Kufudokan Budo Riverwood is a sports club located in Sydney, Australia, that specialises in Aikido and Karate-Jutsu training. With a focus on mind-body harmony, the Kufudokan school offers a unique approach to martial arts, blending classical techniques with natural circular movements.
The foundation of Kufudokan Aikido can be traced back to the teachings of Morihei Ueshiba, O'Sensei, the founder of Aikido. The lineage of the Kufudokan Aikido school is deeply rooted in the traditions passed down from Ueshiba O'Sensei to Saito Dai-Shihan to Saburo Takayasu Shihan and finally to Grant South Sensei. Grant South Sensei's research into the early forms of Aikido called Aikibudo further enriches the teachings of the Kufudokan.
Aikido, as practised in the Kufudokan, incorporates techniques from classical Jujutsu, Kenjutsu (sword), and Jojutsu (staff). All techniques are guided by the principle of Aiki, which emphasises harmony. The teachings of the Kufudokan arts are derived from the methods of mind-body fusion found in the contemplative and integrative traditions of Asia.
With a strong emphasis on strength and flexibility, the Kufudokan aims to help individuals build a robust and flexible body through therapeutic techniques. The club provides a friendly and traditional environment, inspired by Buddhist principles. It is a non-sectarian institution that welcomes people from all walks of life.
The Kufudokan Aikido programme encompasses techniques found in Jujutsu and modern Aikido. Grant South Sensei, the head instructor, obtained a Masters Licence in a Goshin-jutsu system called Hyo-sui Ryu Koppo and also received permission to teach the original Aikibudo techniques of Ueshiba O'Sensei's Ogi-no-koto collection. These original techniques form the core of Kufudokan Aikido, and variations are taught in relation to each classical form and its underlying principle. The fundamental root text of Kufudokan is O'Sensei's Budo Text, representing the so-called “Secret Principles” of Aikido.
In addition to Aikido, Kufudokan Budo Riverwood also offers training in Karate-Jutsu. Karate originated in Okinawa, Japan, and is influenced by southern Chinese Shaolin temple boxing and indigenous Okinawan and Japanese Jujutsu. The Kufudokan Karate-Jutsu lineage traces back to Hohan Soken O'Sensei, Ted Lange Hanshi, and Grant South Sensei. The club maintains the preservation of techniques influenced by Indian martial arts and yoga, with an understanding of the early relationship between Karate, Aiki-jujutsu-like styles, and Indian wrestling.
Kufudokan Budo Riverwood is dedicated to providing high-quality training in Aikido and Karate-Jutsu while promoting mind-body harmony and personal development. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, the club encourages anyone interested in Aikido or Karate-Jutsu to find a good Dojo in their area and embark on their martial arts journey.