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The Griffith Aikido Institute which I founded in 1981, provides university members and the wider Brisbane community with an excellent opportunity for learning Aikido. The instructors at Griffith are highly qualified, and of excellent character. They give generously of their time and experience to share with others the 'way of peace'. The support and enthusiasm of these instructors has fostered the expansion of Aikido Yuishinkai throughout Australia. The standard of practice and training has produced some of the finest aikidoists in the country. Many students have expressed to me the benefits they have gained from this wonderful art and the relevant application it has in their daily lives.
In closing, I would like to thank Griffith University for the support and encouragement they have provided me as Chief Instructor. It was a proud moment for me to be present at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Griffith Club. I look confidently to the future, knowing that the Griffith Aikido Institute will continue to serve the community for many years to come.
Micheal Williams, Chief Instructor Aikido Yuishinkai International
It took a serious car accident in May 2005 to kick start me into living life instead of watching it go by. It had been my long-time goal to one day become proficient in a martial art, so I reorganised my priorities and started training with Griffith Aikido two months later at age 55, overweight with a dodgy back (recently whiplashed) and bad knees. From the start I felt great benefit from the warm-up taiso exercises and the meditative ki-breathing. Although learning to roll was hard work for an inflexible body like mine, I am fascinated by glimpses of the potential power of aikido generated by inner calmness and total relaxation when mind and body work together.
Although I trained regularly, the health problems that had dogged me for the previous couple of years were not yet gone. After weeks of irregular dizziness and breathlessness, I was finally diagnosed with blood clots in my lungs and spent my 56th birthday in hospital during early 2006. The consensus of opinion was that had it not been for Aikido and its many health benefits, I wouldn't be here to write this testimonial. After just three weeks out of hospital, I was so happy to be alive and doing my 5th kyu (yellow belt) grading. I now set my health and lifestyle goals around my gradings. As I prepare for my 4th kyu (orange belt) grading, I have already achieved my goal of losing 8kg, regaining a lot of confidence and breathing capacity. Best of all, I am healthy again and stress is now a thing of the past!
I discovered very quickly that Aikido is so much more than self-defence. If I can do it, anyone can and you will have the pleasure of doing it with the nicest and most supportive people at Griffith Aikido. Thank you to Danny Sensei, the many fine instructors and to my club full of good friends!Gary Weigh, Financial Planner and Business Coach
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I have been training with the Griffith Aikido Club on and off for over 3 years and find the dojo a positive and enjoyable place to train. All the instructors and students show such enthusiasm for learning and teaching. I love training as it encompasses the entire spectrum of aikido from weapon training to ki development. I have learned many values and philosophy from training with the Griffith Aikido Club.
Dianne Smith, Brisbane
I started training in Aikido with the Griffith Aikido Institute at the beginning of 2005 after training in another form of martial arts in Brisbane for 2 years and another style of Aikido in Bundaberg for 6 months. I found this Club on the internet when I was looking for somewhere to train and after making inquiry on the email, I went along to train one night and felt really comfortable in the new environment. I joined the Club the following week.
My first impression of the Club was its friendliness. As I continued to train I started to appreciate the dedication of the instructors to Aikido, the quality of training and the care and patience of everybody in the class (the instructors and students alike) in helping each other to learn and to improve the techniques. To me what stands out most for this Club is the emphasis on Ki development and the explanation of its application.
Bill Tsui, Brisbane
I was introduced to aikido by two of my friends at uni who had been encouraging me to attend for a few months before I tagged along to my first class. I started mid month so I was a bit out of sync with the beginner classes but I didn't find that a problem - I loved the class and have been back regularly since.
What first impressed me about the club was the open and friendly atmosphere in the dojo and the honest enjoyment I saw in the Senseis as they welcomed new students. The class numbers have since grown and I have seen the pride in the senior members of the club when inducting new students. During my time at the Griffith dojo I have found that each sensei has a different approach to teaching but lessons are structured to facilitate the various levels in ability of the students present. I find the classes energizing and recommend them to anyone who would enjoy learning new skills in a cooperative environment.
Dominique O'Brien, Brisbane
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