AikiLife Dojo - Aikido and Japanese

THE AIKIDO JAPANESE PROGRAM

Aikido Japanese is a unique program which offers a fun and engaging combination of active martial arts, creative Japanese crafts, and an innovative approach to learning the Japanese language. Tap into your child’s ‘young ear’ so they may enjoy the benefits of early exposure to a 2nd language through songs, stories and games, in a traditional dojo environment bursting with Japanese culture!

Our dojo is a safe setting where your kids can release their energy, make friends and blossom in confidence. We encourage your child’s natural adventurous and imaginative spirit and teach them to take considered risks and deal with the rough & tumble of life. Children learn skills and a mindset to safeguard themselves responsibly without harming others, to encourage friendships and to embrace cultural differences.

Aikido Japanese classes address the development of the whole child; physical, social and intellectual, in one integrated program. The program is suitable for both girls and boys ages 3 - 18. Parents are most welcome to join in the fun.

⭐ Tiny Tots

Give your Tot a flying start in life with activities designed to stimulate gross and fine motor skills, and open up neural language and creativity pathways

⭐ Kids

Kids are ready for more complex concepts - both physically and mentally. They learn to work in mutually constructive ways while preserving their own set of responsibly developed principles.

⭐ Big Kids & Teens

Adolescence is a time of great physical and neurological change. We give Teens the skills and mindset frameworks to become mature and responsible, self-reliant adults. Teens are taught the deeper aspects of Aikido techniques.

⭐ Families

Parents are most welcome to watch or join in your child's class, and to participate in our Japanese festival days and cultural events.

ABOUT ANN SENSEI

>> Aikido Background

Ann Reekie Sensei commenced aikido training under Saburo Takayasu Sensei (7th Dan) and Michael Marelli Sensei (6th Dan) in 1994 at the North Sydney Dojo. She was awarded her black belt in 1999. Soon after this, Ann began teaching as an assistant instructor at Ian Thomson Sensei (5th Dan)'s Camperdown dojo.

Ann has traveled extensively to attend intensive aikido seminars and to be immersed in the world of aikido as a live-in student with many internationally renowned senior Sensei. She has studied with the late Morihiro Saito Sensei 9th Dan and his son Hitohiro Saito Sensei 7th Dan in Iwama, Japan. She has also studied with Ulf Evenas Sensei 7th Dan in Sweden and Patricia Hendricks Sensei 6th Dan in the USA.

Ann was awarded her current ranking of 5th Dan by Ulf Evenas Shihan who is now Ann’s Sensei. This rank is recognized by the Aikikai Foundation (Aikido World Headquarters) in Japan. Her dojo is a member of the Australian Takemusu Aikido Renmei incorporated (ATARi). Ann is also an accredited Martial Arts Instructor through Australia’s National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS).

Aikido is much more than a martial art for Ann. It is a way of life which develops capacities of awareness, sensitivity, respect and nurturing. It is great for physical exercise, balance and flexibility. The comprehensive and complex array of techniques keeps one mentally and spiritually alert. And it’s fun! The magic of aikido – a fascination and awe at how it all works – is what keeps Ann ‘hooked’.