Rockdale Aikido is a reputable sports club located in Sydney that offers aikido classes to individuals of all ages and skill levels. Founded by Glen Davison, a 6th dan black belt in Kokikai aikido, the club has been providing quality martial arts training since 2009.
Glen Davison, the head instructor at Rockdale Aikido, began his aikido journey in 1990 under the guidance of Shuji Ozeki Sensei. He received his shodan (1st dan black belt) in 1994 and has since become a highly experienced and skilled practitioner. In addition to aikido, Glen has a passion for various martial arts including judo, tai chi, and kung fu. He also frequently travels to Japan to further his training with Maruyama Sensei.
Stephen Hafer, a 3rd dan black belt, is another esteemed instructor at Rockdale Aikido. He began his aikido training in 1991 and has dedicated years to honing his skills under the tutelage of Shuji Ozeki Sensei.
Aikido, a martial art founded in Japan by Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, is the main focus of Rockdale Aikido. It draws its influence from jujitsu and emphasises redirecting an attacker's energy to neutralise an attack rather than using brute force. Techniques taught at the club primarily consist of defensive moves such as throws and immobilising joint locks.
Rockdale Aikido belongs to the Kokikai style of Aikido, which was founded by Shuji Maruyama Sensei. Maruyama Sensei, a direct student of Ueshiba Sensei and Tohei Sensei, established Kokikai Aikido in the United States in the 1970s. The style has since gained international recognition, and its headquarters now reside at Maruyama Sensei's dojo in Nagoya, Japan. The first Australian branch of Kokikai Aikido was founded by Shuji Ozeki Sensei in 1989 at the University of New South Wales in Sydney.
Classes at Rockdale Aikido are held at St George PCYC on Ador Avenue in Rockdale, New South Wales. The training schedule includes a Wednesday session from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm in the Karate Room. It is recommended for participants to arrive 10 minutes early to complete necessary paperwork and other preparations.
The classes primarily cater to adults, but high school students with sufficient maturity are also welcome. The experienced instructors at Rockdale Aikido take into account each student's current fitness levels, flexibility, and previous experience, ensuring that training is tailored to individual abilities. Students of all levels train together, receiving individual attention from the instructor within the group setting. The club emphasises the importance of Japanese etiquette, incorporating bowing as a form of greeting and during training.
Students are expected to demonstrate courtesy and respect at all times.
During training sessions, students wear a traditional gi or dogi, which is the standard Japanese martial arts uniform resembling white pyjamas. Both judo and karate style gis are acceptable. Students who have reached black belt level also wear distinctive black belts to signify their achievement.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, Rockdale Aikido offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals interested in learning and mastering the art of aikido. Contact them today to join their classes and embark on a journey of personal growth and self-defence skills.
