UQ Aikido is a martial arts school located in St Lucia, Australia, and is proud to be an affiliated sports club of the University of Queensland. It is also a member of the Aikido Kokikai family, following the teachings of its founder and president, Shuji Maruyama Sensei. The dojo focuses on teaching Kokikai Aikido, which is based on four core principles: keeping one's point to develop calmness, progressively relaxing, finding correct posture in everything, and cultivating a positive mind.
The Chief Instructor of UQ Aikido is Steve Henderson, who is an experienced practitioner in Aikido Kokikai. He regularly attends camps and seminars with Maruyama Sensei and other Kokikai instructors from Australia and Japan. Steve Sensei is dedicated to providing a safe, friendly, and relaxed training environment where students can unlock their full potential while studying Aikido.
Nathan Harvey, the Deputy Chief Instructor, brings a wealth of experience in various martial arts styles to UQ Aikido. Additionally, the dojo has a team of Junior Instructors including Sophie, Angela, Sally, and Sarah, who warmly welcome new students and assist with training protocols and safety on the mats.
UQ Aikido invites individuals to try their first class for free. The training takes place at UQ Sport and Fitness Centre, Building 25, University of Queensland, Union Road, St Lucia. Regular classes are held every Friday from 6:00 to 7:30pm, with additional Sunday sessions available by contacting Sensei. Furthermore, UQ Aikido participates in various camps throughout the year, such as the Queensland Camp in June and the National Camps in Sydney in October.
Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba with the aim of providing practitioners with self-defence techniques that protect both themselves and their attackers from harm. The art emphasises body movement, locks, and throws to subdue an attacker. At UQ Aikido, students have the opportunity to learn this effective martial art in a safe and controlled environment, regardless of their age, fitness level, or ability. The dojo promotes a positive and non-competitive atmosphere, allowing individuals to develop their technique at their own pace.
In summary, UQ Aikido is a respected martial arts school in St Lucia, Australia, teaching Kokikai Aikido in accordance with the principles developed by Shuji Maruyama Sensei. With experienced instructors and a welcoming training environment, the dojo offers individuals the opportunity to learn a self-defence martial art while also cultivating self-esteem, self-control, and a positive mindset.