Links

1. •Photos by Stanley Tjhie
   

2. •Favourite Videos
   

3. •Club Photos
   

4. •Interview with Sugano Shihan
   

5. •Farrago article by James Field
   

6. •Facebook Group
   

7. •Google Group
   

8. •Aikikai Australia
   

9. •Where to find us

Contact us at:

melbuniaikido@gmail

FAQ

General Etiquette

1. • If you cannot attend classes on time please inform the teacher beforehand.
   

2. • A small bow is made to the front of the training area when stepping onto or off the mat.
   

3. • A small bow is made to your partner before and after each technique.
   

4. • Nails should be kept short and watches/jewelry should be taken off.
   

5. • If you have a water bottle place it at the edge of the mat.
   

6. • When sitting on the mat, sit cross legged or kneel.
   

7. • No shoes are to be worn on the mats.

Testing -  Grading Syllabus

Kyu grade tests are conducted four times a year by Aikikai Australia at the main dojo in Clifton Hill.

Aikikai Australia membership is required to sit for a test. University students can join at a discounted rate.

Aikido Demonstrations

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Class Structure

    The class begins with the setting up of the mat.

    Once the mat has been prepared, there is time to do your own stretching and free practice.

    The formal instruction begins with aikido breathing exercises, followed by some basic movements which tend to form the basis for the techniques to be practiced in the class.

    The teacher will demonstrate a technique, then students find a partner to practice with. Students of all levels train together so feel free to approach anyone to practice.

    The class finishes with some more breathing exercises.

    After thanking the people you trained with the mats need to be packed up.

Melbourne University Aikido Club - History and Context

Aikido is a modern Martial Art introduced to the public largely since 1950. It is a result of Morihei Ueshiba's study of martial arts and integrating his personal philosophies with what he learnt. The result is a new approach to training and learning a martial art - Aikido. Since that time it has spread throughout the world including Australia. In 1965 Sugano shihan was appointed by the founder of Aikido to come to Australia to live and to teach Aikido. Before coming to Australia Sugano shihan trained full-time as an uchi-deshi with O'Sensei in Tokyo. Although Sugano shihan is no longer resident in Australia he is still the person delegated by Aikido Japan to look after Aikido in Australia.

Aikikai Australia is the organisation set up by Sugano shihan to manage the routine affairs of Aikido. It has direct affiliation with the founding organisation in Japan and is responsible for setting the direction of aikido and maintaining the technical standard. Aikikai Australia is the body authorised to undertake gradings on behalf of the head organisation in Japan. It is also part of the Australian National Coaching Accreditation Scheme and is responsible for ensuring instructors are trained and recognised by the Federal Government. Part of the work of Aikikai is twice a year to organise 1 week long sessions of intensive training (Summer School and Winter School).

The Melbourne University Aikido Club was started in 1966 and has operated continuously since then. It is affiliated with Aikikai Australia and it is through this body that 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.

Aikikai Australia has many affiliated dojos in Melbourne. The details can be found on their website www.aikido.org.au.

Dojo Etiquette

On entering the mat it is usual practice to sit in seiza and salute the kamiza (front) of the dojo and then sit quietly for a short time to prepare mentally for training. This is a time to change your mental focus from your previous activity to the coming training session.

Salute your partner before and after each short practice session. This is a sign of respect and an indication you will take care of them. Training in Aikido is predominantly done with a partner in a co-operative manner. Remember that your partner is allowing you to practice with them and that they want to go home unharmed and better for the experience (as do you).

FAQ

Monday and Friday

5 - 7 PM

East Stadium,

Sports Centre

Wednesday (Weapons)

6 - 7 PM

Table Tennis Room,

Sports Centre

$50 (students)

$50 (non-students)

per semester or

$5 per session.

First training is free!

Notices: