Aikilife

About Aikilife

Ann Reekie Sensei commenced aikido training under Saburo Takayasu Sensei and Michael Marelli Sensei in 1994 at the North Sydney Dojo. She was awarded her black belt in 1999. Soon after this, Ann began teaching as an assistant instructor at Ian Thomson Sensei’s Camperdown dojo.

Ann has travelled extensively to attend intensive aikido seminars and to be immersed in the world of aikido as a live-in student with many internationally renowned senior Sensei. She has studied with the late Morihiro Saito Sensei 9th Dan and his son Hitohiro Saito Sensei 7th Dan in Iwama, Japan. She has also studied with Ulf Evenas Sensei 7th Dan in Sweden and Patricia Hendricks Sensei 6th Dan in the USA.

Aikido is much more than a martial art for Ann. It is a way of life which develops capacities of awareness, sensitivity, respect and nurturing. It is great for physical exercise, balance and flexibility. The comprehensive and complex array of techniques keeps one mentally and spiritually alert. And it’s fun! The magic of aikido - a fascination and awe at how it all works – is what keeps Ann ‘hooked’.

Aikido (The art of harmony) is a modern martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), who developed it from the state of a battle technique to that of a spiritual way. Based upon principles of non-aggression, non-resistance, and non-competitiveness, it is unique in that it allows people to defend themselves against larger and stronger attackers, without requiring great strength or speed, yet it also teaches us to understand and respect our fellow Man. The gentle quality of Aikido makes it appealing to men and women and children regardless of age. It not only offers spiritual development, mental concentration, balance, reflex action and exercise, it also teaches Japanese etiquette and positive behaviour.

Aikido Japanese classes teach children playground safety, early language skills, respect and confidence. Energetic physical exercises are balanced by creative Japanese activities. The program is suitable for both girls and boys ages 2.5 to 14. Drawing on her keen interest in Japanese culture, Ann has created a fun, active and engaging program for children and teens. Students safely practice the basic elements of Aikido and experience a Japanese language and cultural atmosphere, including activities such as origami, calligraphy, traditional stories, and songs.