Takemusu Aikido Geelong, also known as Taku Ma Dojo, is a sports club located in Breakwater, Geelong, Australia. The dojo was officially opened in January 2016, providing a spacious training area for students to practise Aikido on various days and times, offering flexibility to accommodate their individual commitments.
Sensei Simon, who holds a 7th Dan rank, leads the training sessions and supports students in their Aikido journey. He encourages students to take ownership of their training while preserving the teachings of the previous Aikido masters.
Aikido is a highly rewarding discipline for both the body and mind. It incorporates Japanese martial forms and strategies, following the legacy of Morihei Ueshiba, a renowned martial artist and thinker. The training at Takemusu Aikido Geelong focuses on developing Aiki empty hand, bokken (wooden sword), and jo (staff) techniques. The practise involves micro and macro avoidance and control strategies, along with strong grips and attacks, promoting sustained concentration and the cultivation of “ki” or internal energy.
Aikido, as a modern Japanese martial art, was developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. It is often referred to as “the way of unifying (with) life energy” or “the way of harmonious spirit. ” Ueshiba's aim was to create an art that enables practitioners to defend themselves while also preventing harm to their attacker. He drew from his training in Aiki Jujutsu and traditional weapons arts, particularly Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu, to create Aikido.
The practise of Aikido helps individuals to attain mental and physical harmony by engaging in mind-body martial Aiki exercises and strategies.
The techniques taught at Takemusu Aikido Geelong are based on the teachings of Morihei Ueshiba at his Iwama dojo in Japan between 1942 and 1969. These techniques have been refined and systematised by Morihiro Saito, Ueshiba's dojo successor. Morihiro Saito taught Aikido to numerous generations of students, including Barry Knight, who continues to refine and explore the mind-body Aiki concepts at his Rensei dojo in Caulfield, Melbourne. Simon Rees, the instructor at Taku Ma Dojo in Geelong, has been teaching these Iwama mind-body Aiki concepts since 2007.
The Taku Ma Dojo in Geelong features a purpose-built facility with heavy-duty mats, change rooms, and a viewing mezzanine. It offers a comfortable and safe environment for training. Established by Simon Rees, Taku Ma Dojo is affiliated with Aikido Takemusu, which is overseen by Barry Knight, a former student of Morihiro Saito.
To learn more about the lineage and history of Aikido Takemusu Geelong, visit their website or social media profiles, where you can find further information, photos, and updates about the club and its activities.