Aikido Shoryukai Training and Grading

We hosted a joint training session and grading examinations on the Bayside on 14 September for Shoryukai Australia. The mat was crowded with teams from Canberra (not The Raiders), and the Gold Coast as well as locals from Northside Budokai and Wynnum in the house.

There were great performances from everyone in their grading tests. Congratulations to:

• 5 Kyu: Kayako Yamamoto, Kuki Nacagilevu
• 4 Kyu: A-chan, Saeto Matsuda
• 3 Kyu: Bryan Gould, Yosif Al Kylaney
• 2 Kyu: Simon James
• 2 Dan: James Fisher, Lee Walsh, Jeff Nesterowich

Jodo at Northside Budokai

Damon Schearer, Lee Walsh, and Clint DeViale from Canberra were up for a visit and we took the opportunity for some jodo training at Northside Budokai. We conducted 2 kyu tests for James Langston and Adam Howard. It was also a pleasure to present them with iaido grading certificates from the QKR gradings in July. Shodan for James and 2 Kyu for Adam.

QKR June Seminar and Grading

The Queensland Kendo Renmei conducted its Mid Year Seminar on the Gold Coast on 6-7 July. Thanks to Tsukadaira Sensei for leading a great seminar on ZNKR iaido. Congratulations too for Northside Budokai members Adam Howard 2 kyu iaido and James Langston being graded to shodan. Well done.

Junior Aikido Gradings

Congratulations to Isla Taylor Junior 8 kyu and Tobi Sue Junior 10 kyu on 17 June 2025.

Passing of Shimamoto Katsuyuki Shihan

We were deeply saddened to learn that our aikido teacher Shimamoto Katsuyuki Shihan passed away on 11 May 2025. We have been honoured to receive Shihan’s support and direction since the Bayside Budokai commenced in 2007. My personal connection to him and his family goes back quite a few years before that.

Some reflections on Shimamoto Sensei can be accessed in this Article.

Nakula Wrightson Grading Certificate

I had the pleasure of presenting Nakula Wrightson with his certificate for shodan in iaido on 25 March.

Congratulations!

Japan Trip February 2025

I made a quick trip to Japan in late February primarily to attempt 7 Dan in iaido in Kyoto on 2 March.

Naturally I made a point of attending aikido training at Shosenji Dojo and joined in classes by Shimamoto Shihan and his son Tamayuki Sensei.

On the iaido front, I attended training at the Shudokan (Osaka Castle) and also keiko with the Dai Ken Kyo group and received special guidance from Mitsuyuki Ryoichi Sensei 8 Dan Hanshi and current head of the Osaka Kendo Federation Iaido Division.

Unfortunately, the iaido examination didn’t turn out the way I wanted but I had the chance to catch up Igarashi Keiji the company president of Nosyudo. Thank you Nosyudo for taking good care of my sword for me.

2025 AKR Jodo Seminar and Championship

Details have been released of the 2025 National Jodo Seminar and Championship . It will be in Hobart from the 12-14 April and conducted by a fantastic delegation of teachers from Japan consisting of Shiiya, Fujisaki and Tsuruga Sensei all 8 Dan. Jodo people should make the effort and not miss this.

AKR Senior Iaido Seminar

I spent last weekend in Canberra attending a valuable iaido seminar conducted by Morishima Sensei 8 Dan. This was aimed at developing the teaching and judging skills of our senior members, not necessarily senior in terms of age, but a few of us are getting on. Anyway, we all got a lot out of it. Many thanks to the Iaido Borad fro organising and the Kuroyama Budokai for hosting.

Isla Taylor Junior 9 Kyu Aikido

Did a grading test for Isla Taylor yesterday evening. Very pleased to announce her grading to Junior 9 Kyu . Congratulations and thanks for your dedication and hard work.

Alvin Labios 5 Kyu Aikido

It was a pleasure to conduct a grading test this morning for Alvin Labios. Well done and congratulations on receiving 5 kyu Aikido.

Junior Aikido 2025

It’s a busy day next Tuesday, 28 January with the start of school and the resumption of our Aikido Juniors Class. Suitable for children of primary school age, our classes focus on developing physical skills, self confidence, and respect though the art of Aikido. We currently have space for new members. Every Tuesday 5.30 to 6.30pm. Get in contact for more details.

Kagami Biraki 2025

The Aikikai Hombu Dojo held its New Year Kagami Biraki Ceremony yesterday, 12 January 2025. This included the announcement of Dan Promotions.

I was humbled to be included on the list for 6 Dan. I would like to express my thanks to the Shoryukai Australia members who nominated me and especially thank Shimamoto Shihan for recommending me. It is a real honour. I’ll do my best to live up to it.

Happy 2025

Welcome to the New Year everyone. Our adult classes at Wynnum have resumed, aikido on Thursday evening and Sunday morning and iado on Tuesday evening and Sunday morning. Jodo and iaido are also back on at Nundah on Friday evening. Juniors aikido will resume on Tuesday 28 January. We have space available for new members and this is the perfect time to get involved. Don’t hesitate to get in contact for more details.