| A Griffith University aikido dojo was formed in 1981 by Michael Williams Sensei and was the first Ki no Kenkyukai (Ki Society) Aikido dojo in Australia. The Griffith Aikido Institute was officially established and recognised by the university as the Griffith university Aikido Society around this time. It was visited by the then Chief Instructor Maruyama Sensei in 1985. Training was initially conducted in the Hub building. During this time the tatami was shared with a number of table tennis tables. Apparently ukemi often involved the dodging of flying ping-pong balls. Before moving to its current location at the Nathan gym the dojo was located in University house. Here we were treated to sticky floors as it was often used as the student kasbar at other times, prior to this location In 1989 this dojo was passed to Stoopman Sensei with Williams Sensei relocating to Byron Bay to build the Australian headquarters dojo - Goshinkan dojo. |
In 2001 the club began operating its own dojo(s) run by staff and students of the
university and other club members. Around this time the club was supporting three styles of aikido.
The club dojos rose from the humble beginning of a few academics and students practicing 'kumijo' on the
ovals and rooftops at lunchtime, word slowly spread and a club dojo was
formalised. Today we are able to offer morning, lunchtime and evening
training on three campuses of Griffith University and conduct beginners courses for staff,
students and the wider community through Campus life, the city council and QUT. In April 2007 we became registered as a not for profit organisation as "The Griffith Aikido Institute Incorporated" with the Queensland Office of Fair Trading. |
Griffith Aikido History
An aikido dojo was formed at Griffith
University in 1980 by Michael Williams Sensei
and was the first Ki Society (Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido) dojo in Australia. It was
visited by the then International Chief Instructor Maruyama Sensei in
1985.
Today following the return of Master Koretoshi Maruyama in 2002 (after 10yrs of seclusion in a zen temple ) we were delighted to affiliate with aikido yuishinkai, a new organisation with over 100 dojo worldwide.
In April 2007 we became registered as a not for profit organisation as "The Griffith Aikido Institute Incorporated" with the Queensland Office of Fair Trading.
