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Old 08-31-2013, 11:41 AM   #1
lowkey1979
Dojo: Hoping to find one
Location: Gold Coast
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 1
Australia
Offline
Looking for Dojo (Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia)

Hi all,

I'm very interested in taking up Aikido, and am after a recommendation as to which organisation or lineage to join. I'm really looking for a dojo that teaches authentic Aikido with a strong self defense focus, as I'm coming from a more MMA-ish background, but have been really impressed with a couple of Aikido guys I've sparred with in the past and would like to expand my horizons. Plus after an extended period of illness has pretty much destroyed my fitness level, the idea of being able to fight with a gentler, more intelligent style while I get my health back together is appealing. That said, I've been less than impressed with a few other Aikido practitioners I've met (they seemed to think I was going to attack with an overhead chop move or not really resist being arm barred or wrist locked, wow ) so I'd really like some advice on which organisations are kosher, and which are just another black belt factory.

I'm on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, so if anyone here happens to be from the area and can point me towards an excellent local dojo, that'd be fantastic! Otherwise, there are a couple of dojo's I've been looking at who are affiliated with the International Aikido Federation, although I'm really not sure if that equals quality or not. If they're known for consistently good quality training, I'd love to hear some experiences and opinions!

Regardless, greetings to everyone!
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Old 08-31-2013, 12:03 PM   #2
Chris Li
 
Chris Li's Avatar
Dojo: Aikido Sangenkai
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Join Date: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,313
United_States
Offline
Re: Hi there! Advice needed.

Quote:
Shannon Sands wrote: View Post
Hi all,

I'm very interested in taking up Aikido, and am after a recommendation as to which organisation or lineage to join. I'm really looking for a dojo that teaches authentic Aikido with a strong self defense focus, as I'm coming from a more MMA-ish background, but have been really impressed with a couple of Aikido guys I've sparred with in the past and would like to expand my horizons. Plus after an extended period of illness has pretty much destroyed my fitness level, the idea of being able to fight with a gentler, more intelligent style while I get my health back together is appealing. That said, I've been less than impressed with a few other Aikido practitioners I've met (they seemed to think I was going to attack with an overhead chop move or not really resist being arm barred or wrist locked, wow ) so I'd really like some advice on which organisations are kosher, and which are just another black belt factory.

I'm on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, so if anyone here happens to be from the area and can point me towards an excellent local dojo, that'd be fantastic! Otherwise, there are a couple of dojo's I've been looking at who are affiliated with the International Aikido Federation, although I'm really not sure if that equals quality or not. If they're known for consistently good quality training, I'd love to hear some experiences and opinions!

Regardless, greetings to everyone!
Affiliation with the International Aikido Federation is worthless in determining quality, or even content of the curriculum. Best thing is to just go and try places out until you find one you like.

Best,

Chris

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Old 08-31-2013, 03:23 PM   #3
Robert Cowham
Dojo: East Sheen Aikido and Kashima No Tachi
Location: London, UK
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 289
Offline
Re: Looking for Dojo (Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia)

Quote:
Shannon Sands wrote: View Post
I'm on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, so if anyone here happens to be from the area and can point me towards an excellent local dojo, that'd be fantastic! Otherwise, there are a couple of dojo's I've been looking at who are affiliated with the International Aikido Federation, although I'm really not sure if that equals quality or not. If they're known for consistently good quality training, I'd love to hear some experiences and opinions!
Have visited the Gold Coast and practised with Graham Morris - well worth a visit IMO.

The key thing is to try dojos and work out what appeals to you personally. Could be teacher, could be atmosphere, could be other students - take your time and work it out!
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Old 08-31-2013, 04:42 PM   #4
Neal Earhart
 
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Dojo: New York Aikikai / Aikido of Westchester
Location: New York City
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 98
United_States
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Re: Looking for Dojo (Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia)

www.aikido.org.au

The organization established by Sugano Sensei. There is an affiliated dojo in the Gold Coast.
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Old 08-31-2013, 06:36 PM   #5
robin_jet_alt
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 716
Australia
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Re: Looking for Dojo (Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia)

I agree with what Chris said. You may find a great teacher in what is otherwise a bad organisation and vice versa.
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Old 09-01-2013, 02:39 AM   #6
philipsmith
Dojo: Ren Shin Kan
Location: Birmingham
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 362
United Kingdom
Offline
Re: Looking for Dojo (Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia)

can recommend these guys; good solid traditional Aikido with links to Hombu

http://australasianaikikai.com.au
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Old 09-01-2013, 07:21 AM   #7
robin_jet_alt
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 716
Australia
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Re: Looking for Dojo (Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia)

Quote:
Philip Smith wrote: View Post
can recommend these guys; good solid traditional Aikido with links to Hombu

http://australasianaikikai.com.au
I had no idea these guys existed. I'm intrigued. I'll look them up next time I'm in the area. Thanks.
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Old 09-01-2013, 03:45 PM   #8
Gavin Slater
Location: Brisbane
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 33
Australia
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Re: Looking for Dojo (Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia)

There is Daito Ryu at the Tweed Heads PCYC.
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Old 09-01-2013, 04:42 PM   #9
Travers Hughes
Dojo: Aikikai
Location: Gold Coast
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 33
Australia
Offline
Re: Looking for Dojo (Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia)

Hi - I train with the Gold Coast Aikikai. We practice at Mudgeeraba on Mon/Wed/Fri from 1900/2030 and Sat 0800/1000. Come along any time - you're more than welcome.
As Robert said, Graham Morris (6 Dan) is our main instructor. He originally came from the UK and trained under Chiba. Sugano was the head of Australia, so our practise at the Gold Coast is a bit more varied than other Aikikai Australia dojo. Graham teaches on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Other senior dan grades take the Mon and Fri classes.

As Gavin said, there is a Daito Ryu study group at Tweeed Heads.
There is also a group called Kufudokan who have practice nights at Oxenford and Main Beach.

As Chris said, it all depends on what you are after. We are the group that is affiliated to hombu, but you may prefer one of the others - suggest you visit us all and make a decision from there.

Gold Coast Aikikai actually have a special training day on 14th of this month - feel free to come along if you can't make it beforehand. This will give you a look at other instructors from Queensland who will also be present.

Look forward to seeing you there
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