Aikido Kenkyukai Bentleigh

25/03/2026

Great seminar last weekend with Hiroshi Yamamoto sensei in Mittagong generously hosted and organised by Jeffery’s Bowral dojo, West Ryde dojo and Orange dojo. We had a wonderful 7th dan celebration for Stephen Seymor sensei and Hiroshi Yamamoto sensei. Delightful guest from Japan were Yajima san and Ms Mouri san absolutely blended with AKI family.

24/03/2026

Congratulations to Pao, who received his shodan certificate and Fabrice, who received his nidan certificate last night. Rina also graded to sandan, but will have to wait until next year for the certificate.

22/01/2026

Congratulations to Stephen Seymour sensei, our teacher and head of Aikido Kenkyukai Australia received 7th dan. It recognises his lifelong commitment to the art. I hope we can celebrate this milestone with him in the near future.

21/01/2026

Back on the mat in 2026. Happy New Year.

25/12/2025

Small group for our last class of the year. Merry Christmas, and see you in the new. Classes resume on the 5th of January.

08/11/2025

Takeda Shihan also used to play with the connection to uke in the same way, but it also requires uke to try to stay connected and not give up or try to escape.

An interesting look at Seigo Yamaguchi back in the day - 1980 at Aikikai Hombu Dojo:

https://youtu.be/PJyijbXqwCg?si=flL5_tofhHkE7x_5

06/11/2025

A blast from the past. Taking ukemi from Suzuki Sensei at Terry Hills (date unknown). Certainly had a lot more energy back then (Rina was still a white belt).

06/11/2025

Some jiyu waza from last night's training.