A.K.I. Australia · Bentleigh, Melbourne VIC
Aikido Kenkyukai Bentleigh is Melbourne's sole A.K.I. affiliated dojo — a non-competitive, non-aggressive martial art focused on the principles of Aiki, taught in a friendly and safe environment by Simon Wong Sensei 5th Dan.
The Art
Aikido Kenkyukai Bentleigh provides training in a non-aggressive and non-competitive martial art in a friendly and safe environment. Our focus is on the principles of Aiki — the union of opposites — and how they relate to Aikido technique.
Progress comes through helping each other. Focusing on the principles unites mind and body, while helping and caring for each other enriches the spirit. As a non-profit organisation, joining the club means becoming a member with a say in how the organisation is run.
We are the sole dojo in Greater Melbourne under A.K.I. Australia — an affiliation of clubs inspired by the teachings of Shihan Yoshinobu Takeda 8th Dan Aikikai of Kamakura, Japan, and his teacher Yamaguchi Seigo Shihan, a honbu instructor and direct student of O-Sensei.
Aikido Kenkyu Kai International (A.K.I.) is an affiliation of clubs inspired by Shihan Yoshinobu Takeda 8th Dan Aikikai of Kamakura — himself a long-term student of Yamaguchi Seigo Shihan, a honbu instructor and direct student of O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba.
The name "Kenkyu Kai" means research or study group. Each student must find their own way through sincere practice. Aikido is a living creation — the essence is to increase awareness of body, mind, and nature. Then, as Takeda Shihan says, "the delightful treasure is revealed."
先生 — Sensei
Simon Wong Sensei has been training martial arts for over 35 years, with Aikido practice beginning in 2000. He is the chief instructor and founder of Aikido Kenkyukai Bentleigh — Melbourne's only A.K.I. Australia affiliated dojo.
Simon Sensei began his Aikido journey in Japan under Takeda Yoshinobu Shihan 8th Dan and Suzuki Yasuyuki Sensei 7th Dan, two of the most respected figures in the A.K.I. lineage. After returning to Melbourne, he continued training under Catherine Schnell Sensei before relocating to Sydney, where he trained extensively under Steve Seymour Sensei 7th Dan.
He has also received significant inspiration from the teachings of William Gleason Sensei 7th Dan of Shobu Aikido, Boston — known for his deep exploration of the spiritual and energetic dimensions of Aiki. Simon Sensei brings this rich, multi-lineage perspective to every class in Bentleigh.
稽古 — Training
New students must observe one class before participating. This helps you understand the nature of practice and minimise disruption. Your first participating class costs just $20, which is deducted from your membership if you decide to join. Visiting Aikidoka — call Simon Sensei on 0425 718 676 or arrive 15 minutes early.
Membership
技 — Waza
The A.K.I. Australia curriculum progresses from 5th Kyu through to Dan grades. Click any grade to expand its technique list. Techniques marked ▶ link to video demonstrations on our YouTube channel.
Shodan grading is conducted before Takeda Shihan or an authorised A.K.I. examiner. Minimum training period and mat hours apply — see the full syllabus download for details.
The complete A.K.I. Australia grading syllabus — including all required techniques, minimum training hours, and examiner guidelines — is available as a PDF download.
Download Full A.K.I. Syllabus (PDF) ↓YouTube · @AikidoKenkyukaiBentleigh
Simon Wong Sensei has recorded full grading playlists for each level — click any playlist below to watch on YouTube. These videos are for reference only, not intended as standalone instructional material.
For the latest updates, follow us on Facebook or contact Simon Sensei directly.
Come and Watch
The first step is simply coming to observe a class — no commitment, no cost. Download the membership package once you're ready to join. Questions? Reach Simon Sensei directly.
