akiko rice Sensei

After some initial Aikido training in Japan, Akiko took a long break before re-commencing her training under Joe Thambu Shihan at the old Oakleigh dojo in Melbourne in 2007.

Since then, Akiko has trained and assisted at Shudokan dojo in Poland and Malaysia. Akiko has also been fortunate enough to train under some of the world’s best Aikido instructors; such as, Inoue Kyoichi Hanshi, Takeno Takafumi Shihan, Chida Tsutomu Soke, Ando Tsuneo Shihan, Robert Mustard Shihan and many more.

Highlights of her time training include a year training with Chida Soke’s Renshinkai in Tokyo, grading at the 2015 international gasshuku in Poland and translating for visiting Japanese instructors.

Akiko currently trains, assists and instructs at the Shudokan in Melbourne and her well-drilled demonstration teams are top performers at the annual demonstration.

When not training, Akiko keeps active by exercising and working as a dental nurse and nurse trainer.