Aikido Shinju-Kai

And finally! A very special acknowledgment and appreciation must go to our Captain, Instructor Dennis Tan, and Vice Captain, Yui san!

Thank you both for coordinating and rallying the team, and for the tremendous amount of work that went on behind the scenes — from organising and planning, to constantly checking in and always going that extra mile to ensure that everyone was well taken care of throughout the journey.

Many of the little details may go unseen, but they certainly did not go unnoticed. Your dedication, thoughtfulness and commitment to the team played such a huge part in making this trip as smooth, enjoyable and memorable as it was.

Thank you, Dennis and Yui, for taking such great care of our ASK family and till the next trip 😜♥️








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One final evening in Sydney… and just like that, it’s time to head to the airport and make our journey home ✈️

As we look back at the past few days, we can’t help but feel incredibly grateful.

We came to celebrate Aiki Kai Australia’s remarkable 60th Anniversary. We came to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones from across the Aikido community 🌏

But somewhere between the long days of training, meals around the same table, endless walks, sightseeing, laughter and all those completely random moments in between…

This trip became so much more than just an Aikido trip ❤️

To our wonderful Aikido Shinju-Kai members who travelled with us — thank you for being such an incredible joy to have on this journey. Thank you for the laughter that never seemed to stop 😂 For looking out for one another. For sharing meals, stories and experiences. And for turning even the simplest moments into memories we’ll probably still be talking about for years to come.

And perhaps, that is one of the most beautiful things about Aikido. The techniques bring us onto the mat. But it is the people, the friendships and the journeys we share that keep us connected long after we step off it.

And to our ASK travelling family… Thank you for making this trip infinitely more memorable, meaningful and FUN.

GOOD TRAINING 🥋, GREAT FRIENDS… AND EVEN BETTER FOOOOD 🤤🍴

After days of wonderful training, meaningful exchanges and reconnecting with old friends while making plenty of new ones… we think it was finally time for some well-deserved recharge and R&R🔋

Because you can’t come all the way to Sydney and only see the tatami… right? 👀😂

From eating our way through the Sydney Fish Market 🦞🦪🐟, taking in the iconic sights of the Sydney Opera House, strolling along Sydney Harbour and slowing things down amidst the beautiful greenery of the Royal Botanic Garden 🌿

What a wonderful way to end an already unforgettable trip to Sydney! We came for Aikido and to celebrate a remarkable 60-year milestone. We leave with our hearts full, friendships strengthened, new memories made… and our stomachs very, very happy. 😂

The best kind of trip?

Knowing we’ve had great training on the mats, meaningful moments off the mats, and just enough R&R to recharge before heading home ♥️

A huge thank you once again to everyone who made these past few days so special.








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AN EVENING CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF LEGACY

Following an inspiring day on the tatami, the celebrations continued with the Official 60th Anniversary Dinner of Aiki Kai Australia — a truly memorable evening filled with friendship, reflection and gratitude 🙏🏻

It was a privilege to gather alongside distinguished guests, senior instructors and members of the wider Aikido community to honour this remarkable milestone.

Throughout the evening, we had the honour of hearing heartfelt speeches from esteemed guests, including Dojocho, Tony Smibert AM Shihan, Yoko Okamoto Shihan, a representative from the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney, as well as senior-ranking members within the Aiki Kai Australia.

Each speech offered a different glimpse into the organisation’s history — the early beginnings, the challenges faced, the individuals who devoted themselves to its growth, and the friendships that have carried Aiki Kai Australia through six incredible decades.

To hear these stories shared by those who witnessed, shaped and contributed to this journey made the evening even more meaningful.

Sixty years is more than a measure of time.

It represents generations of practitioners, countless hours of training, dedicated teachers, strong friendships and a shared commitment to preserving and passing on the spirit of Aikido.

Here’s to 60 years of history, and to many more chapters still to come 🥂








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60 YEARS OF AIKIDO, FRIENDSHIP & CONNECTION — SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺

What an incredible honour to be here in Sydney, Australia, as we join Aiki Kai Australia in celebrating their momentous 60th Anniversary! 🎊🇦🇺

Our heartfelt thanks to Aiki Kai Australia for the gracious invitation and for welcoming Aikido Shinju-Kai to be part of such a significant milestone in their history. Six decades of dedication, perseverance and commitment to the Art of Aikido — a legacy truly worthy of celebration. 🙇🏻‍♂️

To see a mat filled with practitioners from different backgrounds, generations and places — all moving, learning and sharing the same passion — was truly a sight to behold.

Yet, beyond the techniques and training, occasions like these remind us of something even more meaningful…

The friendships Aikido has given us - transcending boarders ♥️

Rekindling old friendships forged through decades of practice, meeting distinguished instructors and guests whom we deeply respect, and forming new friendships with fellow Aikidoka on and off the mats.

Congratulations once again to Aiki Kai Australia on 60 remarkable years! We are deeply grateful to witness, celebrate and be part of this historic occasion.








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With deep humility and great joy, we are honoured to share that Philip Lee Shihan, one of Singapore’s most respected senior instructors, will be conducting a seminar class at the 60th Aikikai Australia Anniversary 🇦🇺.
Accompanied by a dedicated team from Aikido Shinju-Kai, he brings with him decades of sincere practice, the spirit of true harmony, and the living essence of Aikido.
We wish the entire seminar profound success, rich connection, and powerful training for all who share the mat with our Shinju-Kai members.

Shinju-Kai Aikido…a way of life