Traditional Aikido and Self-Defence in Melbourne

Discover the Art of Aikido – Aikido Beginners Course

Yoshinkan Style Aikido Dojo -
A Martial Art for Resilience and Harmony

Aikido for Children -
Martial Arts Training for Confident and Healthy Children
Our Philosophy

Ancient Theory; Modern Practice

Time to Fitness

Classes Schedule

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.