Traditional Aikido and Self-Defence in Melbourne


New Students
Getting started is easy
- No experience or fitness level needed We cater to beginners of all stages, ages and fitness levels.
- Make an Enquiry Submit your details and one of our friendly team will get in contact to discuss where you are at and answer any questions you have
- Come in for an Orientation Book a time to come in, speak with an instructor, and jump on the mats for 20 minutes to see what it is all about!
Our Philosophy
Ancient Theory; Modern Practice
Meet our Instructors
Our instructors are true masters of their craft, passionate about teaching and bringing a wealth of experience from both Australia and abroad. With diverse backgrounds and perspectives, each instructor offers unique insights, enriching the learning experience for our students. This collective expertise makes our teaching team stronger and more dynamic than any single individual could provide.
Led by Joe Thambu Shihan, our technical expert, whose vast teaching experience, technical mastery, and unwavering dedication to the art guide and inspire our instructors. Enrica Cheung Sensei serves as the Dojo-cho (head of the dojo), having spent many years training under Joe Thambu Shihan. Deeply immersed in the traditional dojo environment, she has refined her skills through both teaching and practice, both locally and internationally.
Discover Traditional Aikido Training in Melbourne
Seeking a style of martial arts that encompasses harmony, leverage and philosophy whilst you learn to master self-control, self-defence as you acquire new skills? At Aikido Shudokan, you and your children have the opportunity to practice traditional martial arts training for beginners to more advanced levels in Melbourne’s north eastern and south eastern suburbs.
We welcome all martial arts practitioners, from those who wish to begin their pathway to self- defence training to those with years of experience. We focus on respect, tradition, and the joy of learning as you go. Our traditional Aikido training classes are founded on the Yoshinkan style, which is recognized for being precise and powerful. Often called the “hard” style of Aikido this is the form that is taught to the Tokyo Police force.
Aikido for All Ages and Backgrounds
Our programs are open to individuals and families. Martial arts training in Melbourne for families can help parents and children build confidence and connection in a friendly environment. We regularly offer self-defence classes for women, in a non-threatening environment taught by women to provide practical and safe methods to maximize the learning and skills development experience.
Convenient Locations Across Melbourne
You can join our Aikido classes in Heidelberg, which are just a short distance from surrounding suburbs such as Ivanhoe, Eaglemont, Balwyn and Kew. Alternatively, you could come to our Bentleigh East centre which services the surrounding suburbs of Brighton, Caulfield, and Black Rock. Our community minded students come to us from across Melbourne and , beyond to participate and develop their expertise.
Start at Beginner Level or Advanced at Your Pace
Our structured pathway allows students to begin with beginner Aikido training in Melbourne and progress into more intensive advanced Aikido training in Melbourne. It is not unusual for senior practitioners from other disciplines become students at Aikido Shudokan. Each class is guided by senior instructors with decades of experience in traditional martial arts classes in Melbourne, ensuring a safe and enriching journey. We strive to deliver an enjoyable and secure experience.
Why Choose Aikido Shudokan?
If you are interested in,
- Practical, real-world self-defense skills
- Structured, disciplined, and technical learning
- Physical and mental development
- A safe, efficient training environment
- A non-competitive, harmony-focused philosophy
Then the Aikido Shudokan community may be an especially appealing place for you to practice a martial art that is both effective for self-protection and deeply rooted in personal discipline and traditional values.
We foster growth and support members as they grow through their martial arts journey. Aikido Shudokans’ focus on form, structure, co-ordination and control de-emphasizes brute strength and therefore lends itself to being suitable for people of every age. This is why it can be practiced for life but it is not necessarily why exponents tend to continue to practice well into their senior years.
Want to start your Aikido training? You can join a trial session or speak to us to learn about class schedules, regions, and personal training plans. If you want to become more disciplined, defence-minded, or personally develop, classes at Aikido Shudokan can help you target your goals.
What Our Students Say About Us
World-class dojo, exceptional instructors, and great community. For someone without any physical/ sports background, I have found my physical and mental strength through Aikido Shudokan- best place to build solid foundation that has positively impact on my learning and development which continues to transform in aspects of life.

I’ve joined the Heidleberg Dojo about 6 months ago. It’s been a very rewarding journey since then. I got to learn from the best teachers and get personal feedback almost in every training session. Also, Practicing Aikido has helped me to develop better control over the body and confidence. I’m grateful to be a student at this Dojo.

I had never done a martial art before and found it accessible and welcoming. It's a traditional dojo so it focuses on respect, discipline and spirit. There is a diverse group of people training; multicultural and all gender. You can go at your own pace with plenty of encouragement and world class teaching.
Very experienced and welcoming. Effective self-defence and martial arts training for kids, teenagers and adults.

Just fantastic cannot recommend this place highly enough. amazing instructors, friendly supportive community and great dojo with large training area. Have watched our 8 year old flourish through his involvement in Aikido Shudokan.

The level of excellence and professionalism is outstanding. The instructors are great and excellent to communicate with. We love coming here 3 times a week. My son also enjoys training and it's fun. Positive Communication, Quality, Professionalism, Value

This is the most amazing community! I was initially nervous about starting a martial art, but the teachers at Aikido Shudokan are so knowledgeable and supportive that I felt immediately comfortable in all classes. I can't recommend highly enough.

I have been training at this dojo for over 3 years. This is a fantastic place to learn aikido, with world class instructors; who take the time with newbies and senior students alike, helping them grow into strong aikido practitioners. They have a marvelous kids classes starting from 6+ up and quarterly social events for the kids also eg rock climbing. Highly recommend if you looking for personal development and to meet some nice folks as well 🙂

One of the best thing i have ever choose to do is to start training aikido @ aikidoshudokan. Considering my profession being super intense and stressful, training after work had create a world of difference to my mental health and physical wellbeing. If you are a busy professional that live a stressful lifestyle, come training aikido. It would be the beat choice you ever made! Life changer.

It is rare to be able to train with an instructor who trained directly with the head of a system. Thambu Sensei is just such a person, being the last student to have received a Shihan certification with the late Gozo Sensei, the founder of Yoshinkan Aikido. Gozo Sensei was himself a direct student of Ueshiba Sensei, the founder of Aikido. You cannot find a better lineage anywhere. In addition to that credibility, Thambu Sensei also applies the practical to the theoretical, leaning on his experience outside of the dojo as well as on its mats.

Why You May Wish to Learn Aikido
When you learn Aikido at Shudokan you become a part of a greater community that is inclusive, supportive and always ready to help others. So, if you feel that this might be right for your or your children feel free to ask about our Discovery Sessions.