Website, while Melbourne Taido Club trains on Thursday nights at the VU Footscray Victorian University aquatic centre in Footscray.
What are the main benefits of practising Taido?
Practising Taido offers a range of benefits for both the mind and body. Taido focuses on self-improvement in fitness, coordination, strength, and discipline. Through the practise of Taido, individuals can improve their physical fitness levels, increase body control, build strength, stamina, agility, and spatial awareness. Moreover, Taido helps in developing confidence, focus, and training the mind.
It is a comprehensive martial art that not only challenges individuals physically but also mentally.
How is Taido different from other martial arts?
Taido originated in Japan from roots in Karate. One of the main differences between Taido and other martial arts is its emphasis on using movements to avoid while creating new angles of attack. While the origin of Taido is rooted in combat, the main battle in Taido is against oneself. It is a highly challenging martial art that trains individuals in many ways and forms, while also being fun and rewarding.
What are the different disciplines of Taido?
Taido consists of various disciplines that individuals can explore based on their interests and goals.
1. Kihon: This discipline focuses on learning and practising techniques. Techniques increase in difficulty and applications as individuals progress in their grades.
2. Hokei: Hokei involves complex forms that train the body, mind, breathing, and techniques. It is used both for personal development and in competition, whether individually or in synchronisation with a team.
3. Jissen: Jissen is the sport version of Taido. It involves controlled fights with light hits but also requires speed and complexity. Elements such as using angles, control, and good form are incorporated into Taido Jissen.
4. Tenkai: Tenkai is a choreographed fight with five attackers and one “Hero. ” Each attacker represents one of the five movements in Taido, and the Hero must evade for 15 seconds and attack for 15 seconds, totalling 30 seconds exactly.
Who are the instructors at Melbourne Taido Club?
Melbourne Taido Club is led by experienced instructors who are passionate about Taido and helping individuals achieve their goals.
1. Dave Lewis – 3 Dan: Dave Lewis began training Taido in 1997. Coming from a sports background such as skateboarding, he was looking for a challenging martial art that would provide both physical and mental stimulation and allow him to meet new people. Over the past 25 years, Taido has kept him fit and active while teaching him focus and serving as a great stress management tool.
Dave has trained, competed, and formed friendships through Taido with individuals from various countries, many of whom he considers family.
2. Kellie Pearce – 2 Dan: Kellie Pearce believes that Taido allows individuals to build body control, strength, stamina, agility, and spatial awareness. It not only improves these physical skills but also develops confidence, focus, and trains the mind. Kellie emphasises that previous martial arts experience is not necessary, and everyone is welcome at Melbourne Taido Club.
The club provides a relaxed learning environment with individual coaching, occasional cake, and questionable puns. Comfortable sports clothes and a water bottle are all that participants need to bring. Groups of friends are also welcome to join.
Where can I learn Taido?
You can learn Taido at Melbourne Taido Club, which is located at the VU Footscray Victorian University aquatic centre in Footscray. The club conducts training sessions on Thursday nights. Additionally, Australian Taido has clubs in UNSW Sydney for those interested in learning Taido in the Sydney area.