What is Aikido?

Aikido is a non-competitive, non-aggressive martial art developed by the late master, Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). After mastering many marital arts he spent his later years developing Aikido as an art to defend oneself without inflicting unnecessary harm. Aikido is a true budo, where martial training is utilised as a way to spiritual growth.

The word Aikido is made up of three characters. Ai means to harmonise, to yeild together, to guide and control the technique. Ki means universal spirit or life force. Aikido unites both mind and body which overwhelms mere physical strength by harmonising with universal energy. Do means the way or path. Thus Aikido means the way of harmonising the body, the mind and universal spirit.

The movements of Aikido are circular, flowing and relaxed. Repetition and regular practice of various techniques leads to a feeling of well being and self-confidence that carries over into every aspect of daily life. Since winning and losing are of no concern, many men, women and children from all walks of life can enjoy mutual training and progress at their own pace.

Aikido in Australia

Aikido in Australia effectively began when Seiichi Sugano Shihan arrived here in 1965 with written authority from the Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba, O-Sensei to teach and be responsible for Aikido in Australia. He was one of O-Sensei’s uchi deshi and as such his aikido was directly from the source itself. We were fortunate so have such direct transmission available to us.

Sugano Shihan quickly gathered a dedicated group of students who were extraordinarily keen to receive his teaching. What is truly extraordinary is that many of these students are still training and studying, as well as now teaching, forty years later, and this speaks highly of the respect and love that they hold for Seiichi Sugano Shihan who no longer lives here, but continues to return from his present base in New York twice a year to conduct seminars and training schools for our continued and further development.
In 1975 Sensei’s students and appointed instructors established Aiki-Kai Australia to assist him as well as to protect and develop Aikido in Australia.

In 1975 the Aiki-Kai Australia was certified as an Official Representative organisation by the Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu) in Japan becoming also at that time a member of the International Aikido Federation.

In 1989 Aiki-Kai Australia was recognized by the Australian Government and appointed National Accrediting body for Aikido by the Australian Coaching Council. As a result of this all teachers and instructors taking classes are required to be accredited by the Australian Coaching Council.

Aiki-Kai Australia has many dojos now around the country in every state and territory, links to many of these dojos are listed on the National Website.

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