| Aiki Kai Australia National Aikido Association of Australia | |
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60th Anniversary National Seminar — Registration Open In July 2026, Aiki Kai Australia will host a landmark national training event in Sydney, marking the culmination of twelve months of commemorative activities honouring the 60th anniversary of its founding by Seiichi Sugano in 1965. From its beginnings as a single, officially recognised organisation, Aikido has grown steadily across Australia over six decades. Today, three Hombu-recognised associations, along with numerous independent groups and dojos connected to the Aikikai Foundation, contribute to a diverse yet unified national community. While operating independently, all share the same spirit, lineage, and commitment to the art. This 60th anniversary is therefore not only a celebration of Aiki Kai Australia, but of the collective development of Aikido throughout the nation: of teachers who have carried the art forward, of students whose dedication has spanned decades, and of friendships that extend across state and international boundaries. Training will be led by Mitsuteru Ueshiba, Hombu Dojo-cho. As the great-grandson of O Sensei, his visit represents both continuity and renewal—a living link between the origins of Aikido in Japan and its flourishing presence in Australia. In this spirit, Aiki Kai Australia extends an open invitation to all recognised associations, Hombu-connected organisations, and dojos to gather for this historic occasion. International Shihan will teach alongside Aiki Kai Australia’s senior Shihan, presenting a comprehensive program led by highly respected instructors. Together we will celebrate sixty years of achievement while strengthening the relationships that will carry Aikido forward into the next generation. This will be a rare and significant moment: a national coming together in training, friendship, and shared respect for the living lineage established in Japan and carried forward in Australia through Sugano Shihan’s vision and dedication. This gathering will also form part of broader international celebrations aligned with the 50th anniversary of the International Aikido Federation, reaffirming our shared commitment to tradition, continuity, and the future of Aikido worldwide. All students from Aikikai-recognised organisations are warmly welcome. Please be aware the is limited mat space, to avoid disappointment, participants are strongly encouraged to reserve their place online as early as possible. - Quick Links - 60th Anniversary Seminar 2026 Sydney Dates: Seminar Training with the Dojo-cho - Friday 10th to Sunday 12th July 2026 Venue setup and mat laying will be on Thursday 9th July. Aiki Kai Australia Yudansha Grading - Thursday 9th July (afternoon) - selected AKA candidates only, (This is a closed grading for AKA Members and guests only). Venue: Dojo Location - Show court, Netball Centre, Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney (Homebush) Australia 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! - Draft TimetableStay Tuned for Timetable updates. The latest draft timetable is:
Timetable Download PDF (262KB) NOTE: International Invited Shihan Guests Include - Takase Shihan 8th Dan, Shinryukan, New Zealand; Minegishi Shihan 8th Dan, Guam Aikikai; Evanas Shihan 8th Dan, Gothenburg Aikido, Sweden; Okamoto Shihan 7th Dan, Aikido Kyoto & IAF Chairperson; Lee Shihan 7th Dan, Aikido Shinjukai, Singapore. We use a sliding scale for training fees based on AKA Member, Non-Member, and International rates, and how much travel is required to attend the event. Full 3 Day, Per Day, and Concession options are available within the online registration portal. TRAINING FEES
++ Concession training fees are for AKA members only and relates to your current membership level. Without appropriate confirmation, the full adult fee will be charged. Evidence of current full time student card or government concession card or an email from your Area Representative or senior instructor at your home dojo, can be uploaded during the registration process. - Weapons Hire $20Non refundable fee $20 comprising one set of jo, bokken and tanto and a bag. There are a limited number of weapons available. To be picked up and dropped off at the Registration Desk.Accommodation Accommodation for the 3-day event is on an individual basis, with multiple hotel options available for bookings near-by in the Sydney Olympic Park precinct. A special Group Event and booking has been organised by Aiki Kai Australia. A choice of three different hotel levels including IBIS (3.5), Novotel (4.5), Pullman (5) have rooms available as part of the Group Event booking options. We strongly encourage you to book early to take advantage of the Group Event booking options. The link to make your booking is https://www.idem.events/r/aiki-kai-australia-f71d1243 Meals Attendees will need to make their own arrangements for meals, including any special dietary requirements. Breakfast - may be purchased as part of your accommodation, or there are nearby food outlets and cafes. Lunch - There are nearby food outlets and cafes, including a cafe within the Dojo location at the Netball Centre. Please note the distance between the Dojo and meal options and plan ahead, it is an 8 min walk from the dojo to the hotels. Dinner - There are restaurants, pubs, and many near-by food outlet options in the local area, including within each of the hotels. Meet & Greet Thursday 9th planned to be at the Novotel. Formal Dinner Saturday 11th at the Novotel. Parking Parking is available at each of the hotels on a first-come first served basis, and there is separate casual parking in Sydney Olympic Park. Hotel Parking Alternate Parking
- Registration & Payment options Check-in registration desk details TBA Use the orange button to register and pay for the event
Location Map Meet & Greet Event + Grading After-Party Thursday 9th July - 7-9 PM The Brewery Bar & Kitchen - Novotel Sydney Olympic Park 60th Anniversary Formal Dinner Saturday 11th July - 6-10 PM Novotel Freshwater Ballroom - Novotel Sydney Olympic Park Dinner & Cabaret, complimentary drink on arrival $82 per head - select the Formal Dinner option within the Online Registration
Transport from Sydney Airport Transport from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Sydney Olympic Park takes approximately 16–30 minutes by taxi/rideshare ($50–$65) or about 45-60 minutes by train (via Lidcombe). The fastest option is a taxi, while the train via the T7 Olympic Park line is a reliable public transport method. The Accor (Ibis, Novotel, Pullman) hotels do not offer any airport shuttle services - 60th Anniversary Merchandise - Commemorative Hoodie
- Photography Policy Filming/photography is NOT allowed, except for officially approved photographers. Similarly, it is the right of people to choose to not be photographed or filmed. If filming is allowed, an announcement will be made prior to the start of a class, so anyone not wishing to be filmed may withdraw or go to a 'photography safe zone'. This will allow children or young people to ensure they will not be unintentionally captured. Regardless of any point that might be considered to the contrary, individual instructors taking classes do not waive any Intellectual Property rights regarding the allowance of their image to be taken whilst instructing. No photos / videos/ reels of children are to be taken during the event where the children can be facially recognised. None of these can be placed on ANY Aiki Kai organisational social media and other platforms. Aiki Kai Australia does not take any responsibility for photos taken by parents/carers/guardians their own children and young persons for private use. No photos/videos/reels of other children where facially recognised can be shared on social media. For the purposes of this event, children and young persons/people are defined as anyone under the age of 18 years old. Any damage to equipment is entirely at the photographers’ risk. Consider the words ‘photography and ‘filming’ to be interchangeable. - Member Protection Officers Paul Kung - paul.kung@gmail.com - 0415 954 696 Kat Lugti - kzlugti@gmail.com - 0405 415 839 - General Enquiries For General Enquiries contact NSW Area Representative Wayne Sheils: m: +61 (0)416 812 764 |
