Aikido Australia in Sydney at the Ku-ring-gai Aikido dojo

Ku-ring-gai Aikido Dojo, Pymble.

NOTE: Due to the renovation of the heritage listed Town Hall by Council, classes are conducted at the West Pymble Leisure Centre until March 24.

Located on the upper north shore of Sydney, the Ku-ring-gai dojo is an affiliated club with the Aikido Australia association.

I established this dojo 42 years ago on returning from Japan, after obtaining my black belt qualification at the Iwama dojo.

I have been providing instruction in the Japanese martial art of Aikido, continuously since that time.

In particular, Takemusu Aiki, O’Sensei’s final expression of Aikido and Bukewaza (weapon practice) as taught by Saito Sensei in O’Sensei’s own dojo in Iwama.

Aikido in Australia Sensei Derek Minus at the Ku-ring-gai dojo Sydney

Aikido in Australia

 

After 5 years of study with Saburo Takayasu Shihan 7th dan in Australia, my  teacher for over 45 years, I had the opportunity to travel to Japan to study with his teacher. I practised at O’Sensei’s private dojo in Iwama, Japan where I received personal instruction by Morihiro Saito Sensei 9th dan, who himself served the Founder of Aikido for 23 years as his live-in student.

The primary feature of O’Sensei’s final form, which he called TAKEMUSU AIKI is the integration and practice of both empty hand and weapon techniques of principally the sword and staff. Although derived from the ancient practices of samurai warriors and using the same weapons and fighting techniques, it is a unified and modern martial art infused with the principle of aiki and the harmony of human relationships.

Why is Aikido different?

Aikido movements look simple but intricately involve both physical and energetic responses. The Aikido orientation in conflict is also based on a strong philosophical approach. A wonderful overview of the practice and philosophy of Aikido is provided by this video produced by Barry Tuchfeld Sensei of the Aikido Sarasota dojo. The video, available from YouTube explains O’Sensei’s development of Aikido and the practice of his student, Saito Sensei at O’Sensei’s private practice hall, the Ibaraki Dojo in Iwama. INTRODUCTION TO AIKIDO VIDEO

 

Watch our YouTube Videos

Visit our YouTube channel: YOUTUBE VIDEOS to find over 300 Aikido videos,

We are in the process of putting our entire library of videos of Takemusu Aiki techniques performed by Saito Sensei and other experienced practitioners onto our YouTube site.

As well as  you will eventually find detailed commentary regarding key points and comparisons about performing the techniques.

Learning Aikido

With over four decades of experience teaching the martial art of Aikido in the Ku-ring-gai area, the dojo welcomes all people who want to learn harmonious and powerful techniques of self defence. Now, joined by my senior students, the Club provides a range of Aikido classes each week and seminars during the year for: beginners, children and experienced practitioners. CLASSES

Come to our Dojo

This website provides full details of our lineage, affiliation and methods. I invite you to come, witness and join our practice. All of our instructors have over ten years experience teaching Aikido, are internationally graded by the Aikikai in Japan and have a life long commitment to studying and applying the principles which underly this special martial art. LOCATION MAP

Conflict Connexus

Does conflict connect us? A deep understanding of Aikido physical forms and the principle of awase enables insight into ways of resolving conflicts that are non-physical in nature. Disputes, disagreements and differences are handled in the same way.

You can read about the skills of managing interpersonal conflict on my corporate coaching website: CONFLICT CONNEXUS

 

Derek Minus, 6th dan

Chief Instructor