Welcome

Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art combining open-hand, sword and staff techniques together with the principles and practice of awase (connection) and kokyu (abdominal breath power).

Iwama Shinshin Aiki Shurenkai Melbourne is a branch dojo of Iwama Shinshin Aiki Shurenkai Japan, headed by Saito Hitohiro Soke son of the late Saito Morihiro Sensei and technical heir to the Founder's personal dojo located in the small town of Iwama, Ibaraki-prefecture, Japan.

Founded in 1998 and based in West Melbourne we offer up to three morning and three evening classes a week, instructed by Simon Harris, 5th dan. Simon has trained Aikido for over 20 years and has regularly trained as a live-in student at the headquarters dojo in Iwama, Japan since his first trip in 1988 at the age of 15. Simon is committed to the practice of Dento Iwama Ryu Aikido as taught by his instructor Saito Hitohiro Soke.

We have practitioners of all levels, from beginner to 3rd degree black belt, and warmly welcome new students of all ages and backgrounds. So, if you are interested in practicing Aikido in a friendly and professional environment, please contact us or just drop in and watch a class. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you are more than welcome to participate in a free class.

Email Glitch Take II

So I hadn’t realised it but email has been broken for sometime. If you’ve tried contacting us we weren’t ignoring you, we just didn’t know you’d tried. I promise it’s really fixed this time.

Japan Festival 2008

Iwama Shinshin Aiki Shurenkai Melbourne will be performing during this year’s Japan Festival, Sunday 18th May 2008 at the Box Hill Town Hall and TAFE. If you’re interested in all things Japanese, this is the place to go. For more information, please visit the Japan Festival website.

Inoue Kyoichi Hanshi (9th Dan) Demonstration

Our very good friends at Aikido Shudokan are hosting Inoue Kyoichi Hanshi, 9th Dan Yoshinkan Aikido, for his Melbourne visit in April this year. As a part of his visit, a demonstration will be held and will feature Inoue Hanshi, other guest instructors, and Aikido Shudokan students and instructors. They would like to extend an invitation to this once-in-a-lifetime event.

The details of the demonstration are as follows:

Date: Friday 4th April 2008
Time: 7pm
Location: Collingwood College, Vere Street, Collingwood
Tickets: $12.00

Workshop: Friday, 7th March 2008

Simon Harris will be conducting a workshop together with Steve Grantham at the West Melbourne Dojo, 14 Batman Street, West Melbourne on Friday, 7th February 2008 between 7pm and 9pm. There will be two one-hour classes covering open-hand, sword and staff techniques.

Email Glitch

For anyone who's tried contacting us recently via the contact page, we've been having a few technical difficulties and your email most likely didn't get through. We've fixed it now but I'd like to apologise to anyone who didn't hasn't received a reply.

Uchi-Deshi Survival Guide: The Lingo

Having spent many years travelling to Japan and living as an uchi-deshi (live-in student) and more recently as a soto-deshi, I thought it would be a good idea to write down some bits and pieces for anyone contemplating a stint themselves.

Workshop: Friday, 1st Frebruary 2008

Simon Harris will be conducting a workshop together with Steve Grantham at the Shuren Dojo, Kalmia Heights Primary School, Kalmia St, Frankston on Friday, 1st February 2008 between 7pm and 9pm. There will be two one-hour classes covering open-hand, sword and staff techniques.

Enjoy a demonstration of Aikido weapons and hand-to-hand technique;

See defence against multiple attackers;

Discover the joys of falling down; and of course

Learn some actual aikido techniques

Loose clothing such as a tracksuit and t-shirt is recommended.

Please contact us to secure a place. You are welcome to bring along a friend, just let us know in advance so we can ensure there's enough space.

Iwama Shinshin Aiki Shurenkai Melbourne Dento Iwama Ryu Aikido