"Attending a National Event is
at least equal to two years of dojo training!"

Sugano Shihan

Sometimes people ask why are national events so long, why aren’t they just a weekend for instance? There is a very good reason why Sugano Shihan set national events at 5-6 days, it is so you can get a chance to really fully immerse yourself in Aikido, with little or no outside interruptions. For most, dojo training is often interspersed with days doing something else and the flow of training is constantly interrupted. When you come to a national event you have a week of being totally in the 'Aikido zone’, doing nothing but Aikido for days on end where your mind and body are both constantly adapting and learning, this is a very special opportunity rarely available in our busy lives.

Admittedly, it takes commitment of both funds and time to attend these events, but commitment was always part of Sugano Sensei’s expectation for those who train Aikido. For people who have a deep interest in the study of Aikido and want to improve to a higher plane there is nothing more helpful than attending a week-long national school. This is one of the reasons Sensei made attendance at the schools a prerequisite for dan gradings as it was his firm belief to attain a certain level of skill one had to go beyond the average.

To go beyond the average takes perseverance, it takes commitment, it takes dedication – but that golden moment when an Aikido technique works, almost as if you didn’t do a thing, but your training partner is on the mat in an instant – at that moment you know all the dedication was worthwhile...  We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 Summer School!

-   Summer School 2026 Melbourne

Dates: Sunday 04th January to Friday 9th January 2026

Venue: Melbourne University Sports Recreation Centre

Dojo Location: 103 The University of Melbourne, Tin Alley, Parkville

Please note, everyone is required to register before the event to save volunteer administration time and hassles when we should all be on the mat training!

-   The Dojo

East Stadium Level 1, Melbourne University Sports Recreation Centre The Melbourne University Sports Recreation Centre is a multipurpose sporting facility located in Tin Alley, Parkville. Change rooms, toilet and shower facilities as well as a first aid room on the ground floor past the registration desk. The Centre is open from 9.00am on Sunday and from 7.00am from Monday – Friday. Drinking fountains are located close to each entrance.

s Recreation Centre entrance view from Tin Alley

Location Map

Getting to the Dojo

Trams 1, 15, 21 & 22 running North up Swanston St. (e.g. from Flinders St. and Melbourne Central railway stations) stop at the University.

Please note that Melbourne University is just outside the CBD's free tram zone & you will need a public transport card or to download the public transport app – MYKI

-   Getting There

Transport from Airport

*         Nearest Airport: Tullamarine Airport (22km)

*         SkyBus Melbourne City Express between Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) and Southern Cross Station near the corner of Bourke and Spencer Streets every 10 – 15 minutes daily from 4am to 1am. SkyBus stops directly outside Terminals 1, 3 and 4.
Adult one-way fare is $23.90 or save on a $40 Adult return fare.
https://www.skybus.com.au/melbourne-city-express/buy-tickets/

*         Taxi / Uber – Alternatively you can jump in a taxi and depending on traffic this will take between 25-50 minutes and cost approximately between $60-$75. If you are travelling with 3 or 4 people this can be a cheaper option than paying separately for the bus.

Transport around University of Melbourne 

*         Tram – Melbourne University and University College are just outside the free tram zone and you will need a public transport card or to download the public transport app – MYKI (not for Iphones – sorry!).

Trams 1, 15, 21 & 22 running North up Swanston St. (e.g. from Flinders St. and Melbourne Central railway stations) stop at the University. Alight at the last stop before Elgin St.

https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PDFs/Maps/Network-maps/5b4a3efe80/PTV-Free-Tram-Zone-Map.pdf

FOR ALL PUBLIC TRANSPORT ENQUIRIES,

Public Transport Victoria (PTV): https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/ or the app

Myki – https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki (public transport ticket system MYKI)

Myki: Interstate Seniors Card holders

Seniors from other states aren't eligible for a Seniors myki, but can travel with a Concession myki. https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/concessions-and-free-travel/seniors/