Gold Coast Nth - Broadwater Aikido Aiki Kai

Gold Coast Nth - Broadwater Aikido Aiki Kai is a martial arts school located in Runaway Bay, Australia. The school is affiliated with Aiki Kai Australia and follows traditional Aikido values. The training sessions take place at the Runaway Bay Community Centre, conveniently located near the Runaway Bay Library and across the road from the Runaway Bay Tavern.

The school offers training sessions on Monday and Thursday nights from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, as well as Saturday mornings from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. The instructors at Broadwater Aikido believe in committed training while ensuring that the training sessions are friendly, enjoyable, and fun.

Grading examinations for Kyu levels (coloured belt levels) are conducted at the club level by Graham Morris Sensei, who holds a 6th Dan. Dan gradings (Black Belt levels) are examined by a panel of 6th and 7th Dan Shihans at the Aikikai Australia National Schools held twice a year.

Broadwater Aikido is a not-for-profit organisation, and the instructors volunteer their time. This allows them to focus on delivering the best Aikido training rather than relying on student numbers for their livelihoods. Training fees go towards the club's ongoing expenses and bringing visiting Senseis for special training events.

Aikido is a modern non-aggressive Japanese martial art developed by the late master Morihei Ueshiba, known as O Sensei. The training involves hand techniques and weapons training, including arm locks, wrist locks, take-downs, controlling techniques, and throws. Aikido emphasises blending and redirecting motion rather than relying on strength, making it suitable for both men and women of all ages.

Children above the age of 14 are also welcome to join the adult training classes. Aikido is not considered a sport but is still vigorous and active in nature. It teaches practitioners how not to compete with aggressive actions.

At Broadwater Aikido, beginners, as well as experienced Aikidoka (Aikido practitioners), are welcome to join the training sessions. Those interested in starting Aikido can drop by the dojo to observe a training session and ask questions to the instructor and other students.

Training with Broadwater Aikido involves paying “Mat Fees” to cover the club's ongoing expenses like hall hire. The fees are reasonable and offer different rates for adults, students, concessions, and families. The first lesson is also free to give prospective students a chance to experience Aikido. It is necessary to become a member of Aikikai Australia to train, but an interim 3-month membership is available for those who want to try Aikido before becoming full-time members.