Blog archive | Aikido in Sydney

We have written quite a few blogs over the years. Here is a listing to help find them.

Hakamas (袴) on Please! A Japanese Aikidoka in Sydney
Last month we welcomed So Matsumoto (松本想生) to train with us at Aikido in Sydney. After returning to Japan, So-san shared his thoughts about his experiences with us. I am a university student from Japan. I always practice aikido in Tokyo. I had an unforgettable time in the Aikido in Sydney dojo because it was one of my dreams to practice aikido in foreign countries. My…
When It Comes To Traditional Weapons, Oils Ain’t Oils
What kind of oil should you use to treat and maintain wooden traditional weapons? I want an oil that can just be wiped onto the weapon and absorbed into the wood. I think we want an oil that won’t evaporate and let the wood dry out, won’t chemically react after application, and won’t leave a waxy deposit. But as the…
Weapons Workshop: Sat 26 July
Weapons are an integral part of aikido and several other martial arts. This half-day, practical workshop will cover their use, care, and maintenance, and you can finish your own jō from raw material to keep. Admin Place: Aikido in Sydney dojo, Chapel Lane, Alexandria NSW 2015Time: 10.00 am to 1.00 pm, Sat 26 July 2025Cost: $65 for weapons workshop, including advice…
SAVE the Day: Sat 27 July
We still have a few places open for our next program on Saturday 27 July. SAVE the Day is an evidence-based, experiential program that empowers you with the knowledge and skills you need to survive the most important five seconds of your life. In a single day we will teach you how to save your own life, or the life…
SAVE the Day: Sat 23 Sep
We still have a few places open for this Saturday 23 September. SAVE the Day is an evidence-based, experiential program that empowers you with the knowledge and skills you need to survive the most important five seconds of your life. In a single day we will teach you how to save your own life, or the life of someone you…
SAVE the Day: Jul & Sep 2023
Our first ‘SAVE the Day’ training programs in years are on: Sunday 23 July and Saturday 23 September. SAVE the Day is an evidence-based, experiential program that empowers you with the knowledge and skills you need to survive the most important five seconds of your life. In a single day we will teach you how to save your own life,…
Aiki insights: learning an instrument
I’ve enjoyed learning aikidō for over 25 years so far. It’s a fascinating art, filled with intellectual and experiential joy. I continue to be intrigued by the subtle nuances, the quest for perfection and the creative space afforded by taninzūgake (free practice with one or more training partners). Lately I’ve returned to the violin, which I played as a younger man. As I…
Smooth moves
How to maintain your bokken, jō and tantō… For an unvarnished new weapon or one that needs serious maintenance you can start with very fine grit (P400), then work your way successively through P600 up to super fine grit (P1200). Wooden weapons are best maintained by regular sanding and oiling. A hard, smooth surface makes your weapon not only less…
Training online at home
We’re establishing good routines of regular training online from home while we’re unable to train together at the dojo. Below are some guidelines on how to set up at home to enjoy online training sessions safely. Choose a space with: adequate light for you to see what you’re doing and be seen on video adequate ventilation sufficient floor space to…
SAVE the Day: SYD 16 Feb 2020
Our next ‘SAVE the Day’ Sydney training program is in February. SAVE the Day is the best once-and-done training experience available in Australia. Download pdf: SAVE the Day SYD 16 Feb 2020 (full registration and payment details). Sunday 16 February 2020, 8.30 am to 5.30 pm Aikido in Sydney Bridge Road School 127 Parramatta Road, Camperdown NSW See Location for access…