HOW WE STARTED
The Melbourne University Aikido Club started in 1966 and is affiliated with Aikikai Australia, through which gradings are conducted and instructors provided
This gives club members access to a wider community of Aikido practitioners and access to many special events including Summer School and Winter School
WHAT IS AIKIDO?
Aikido is a modern Martial Art introduced to the public largely since 1950. It is the integration of Morihei Ueshiba's personal philosophy with his study of martial arts
The result was a new approach to training and learning a martial art - Aikido.
Since then, it has spread throughout the world - including Australia. In 1965 Sugano shihan was appointed by the founder of Aikido to live and teach the art in Australia
Before coming to Australia, Sugano shihan trained full-time as an uchi-deshi with O'Sensei in Tokyo
Following his death, Aikikai Australia is headed by the senior students of Sugano shihan
Aikikai Australia was founded by Sugano shihan to manage the routine affairs of Aikido within Australia. It is directly affiliated with the founding organisation in Japan and responsible for setting the direction of aikido and maintaining its technical standard
Aikikai Australia is authorised to undertake gradings on behalf of the head organisation in Japan. It is also part of the Australian National Coaching Accreditation Scheme, ensuring that instructors are trained and recognised by the Federal Government
Aikikai also organises bi-annual week long sessions of intensive training (Summer School and Winter School)
GRADING AND OTHER DOJOS
​
Aikikai Australia has many affiliated dojos in Melbourne. Further details can be found on their website
Kyu grade tests are conducted four times a year at the main dojo in Clifton Hill, and requires a membership to Aikikai Australia
University students can join at a discounted rate