The Way of Harmony

A.K.I.

Aikido Kenkyu Kai International (A.K.I.) is an affiliation of aikido clubs inspired by the teachings of Sensei Yoshinobu Takeda 8th dan AIKIKAI of Kamakura Japan. Takeda sensei was in turn, a longterm student of Yamaguchi sensei, a Hombu Dojo Shihan and student of O-Sensei.

Seigo Yamaguchi Sensei (1924-1996) (Photo by Aikido Journal)

Aikido Kenkyu Kai International -"Kenkyu Kai" means "study or research group". It is not another independant or breakaway group but rather a group of AIKIKAI Japan students' dedicated to researching the inner meaning and spiritual qualities of Aikido.

Takeda Sensei says that Aikido is a living creation and each student should express it according to their individual nature. Therefore it is perfectly correct that each student discovers and expresses the knowledge held within the techniques. Students are encouraged to internalise and express their technique with the aim of increasing ones awareness of body, mind and nature. Then the delightful treasure is revealed.

Yoshinobu Takeda Sensei

A.K.I. Australia's origin dates back to 1979, when Yasuyuki Suzuki arrived from Japan and began training with Stewart Letford, Ralph Pettman & Bob Gibbon. From then like minded Aikido-ka in Australia formed a relationship with Suzuki Sensei's teacher, Sensei Yoshinobu Takeda.

Yasuyuki Suzuki Sensei

Check here for the directory of A.K.I. dojos in Australia