aikido Club, founded in October 2013 by Sensei Damon Cowley, is a well-established martial arts club located in Auckland, New Zealand. Sensei Cowley strongly believes that Aikido is not only a means of self-defence but also a pathway towards building confidence, self-awareness, and refining one's inner spirit. With over 25 years of training in Aikido and holding a rank of San Dan (3rd Degree Black Belt), Sensei Cowley is highly experienced and dedicated to teaching the art to students of all ages.

Training sessions at the Central Auckland Aikido Club are held on Tuesday and Wednesday nights from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. These sessions are open to new students aged 12 and above, welcoming individuals who are interested in exploring the art of Aikido. The dojo is conveniently located at the Mt Eden Citizens Building on 487 Dominion Road in Mt Eden, Auckland, right next to the Mt Eden War Memorial Hall.

The Central Auckland Aikido Club is affiliated with Tatsu Gi Kai, a not-for-profit incorporated society formed in 1990 with its roots in the Rotorua Aikido Dojo. Tatsu Gi Kai follows the physical and philosophical ideals of the Founder (O-Sensei), emphasising peaceful conflict resolution. Sensei Dianne Haynes, the Chief Instructor of Tatsu Gi Kai and a practitioner since 1976, holds the esteemed rank of 6th Dan (Rokudan) black belt as of 2021. Furthermore, all member dojos of Tatsu Gi Kai are affiliated with the California Aikido Association (CAA), an officially recognised organisation by the Aikikai Foundation in Tokyo, Japan.

TGK, with its six affiliated dojos, operates autonomously while working together in harmony. Each club manages its own accounts, but a single account statement is sent annually to comply with the regulations of the Department of Internal Affairs as an incorporated society. TGK is an inclusive organisation that aims to support and foster the growth and passion of Aikido within each member club. By joining TGK, clubs gain a voice in planning and decision-making processes, contributing to both the organisation's development and the individual clubs' growth.

One of the affiliated dojos under TGK is the Tatsu Gi Kai Mahurangi Aikido Club in Warkworth, led by Dojo Cho Andy Metzler, holding a rank of 3rd Dan. Sensei Metzler has been involved with Aikido for 30 years and appreciates the physical and spiritual aspects the art offers. The club warmly welcomes new members, regardless of age, and holds training sessions on Monday and Wednesday nights at the Matakana School hall.

Join the Central Auckland Aikido Club and become part of a supportive martial arts community that values personal growth, self-awareness, and the harmonious blending of mind and body through the practise of Aikido. For more information about joining the club, please reach out to Sensei Damon Cowley at 021 221 6267 or via email at damon. Cowley@nzaikido. Com.