Why Aikido?

Why do martial arts at UTS? What is aikido good for? Check out benefits of aikido below. Watch the video to hear why university students practice this Japanese martial art at the University of Technology Sydney.

  • Aikido is a whole body workout. You will develop your body conditioning, and coordination of movement under pressure, including with use of sword and staff. It is also a great cardio workout and it improves your fitness and flexibility.

  • As you progress and develop your aikido you will complete gradings where your techniques will be assessed and, more importantly, your spirit will be observed. With grading, and training for gradings, you will develop your ability to maintain your composure and positive mind while under pressure.

  • As a member of Aikido Kokikai Australia (AKA) you will be welcomed by fellow practitioners throughout the world. AKA members are able to train as a visitor at Dojos in Japan, France, Germany and all throughout the USA.

  • By joining UTS Aikido you will join a community of people who share a passion for learning, fitness, and aikido. You have the chance to become friends with people both on the mats, and at various social events the club holds throughout the year. You also join the AKA community where you will meet and train with people from other universities such as UNSW and University of Queensland, Monash University, and other dojos throughout Australia.

  • Aikido practice provides the student with self-defence skills. The effective focus on using the attacker’s force against them results in the ability of weaker, smaller persons to defend against larger attackers.

  • Aikido at UTS is grounded in four key principles.

        1. Keep One point (to develop calmness)
        2. Relax progressively
        3. Find Correct Posture (in everything)
        4. Develop your Positive Mind

    These principles guide your training, but continue off the mats into your everyday life. Each principle can be applied to help overcome challenge that life throws at you, including essays and group assignments.

  • Aikido is a life-long journey. You are always trying to improve and develop. There is no end goal, no final belt to get. The journey is the point. Perfection does not exist in aikido, we can always improve.