The Takemusu Aiki Association Inc - Surry Hills is a sports club located in Sydney, Australia, dedicated to promoting and supporting the teachings of Aikido. The club is a part of Aikido Australia and is headed by Saburo Takayasu Sensei, a 7th Dan Shihan who serves as the Chief Instructor and President of the association.
As a non-profit organisation, the Takemusu Aiki Association has been instrumental in spreading the practise of Aikido throughout the Sydney metropolitan area. The club currently has multiple Dojos in the area, allowing individuals from various locations to join and engage in the art of Aikido.
Aikido is a modern martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba, who transformed it from a battle technique into a spiritual way. It is based on principles of non-aggression, non-resistance, and non-competitiveness, making it a unique martial art that enables individuals to defend themselves against larger and stronger attackers without relying solely on strength or speed. The art also emphasises understanding and respecting others.
One of the appealing aspects of Aikido is its gentle nature, making it suitable for individuals of all ages, genders, and fitness levels. Aikido offers benefits beyond self-defence, including spiritual development, mental concentration, balance, reflex action, exercise, and fostering proper etiquette and behaviour.
Unlike other martial arts that focus on strikes, grappling, or sports-oriented techniques, Aikido prioritises timing, positioning, and balance-taking. Joint locks, pins, and throws are utilised to immobilise attackers quickly and effectively, with the goal of peacefully resolving conflicts. Rather than meeting force with force, Aikido practitioners aim to redirect and control the attacker, ultimately ending the encounter with a throw or takedown.
Training in Aikido involves alternating offensive and defensive roles between practise partners, allowing each person to experience both aspects of the technique. Techniques can be practised at different speeds and intensities, ensuring that individuals can progress at their own pace. The training atmosphere is one of cooperation and mutual respect, as Aikido is a non-competitive art.
The Takemusu Aiki Association Inc - Surry Hills offers classes taught by highly skilled instructors. In addition to Saburo Takayasu Sensei, Derek Minus Sensei, a 6th Dan instructor, also teaches Aikido at the club. Both instructors provide guidance and support to students, helping them develop their Aikido skills.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, the Takemusu Aiki Association Inc - Surry Hills welcomes individuals interested in learning and practising the art of Aikido. To get started, individuals can find a location near them and begin their Aikido journey.