Aiki-Kai Australia was founded in 1965 by Seichi Sugano 8th Dan (pictured below), who was a former Uchi Deshi (live-in student) of  Morihei Ueshiba. In 1965 Sugano moved to Sydney at the request of O'Sensei Ueshiba to introduce Aikido to Australia. He remained for fifteen years before leaving to teach extensively throughout the world including the USA, Belgium, Luxembourg and France. Shihan (Master) Sugano continues to this day as the National representative in Australia and continues to conduct seminars twice a year in the winter and summer months.

You can read more about Shihan Sugano in the links section.

Our club, Aiki-Kai South Australia, is a member nation of the International Aikido Federation under the direction of Shihan Sugano. This is a non-profit organisation affiliated with the World Aikido Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan and exists only to promote the study of Aikido in South Australia. Black belt gradings issued by Aiki-Kai Australia are entered on the Hombu grading register and recognised worldwide.

David Scott Sensei (5th dan) is the main instructor and area representative for South Australia. Simply click on the INSTRUCTORS link for more details about our instructors.

We have three Aikido dojos in South Australia. Our Northern dojo is located at Campbelltown (pictured below)and our Southern dojo is located at Seaview High School and our Central dojo is located at Goodwood . Classes are held most nights of the week and weekends, and beginners and observers are welcome to all classes. To find out more about class times and locations simply click on the DOJO link.

What is Aikido?

Morihei Ueshiba (pictured below)spent the latter half of his life developing this martial art form as a means of refining and uplifting the human spirit. Based on his background training in traditional Jujitsu and Kenjutsu, Ueshiba succeeded in creating what he then named, Aikido. The three symbols that make up the word Ai-Ki-Do roughly translate to,'The Way of Harmony'.

Aikido is true budo, a path in which the keen edge of martial training is utilised as a way of spiritual growth. Despite its popularity, Aikido remains true to the goals of budo. Its methods are based on Ueshiba's deep faith in 'austere training for the sake of improving the human spirit'. In accordance with the founder's ideals, the art of Aikido has been kept seperate from the competitive sporting arena.

Aikido is a martial art with principles and techniques that when applied, are highly effective in confrontational situations, however the lesson structure is such that it is suitable for any age, gender, or fitness level to learn and practice.

For more information on the National Aikido Federation visit their website that can be found on the links page.