Aikido Shinryukan

𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗶
Saturday 6 June | Shinryukan Hombu Dojo, Mt Eden

We're welcoming Alex Pearson, 6th Dan, for a special workshop at Hombu Dojo.

Alex started his Aikido journey in 1987 at the Papakura Dojo, earning his Shodan in 1992. He went on to train internationally – including time at Hombu Dojo in Tokyo and in Edinburgh – before returning to New Zealand to instruct at Papakura and Pukekohe. Since 2005 he has served as chief instructor of the Alexandra Dojo in Central Otago.

This workshop goes back to basics in the best possible sense – exploring the why behind our practice. Alex's sessions will look at purposeful, mindful movement as nage, staying centred without being distracted by uke, and how each student can develop their own individual style.

Whether you're a beginner finding your feet or a senior student refining your practice, this is a workshop worth travelling for.

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Douglas Gilmore Sensei, 6th Dan.

Douglas began his Aikido journey in 1992 when he received his shodan under Takase Shihan, going on to earn his 6th Dan in 2017 – a testament to his lifelong dedication to the art. He founded and led the Hamilton dojo, touching the lives of countless students over the decades.

He was a respected and deeply valued member of our Aikido community, and he will be greatly missed.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and students at this time.

A few pictures from the Winter 2026 Auckland Regional Grading.

Congratulations to everyone who graded - particularly to our new and existing yudansha:

Jeffrey Robinson - Yondan
Mimi Yousefi - Nidan
Shane Ward - Shodan
Marius Grundlingh - Shodan
Mark Tung - Shodan

Takase Shihan’s Noumea Trip

Just a reminder that Takase Shihan will be teaching at the L'Union des Ligues d'Aïkido de Nouvelle-Calédonie (ULA-NC) (New Caledonia) Gasshuku - 2–4 October 2026.

We have outlined the rough costs for the trip below. Previous trips to New Caledonia have been very successful with everyone who has been – all are welcome to attend!

Current estimated costs for 1 week (30 September to 7 October) are as follow:

Flights ex Auckland - currently about $1,000 per person
Accommodation - $200-$232 per night (studio)
Transport - $84
Training - $167
Optional activities:
– Amédée Lighthouse day trip: approx. NZ$300 per person
– Îlot Canard transport: approx. NZ$25 + snacks on site
– Îlot Maître transport: approx. NZ$50 + snacks on site

Total price (cheaper accommodation) - approx. NZ$2,790 + spending money

If you are interested in joining this trip and experiencing the legendary New Caledonian hospitality, get in touch with us at [email protected]

A few photos from the gasshuku... Only 'slightly' late getting them out!

Thanks again to all the instructors and everyone who took part, making it such an excellent seminar!

We enjoyed a great class at Hombu dojo this morning. Thank you Andrew Baker Sensei for sharing your insights with us and, importantly, reminding us to breathe!

We’re pleased to announce that Takase Shihan will be teaching at the Aiki Kai Australia 60th Anniversary Gasshuku in Sydney.

Held from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th July at Sydney Olympic Park, this landmark event will also feature Hombu Dojo-cho Mitsuteru Ueshiba. It’s a rare opportunity to train at this level – and one not to miss.

If you’re able to travel, make the effort - all levels welcome.

Details and registration: https://aikido.org.au/60thAnniversarySeminar

With Takase Shihan currently in China, we’ve got a great opportunity to bring in some guest instructors.

This Saturday, we’re pleased to have Andrew Baker Sensei from the Devonport Dojo leading the general class from 11–12. A good chance to experience a different perspective on your training – don’t miss it!

We're taking a break for Easter.

No kids or adult classes this Saturday. We will be training tonight and Thursday night though - so come along and get your fix. If we don't see you - have a nice, long, weekend - and Happy Easter!