Welcome to Brisbane Aikikai, a traditional Aikido dojo located in Paddington, Brisbane. Established in 1992, our non-profit organisation welcomes beginners, new members, and visitors from all other dojos. Aikido is a non-competitive and non-aggressive martial art developed by the late master Morihei Ueshiba, also known as O Sensei. He dedicated his later years to developing Aikido as a means of self-defence without causing unnecessary harm.
Brisbane Aikikai is affiliated with Aikikai, the worldwide organisation led by the grandson of Aikido's founder. Our dojo is conveniently situated in central Brisbane, and we are privileged to be affiliated with Aikido Shinryukan (NZ) through their Chief Instructor, Nobuo Takase Shihan (7th Dan). This affiliation allows our students to undertake internationally recognised gradings from Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan.
Our club boasts a team of highly experienced senior instructors. We have two instructors with 6th Dan, one with 5th Dan, four with 4th Dan, and six with 3rd Dan. Collectively, they bring a wealth of knowledge and years of teaching experience in Australia and around the world.
If you are new to Aikido, we offer a comprehensive “Beginners programme” that will guide you through the fundamentals of the art. Our Chief Instructor, Chris Seto-Payne (6th Dan), began his Aikido journey in Brisbane and has since travelled overseas to Beijing, where he performed demonstrations during the World Combat Games and instructed at seminars in New Zealand. Outside of Aikido, Chris is an acupuncturist and massage therapist.
Mark Pearcy (6th Dan) started his Aikido training in the UK, learning from well-known teachers such as Chiba, Kanetsuka, and Tamura Senseis. He continued his training in Australia under Sugano Sensei and now trains with Takase Sensei. Aikido is a family affair for Mark, with his son Luke (3rd Dan) also actively involved in the dojo. Mark regularly teaches Beginners' classes on Monday and Thursday evenings.
He is a retired Emeritus Professor of Biomedical Engineering at QUT, with a continued interest in research.
David Hall (5th Dan) embarked on his Aikido journey in California in the mid-1980s and started instructing in 1995. He has had the privilege of studying under Shibata Sensei, Kanai Sensei, Sugano Sensei, and currently, Takase Sensei. David's professional background is in organisational psychology, and he teaches the Sunday morning classes.
At Brisbane Aikikai, we emphasise O Sensei's belief that true victory is victory over oneself. We aim to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for all individuals to develop their Aikido skills and personal growth.
To get in touch with our team or for further inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us via email at brisbaneaikikai@gmail. Com. Our dojo is located at the Emmaus Centre, 347 Given Tce, Paddington, Queensland. We look forward to welcoming you to Brisbane Aikikai and sharing the art of Aikido with you.