About
What is Aikido?
Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Master Morihei Ueshiba (O Sensei). In its simplest form it is a set of pins, throws and locks that are used to neutralise an attacker without causing them harm. The key element of Aikido is to blend and join with the incoming energy of the attack. As a result, if done correctly, little strength is required to perform the techniques making Aikido suitable for both genders and all ages. There is no competition in Aikido, no opponents, no winning or loosing. As you learn Aikido you will at the same time train your mind, improve your health and develop a positive spirit.
“The secret of Aikido is not in how you move your feet, it is how you move your mind. I’m not teaching you martial techniques. I’m teaching you non-violence.”
-Morihei Ueshiba, O’Sensei
Our Instructor
Dave Matthews is the owner and instructor of Aikido Port Kennedy in Western Australia. He started Aikido in 1992 studying Yoshinkan Aikido in Tokyo for 12 months. Upon returning to Australia in 1993 he started studying Aikido Kokikai (Shuji Maruyama Sensei) under the tutelage of Shuji Ozeki Sensei at the University of New South Wales in Sydney.
In 2003 he and his family relocated to Perth and in 2007 he joined the newly formed Aikido Yuishinkai organisation under Koretoshi Maruyama Sensei and Michael Williams Sensei. Upon Williams Sensei’s resignation as chief international instructor of Aikido Yuishinkai in 2013, Dave remained with him under the umbrella of Aikido Goshinkai based in Byron Bay NSW. He currently holds the rank of 6th Dan black belt.