Aikido ‘the way of harmonising energy’
Aikido is first and foremost a martial art but it is also much more.
At its most basic level Aikido is a system of throwing, joint-locking, striking and pinning techniques. It is also considered a path of personal discovery and character improvement. Some of the benefits include increased physical fitness, improved self-confidence and a greater awareness of yourself and your boundaries as well as those of people around you.
The story of the Shudokan begins with Sensei Thamby Rajah, the father of Malaysian Aikido. Having already started to train in Judo in Malaysia, Sensei Thamby travelled to Japan to further his studies and whilst in Japan, Soke Gozo Shioda (the founder of Yoshinkan Aikido) gave Sensei Thamby the dojo name of ‘Shudokan’. ‘Shu’ meaning to study, ‘do’ meaning the way and ‘kan’ meaning house. Sensei Thambu began studying Aikido under the tutelage of his Uncle, Sensei Thamby Rajah at age 11 and established ‘Aikido Shudokan’ in Melbourne in 1983.
Sensei Jon Marshall began studying Aikido under Sensei Thambu at age 10. In 1996 he travelled to the headquarters of Yoshinkan Aikido in Tokyo, Japan to further his studies of Aikido. A graduate of the 7th International instructors course, he taught at honbu dojo for a period of 5 years. On his return to Australia in 2003 he assumed the role of the senior instructor of the Aikido Shudokan. He has taught Aikido and has accompained Thambu Shihan and honbu dojo instructors on numerous trips abroad. The city dojo was established in April 2010 and despite its relatively short history, is fast becoming a popular Aikido dojo for beginners and advanced students alike. Come and try a class and let Aikido turn your world around!
Aikido class’s are run at Fitline Rialto Towers Mon and Wed from 6pm