About Aikido Yuishinkai

Aikikids

'Every river has a name. However, these names disappear when they flow into the great ocean. Aikido has many styles, many names, but Aikido is Aikido. It is my vision and hope that, like the rivers, they flow together and unite as one.'

Koretoshi Maruyama

Aikido Yuishinkai was founded by Master Koretoshi Maruyama to promote universal values and principles of peace throughout the world. Students from all styles of aikido are welcome to train with us as we are non-partisan in our approach. Friendship with other dojos is encouraged in keeping with the harmonious spirit of Aikido. Aikido Yuishinkai is truly ‘Aikido without boundaries’.

Maruyama Sensei is widely admired and respected as a teacher who has dedicated his life to communicating the benefits of ‘positive mind’ through Aikido training. He has inspired many thousands of people throughout the world over many years.

Vision Statement

This vision statement represents the shared aspirations of individual members of Aikido Yuishinkai International. As an organisation, we endeavour to promote the vision of Master Morihei Ueshiba, the Founder of Aikido and Master Koretoshi Maruyama, the Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai International.

A vision begins with intuition and dreaming, a cohesive image of an ideal to strive for. Ueshiba Sensei's vision resulted in the creation of Aikido as a path to universal harmony and world peace. It is hoped that the maxim of 'Aikido without Boundaries' will promote greater unity and strength amongst all aikidoka, thus encouraging Ueshiba Sensei's dream to be realised.

Aikido Yuishinkai International is an organisation formed to provide a network of support and resource information for Maruyama Sensei's teachings. Aikido Yuishinkai instructors strive to provide a safe, dynamic and supportive training environment based on tolerance, ethical values and universal principles to all who enter our dojos. Through Aikido practice and understanding the potency of developing a positive mind, Aikido Yuishinkai members make every effort to express this vision in word and deed.

Like ripples generated by a pebble tossed into a pond, it is sincerely hoped that through dedicated and interactive aikido training, this shared vision of Aikido Yuishinkai members will spread like ripples throughout our relationships and the greater community. By the creative and peaceful resolution of conflict in our daily lives, we strive to foster greater harmony within ourselves, with others, the environment and the world.

About Aikido

Aikido is a highly refined martial art, developed last century as a means of self-defence and spiritual training. Aikido develops coordination of mind and body. Through its philosophy and techniques, Aikido brings us into harmony with our environment, other people and ourselves. Unlike many martial arts, Aikido requires no advantage in strength or speed, and is practised successfully by people of all ages and abilities. Aikido practice develops flexibility, coordination, concentration, improved health and fitness, effective communication skills and self-esteem.

Central to Aikido is the idea of being in harmony with your opponents, rather than in conflict with them. The movement and energy of an attack is redirected without the need for collision or the use of force. The physical practice of this fundamental principle of Aikido, leads to a better understanding of people and nature, while teaching essential skills for the resolution of conflict. The movements of Aikido are circular and flowing. They are designed on the principles of nature and move in circles and spirals. When Aikido is performed well there is great beauty and composure in the movements of both partners.

The Aikido Dojo

The Aikido dojo (meaning ‘place of The Way’) provides a secure and friendly environment where we can begin to see and understand our fears, anxieties, reactions and habits. Aikido training is entirely non-competitive and fosters a cooperative and supportive attitude. The concentration and discipline required for Aikido training brings focus to our daily lives. Aikido challenges us to improve our skills and attempt new things. By achieving these skills, we gain confidence in our ability to maintain stability whenever we encounter difficulty. The first thing you notice about someone is their attitude. If your attitude and thoughts are positive, your life reflects positive results.

Training

Training in Aikido requires consistent and diligent practice. Although as a beginner you might train just once a week, you should be prepared to make a commitment to train at least two or three times a week if you want to make progress in the future. Sincere and dedicated practice is required to attain a state of being in which philosophy, technique, attitude and spirit merge. When there is no longer a distinction between daily life and the practice of Aikido we truly will be following the ‘Way of Harmony’.

The physical aspects of Aikido, as graceful and dynamic as they can be, are only the outward manifestation of what is, most importantly, a real and direct way to improve our quality of life.

Kamiza - Goshinkan

For further information please contact

Aikido Yuishinkai Australia
Michael Williams Sensei
The Aikido Centre
Melaleuca Drive, Byron Bay
PO Box 412
Byron Bay NSW 2481

Phone +61 0403 350844